Science and Sentiment: Affecting Change in Environmental Awareness, Attitudes, and Actions through the Daily Nature Project

Abstract

Knowledge about what motivates pro-environmental behavior is important to organizations that seek to encourage environmental stewardship. Research suggests that targeting emotions and beliefs about nature can be more effective in changing environmental actions than increasing knowledge. Daily Nature, a site on the social media platform Facebook, features a daily nature photograph, a quote from a notable historical person and a related lyrical written passage. The popularity of this site lends credence to the appeal of interdisciplinary formats, and underscores the benefits of encouraging emotional and aesthetic ties to nature. Author/Artist Bio Elizabeth Haynes Poronsky is the Program Lead for The Overfield School in Troy, Ohio, after serving 11 years as the school's naturalist. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Marquette University, and a Masters of Arts in Teaching in Biological Science from Miami University. She has research interests in nature based education, particularly in early childhood education, as well as studying methods of inquiry, participatory education, and the intersection of nature with culture, the arts, mindful practice, and spirituality.