Don't Be a Waster! Student Perceptions of Recycling Strategies at an English University's Halls of Residence

Autor/inn/en	Dixon, Joseph; Parker, Jonathan
Titel	Don't Be a Waster! Student Perceptions of Recycling Strategies at an English University's Halls of Residence
Quelle	In: International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 23 (2022) 3, S.461-477 (17 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1467-6370
DOI	10.1108/IJSHE-10-2020-0383
Schlagwörter	Recycling; Student Attitudes; College Students; Student Behavior; Barriers; Knowledge Level; Self Efficacy; Foreign Countries; Motivation; Sustainability; Influences; Facilities; United Kingdom (England) + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Schülerverhalten; Collegestudent; Student behaviour; Wissensbasis; Self-efficacy; Selbstwirksamkeit; Ausland; psychologische; Motivation (psychologisch); Nachhaltigkeit; Influence; Einfluss; Einflussfaktor
Abstract	Purpose: This paper aims to explore student perceptions of recycling and explore whether one university's strategy helped or hindered student recycling in their university's halls of residence. There is near-universal acknowledgement of the urgency of the climate crisis, yet household recycling rates remain low at 45.2%. Student-recycling rates have been suggested to be even lower. After a brief consideration of the recent history of sustainability and recycling, this paper identifies the actions required to increase student recycling, including peer influence, education and information, physical structures and attitudes and motivations. Design/methodology/approach: Twelve in-depth, semi-structured interviews were undertaken at one Southern English university. The rich, qualitative data obtained were then analysed thematically. The theory of environmentally significant behaviour provided a framework for understanding perceptions and behaviours in that site. Findings: Confirming aspects of existing literature, students' recycling behaviours were found to be limited through lack of perceived ability, lack of facilities and unconfident knowledge. Students were also found to be limiting their own actions. A holistic approach including peer influence, education and information, physical structures and attitudes and motivations was recommended. Originality/value: There is little research into student recycling behaviours and limited literature concerning halls of residence, especially in the UK. This paper draws on one case to add to nascent understandings. While limited to one site and by sample size, a number of recommendations are made, covering university facilities, student empowerment and individual responsibility to increase future recycling. (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	Emerald Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emerald.com/insight
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01