Drivers
Consumers are willing to make changes which do not disrupt their daily routine and
benefit to their day-to-day lives and environment. Table 2 lists drivers for people to
change their behaviour9.
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Norms and Habits
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People tend to over claim they are
recycling as they are aware they should
be. A green box has become a status
symbol signalling a community
committed to recycling and it has now
become the norm. This has put pressure
on residents to join in with the rest of the
community.
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Key Influences
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Social norms can be influenced through
engaging key influencers such as
community leaders. These key
influencers then can encourage a
particular behaviour to the community.
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Groups
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Groups enable people with a low sense of
agency to undertake behavioural change,
if individuals act in a way which is seen
as the norm it may be maintained and
become a habit. Community groups are
particularly able to meet people’s needs
and deliver a better quality of life.
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Relevant Issues
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People are more likely to change their
behaviour if they can see it that it will lead
to an immediate positive impact on their
quality of life.
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Infrastructure
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The infrastructure must be in place before
behavioural change is possible and
should make the activity as convenient as
possible.
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Saving Money
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Cost saving can be a significant motivator
for changing behaviour and can be seen
in behaviour towards domestic energy
saving. However, the net savings must be
seen almost immediately and worth the
effort.
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Financial Instruments
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Financial measures can be very effective
in driving public behaviour change and
should beused in combination with other
measures. Infrastructure should first be in
place before any financial instruments are
applied. Financial incentives have been
proven to be more effective than levies
and avoid the risk of social exclusion.
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Information
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Information needs to be clear and concise
using targeted messages and an
everyday life perspective. Practical
information is needed as information
about local facilities and opportunities is in
demand.
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Role of the Government
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The public are cynical about the role of
the Government driving sustainable
development although the public would
like the Government to take lead on
sustainability issues and to lead by an
example.
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