|
|||||
|
|
How to promote conservation behaviours: the combined role of environmental education and commitment |
|
| Authors: | Raquel Barata Paula Castro Maria Amélia Martins-Loução |
| Institution: | 1. Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências da, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal;2. Department of Social and Organizational Psychology, ISCTE – Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal |
| Abstract: | This study tested the influence of both environmental education (EE) and commitment interventions among teenagers for promoting energy and water conservation at home. Conservation behaviours were measured in two ways – directly and through questionnaires – prior to and after the interventions. Results indicate (1) EE participants may have saved more energy than non-participants and (2) those signing a public commitment saved more energy and water than those who did not. Results from the questionnaire measures demonstrated the importance of EE for promoting ecological self-identity and a personal norm for energy conservation. Based on these results the use of commitment interventions in EE initiatives for promoting conservation behaviours among teenagers is proposed. |
| Keywords: | Environmental education commitment conservation behaviour teenagers |