Water & People Bulletin
Welcome to Water & People, brought to you by Waterwise and KR Social Research.
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April 2012 Bulletin
What people really think about the environment
A new policy insight paper from Green Alliance brings together a range of research on public opinion towards the environment. The paper highlights that while the economic crisis is currently viewed as the most important issue facing Britain, this does not mean that people no longer care about the environment, as some in the media would have us believe. Interest and action on ‘green behaviours’ are growing, with an increase in those taking energy efficiency measures, while recycling has become the norm. Saving money and reducing waste are highlighted as important motivators for green behaviours, however the feel good factor from doing the right thing is also a powerful motivator. The public expect government and business to take the lead on environmental action, and supports business taking decisive interventions to help them make greener choices. The full report can be read on the Green Alliance website.
Could you use only 35 litres a day?
Twenty year old filmmaker Rory Macleod emailed us to let us know that he had challenged his brother to use just 35 litres of water for a day - and filmed the result. It's an engaging little documentary, and shows what some passion and awareness can do. It helps to have a brother who's such a good sport too!
Moments of change as opportunities for influencing behaviour
A recent report by the new economics foundation for Defra examines both theoretical research and empirical evidence around the opportunities posed by moments of change, including life events such as moving home or becoming a parent, and macroeconomic events such as the 2008/09 credit crunch. There is little evidence so far on promoting pro-environmental behaviours at these moments of change. The most promising evidence is around moving home which several studies have shown to be a good time to change travel habits. The full report is available on the Defra website. We understand that several water companies are promoting - or considering promoting - water efficiency to home movers. The evidence suggests that this is a worthwhile avenue to explore.
My water pledge
A water efficiency campaign in the US pits cities against each other as residents pledge to save water. By entering ‘my water pledge’, individuals have the opportunity to not only get their city on the ‘water-wise’ leader board, but also win one of many prizes including a hybrid car. Learn more about the competition on the ‘my water pledge’ website.
Consensus International Conference. Challenging Consumption: Pathways to a More Sustainable Future
Consensus (consumption, environment and sustainability) is a four-year collaborative research project involving Trinity College Dublin and the National University of Ireland, Galway. It examines four key areas of household consumption: energy, water, food and transport. Results from Consensus work on water use and washing behaviours has previously featured in Water & People. The conference is intended to provide an international platform for current research in the field of Sustainable Consumption. In addition, the Consensus conference will provide an opportunity to explore the potential for future research collaborations and facilitate exchange between currently existing SC networks. The Consensus conference will take place at the University of Ireland, Galway on the 18th - 20th May, 2012. Conference attendance is free of charge, but registration will be necessary, as places are limited. For more information, see the Consensus website.
