Promoting Environmental Education for Sustainable Development: The Value of Links between Higher Education and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

Volunteerism in the Context of Environmental Non Governmental Organizations in Greece

“…Specifically, through individuals' perceptions it is observed that volunteerism is also regarded as a result of state deficiencies. In addition, regarding benefits deriving from voluntary actions a combination of social and environmental benefits have also been presented to previous studies (Haigh, 2006;Martinez & McMullin, 2004). However, in the present study the majority of motives mentioned by respondents connect volunteerism with personal benefits, such as socializing and personal satisfaction.…”

Environmental volunteers: factors influencing their involvement in environmental action

“…Research in recent decades has suggested that certain socio-demographic characteristics tend to define environmental volunteers: they are generally middle-aged, have middle to high incomes, are highly educated and are employed on a full-time basis. However, no definite trends have been reported in their gender profiles (Donald 1997;Martinez and McMullin 2004;Campbell and Smith 2005;Haigh 2006). Research has also focused on the factors that motivate these volunteers, and predictions have been made about their initial and on-going involvement in environmental stewardship programmes.…”

“…The most important psychological benefits that volunteers derive from their participation in such programmes have also been investigated. These include 'meaningful action', fascination with nature, chances to reflect and encounters with like-minded people (Miles, Sullivan, and Kuo 1998;Grese et al 2000;Haigh 2006).…”

“…Campbell and Smith (2006), after examining the value systems of 31 volunteers assisting in sea turtle conservation in Costa Rica, reported an emphasis on science, conservation, aesthetics and humanistic values. Haigh (2006) emphasised the educational dimension of environmental voluntary action, arguing that 'the engagement in practical project work provides a most valuable agency for non-formal environmental education'. The aim of the present study is to examine the factors that influence people in Greece to become involved in voluntary environmental action.…”

Communicating Sustainability within Britain’s Hindu Community

“…Necessarily, the K2CC Trail combines a spiritual and ecological message. A key objective of sustainability education is to encourage people to accept personal responsibility for their world [33]. Here, the pathway is lit by Hindu concepts that include the personal duty of devotional service (seva), the purity of austerity and renunciation (tapas), the necessity for right action (dharma), and the power of the vow (vrata); each reinforced by scriptural references mainly from the Śrīmad Bhagavadgita and Bhāgavatam, two of the most widely respected Hindu scriptures.…”