Environmental Literacy and Proenvironmental Behaviors

With concern rising about the effect humans have on the environment (pollution, climate change, to name a few), researchers are increasingly becoming interested in what motivates (or predicts) a person to act environmentally. Within the research, environmentally responsible behaviors can also be called stewardship, conservation behavior, environmentally friendly behavior, and proenvironmental behavior.

Researchers have examined proenvironmental behavior by examining demographic variables such as education, gender, and political orientation. Interestingly, research has found contradicting results. For instance, some researchers have found positive correlations between females and being more environmental. Contradictorily, other researchers have found that no gender correlation exists. There does appear to be a relationship between higher educated individuals being engaged in proenvironmental behaviors as well as being aligned to a particular political orientation.

Mobley, Vagias, and DeWard (2010), though, examine the formation of environmentally responsible behavior through environmental education, specifically the readings of A Sand County Almanac, Silent Spring, and Walden. To examine environmental attitudes, the researchers utilized the New Ecological Paradigm developed by Dunlap that examines a person’s beliefs regarding the environment. Finally, to gauge environmental behaviors, researchers asked participants to respond to 17 consumer behaviors during the last 12 months (bought products made of recycled materials, reduced driving, tried to use less water, etc.).

The researchers found that regarding the environmental literature piece specifically, that reading environmental literature like Walden can increase proenvironmental behaviors. Essentially, those who responded higher levels of environmental reading reported higher levels of stewardship behaviors. Even when incorporating environmental attitudes into the model, environmental reading was a significant predictor.

What this literature should suggest is that environmental readings (through book clubs or environmental education) should be utilized early and often. Introducing teens through environmental education and readings can help provide context as well as meaning to the issues contained within these books and in the world. Creating an awareness of environmental problems and then providing in-nature opportunities for learning can strengthen nature ties that will hopefully create environmentally responsible adults.

The Cost of Going Green

Peter Morris, in the Pension Real Estate Association Quarterly (2007), asks the question “what does green really cost?” In his opinion, this is a faulty and loaded question. He believes for companies, the question should not be about the cost, but about the process. By having a good process, in his research, the premiums for going green are less costly than assumed. In fact, he states that there is “evidence in the marketplace that reasonable levels of sustainable design can be incorporated into most building types at little or no additional cost” (p. 55).

Another question a company should ask prior to adding green to their buildings is “what will green cost me?” Morris thinks that trying to examine other companies and/or look at add-on features is not a good strategy for planning because location, elevation, climate, building design, etc. can all affect what the cost of going green will be. Most buildings are not alike in every way.

So, the process for any company going green is to examine their green goals. Morris suggests looking at different green certifications that exist in the marketplace. A well-known certification is the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system sponsored by the US Green Building Council. This system examines the site, water efficiency, energy output, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. A building can be certified, silver, gold, or platinum-rated. Green Globes is also a certification that examines a building’s carbon footprint in examining the energy efficiency.

Overall, once goals are established, a strategic plan and team must be created that incorporates all members. Meaning, construction teams, design teams, contractors, etc. should all be part of the planning process to ensure the building functions as a whole, rather than its parts. A well-designed building with green materials that has poor day-lighting or has window leaks does not function as an efficient, green building.