Open Access Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington
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Environmental engagement through behaviour change interventions: A case study of litter reduction in New Zealand Schools

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thesis
posted on 2023-09-22, 02:14 authored by Thomas, Rachel Maree

Litter has serious implications for the environment and is recognised as a significant form of marine and terrestrial pollution. A major source of litter pollution is recreational litter. Although litter is identified as an environmental problem, the propensity to litter continues within society. Behaviour change interventions have significant potential to influence the production of recreational litter. A shift in littering behaviour is necessary to reduce the environmental impact litter has on terrestrial and marine ecosystems. This research used the framework Community-Based Social Marketing to identify the barriers and benefits of littering as well as interventions to increase the reduction of littering in a school setting. The behaviour change interventions hypocrisy and goal setting were selected and separately implemented in two Intermediate schools in the Greater Wellington Region of New Zealand. Behaviour change was assessed using pre, post, and follow up litter counts on school grounds, and supported by interviews with student, teacher and parent participants. Results found both interventions to be significant in reducing the rate of recreational littering when used in conjunction with education. Goal setting was also found to be significant in reducing wrappers in school lunches. Cognitive, situational, and personal variables, as well as key stakeholders, were also recognised as influencing the litter and packaging behaviour of participants. Findings from this research can be used to support the selection and implementation of future behaviour change interventions and campaigns, specifically those targeting the behaviour of littering in a school setting.

History

Copyright Date

2018-01-01

Date of Award

2018-01-01

Publisher

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Rights License

CC BY-ND 4.0

Degree Discipline

Environmental Studies

Degree Grantor

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Degree Level

Masters

Degree Name

Master of Environmental Studies

ANZSRC Type Of Activity code

3 APPLIED RESEARCH

Victoria University of Wellington Item Type

Awarded Research Masters Thesis

Language

en_NZ

Alternative Language

mi

Victoria University of Wellington School

School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences

Advisors

Abrahamse, Wokje; Chapman, Ralph