How to promote conservation behaviours: the combined role of environmental education and commitment.
- Resource Type
- Article
- Authors
- Barata, Raquel, ; Castro, Paula; Martins-Loução, Maria Amélia
- Source
- Environmental Education Research; Oct2017, Vol. 23 Issue 9, p1322-1334, 13p
- Subject
- Conservation of natural resources
Environmental education
Teenager attitudes
Teenagers
Water conservation
Conservation of energy
Conservation biology
Psychology
Science & society
- Language
- ISSN
- 13504622
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. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]