Sets of Environmentally Responsible Behaviors Among Residents of New Jersey

Abstract

There are many challenges facing humanity and the degradation of resources and natural spaces. One avenue for approaching these issues is through attempting to change human behaviors. Drawing on Stern’s Value-Behavior-Norm theory, we sought out to test the idea that these Environmentally Responsible Behaviors (ERBs) fell into well-established sets. In this research, we developed questionnaire that surveyed 290 residents on Central New Jersey. The questions included demographic information, as well as items gauging the type and extent of respondents’ engagement in ERBs. We used generalized canonical correlation analysis in order to sort the types of behaviors that respondents engaged in to distinct groups. The ERBs sorted into 3 canonical correlation variables that account for 53.7% of the variation in the data. Twenty-five ERBs that loaded highly on at least one of the three canonical correlation variables. The ERBs sorted into 3 groups that did not follow the expected pattern based on Stern’s research. Instead into three other groups suggesting alternative ways of conceptualizing pro-environmental behavior in this population. We found that ERBs tended to sort into those related to energy expenditures, identity as an environmentalist, and impact-oriented ERBs. This research helps to foster a greater understanding of individuals’ engagement in Environmentally Responsible Behaviors.