{"title":"How does embracing an outdoor lifestyle and sense of responsibility impact plastic reduction efforts?","authors":"Oliver Riordan, Isabell Richter","doi":"10.3389/frsus.2024.1287462","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/frsus.2024.1287462","url":null,"abstract":"Plastic pollution in coastal regions poses severe environmental challenges. This research aims to examine the impact of an individual's outdoor lifestyle and their perceptions of responsibility for litter management-specifically the roles of governments, businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Cornwall council, and volunteers-on their engagement in activities aimed at reducing plastic pollution.The study surveyed 972 individuals in Cornwall, UK, to gather data on their perceptions and behaviors related to plastic reduction initiatives. The survey employed binomial logistic regression tests to analyse the relationship between respondents' views on responsibility for litter management and their participation in ten different plastic-reducing activities.The analysis revealed that individuals' perceptions of who should be responsible for managing litter significantly influence their likelihood of participating in plastic reduction activities. Notably, respondents who viewed national governments, businesses, and volunteers as responsible were more likely to engage in outdoor plastic reduction efforts, such as beach clean-ups. In contrast, attributing responsibility to the Cornwall council and NGOs was negatively correlated with participation in some plastic-reducing activities.The findings suggest that perceptions of responsibility play a crucial role in motivating individuals to participate in plastic reduction efforts. The positive correlation between viewing certain entities (governments, businesses, and volunteers) as responsible and increased participation highlights the potential for targeted interventions. Recommendations for enhancing plastic reduction participation include governmental policy changes, collaboration with outdoor sports groups, and the implementation of community-focused social marketing strategies to foster a collective sense of responsibility and action.","PeriodicalId":475046,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in sustainability","volume":"31 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140717428","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Editorial: How to achieve a planetary health diet through system and paradigm change?","authors":"Minna Kanerva, Sophia Efstathiou, Christophe Béné","doi":"10.3389/frsus.2024.1404141","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/frsus.2024.1404141","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":475046,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in sustainability","volume":"100 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140726052","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Adapting to climate change-induced flooding: insights from women traders in the riverine areas of Nigeria—a qualitative study","authors":"T. O. Michael","doi":"10.3389/frsus.2024.1385513","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/frsus.2024.1385513","url":null,"abstract":"In the riverine areas of Bayelsa State, Nigeria, the intersection of climate change and flooding poses an escalating threat to the livelihoods and well-being of women traders. This qualitative study investigates the experiences and adaptive strategies employed by women traders in response to climate change-induced flooding.Employing an exploratory research design with purposive sampling, 46 women traders participated in the study, involving 23 in-depth interviews and three focus group discussions. Thematic analysis was applied to scrutinize the collected data.The study unravels the impacts of climate change-induced flooding on economic, social, and gender dynamics, revealing economic disparities, gender inequality, livelihood disruptions, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to information among women traders. Vulnerabilities emanated from disruptions in supply chains, damage to goods, and constrained market access, with agricultural traders being notably affected. Flood events exacerbated gender inequalities, amplifying caregiving responsibilities and limiting decision-making power for women traders. Resilience surfaced through diversified income sources, community solidarity, collective narratives, and local adaptive strategies, including indigenous knowledge and innovations.Policymakers and stakeholders should prioritize resilient infrastructure investments, such as flood-resistant marketplaces and storage facilities, to safeguard women traders’ businesses during flooding events and enhance the overall economic resilience of the community.","PeriodicalId":475046,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in sustainability","volume":"1 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140737035","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Analyzing the relationship between consumers’ and entrepreneurs’ food waste and sustainable development using a bibliometric approach","authors":"Ioannis Kostakis, S. Papadaki, G. Malindretos","doi":"10.3389/frsus.2024.1373802","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/frsus.2024.1373802","url":null,"abstract":"The present study investigates the relationship between food waste and sustainable development, aiming to reveal contextual insights and present novel findings regarding the pivotal importance of waste and environmental strategies toward a circular economy. This research represents an effort to delineate methodological and thematic contributions, thoroughly analyze key themes, examine co-citation patterns, assess collaboration among countries, and identify current knowledge gaps in the literature. As waste management takes precedence within the framework of sustainable development goals, policymakers, and academia will better understand how effective food waste management can contribute to environmental sustainability. Methodologically, we employ systematic review, employing the PRISMA approach, analyzing 761 final papers, and investigating the relationship between food waste and sustainable development. We delve deeper to reveal contextual insights and present empirical findings that underscore the critical role of food waste in the economy and environment. Furthermore, guided by the identified knowledge gaps, we illuminate potential future research avenues that hold immense promise for advancing our understanding of food waste and its impact on sustainable development.","PeriodicalId":475046,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in sustainability","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140742389","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Boyana Buyuklieva, Thomas Oléron-Evans, Nick Bailey, Adam Dennett
{"title":"Variations in domestic energy efficiency by property, neighbourhood and local authority type: where are the largest challenges for the net-zero transition of the UK’s residential stock?","authors":"Boyana Buyuklieva, Thomas Oléron-Evans, Nick Bailey, Adam Dennett","doi":"10.3389/frsus.2024.1329034","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/frsus.2024.1329034","url":null,"abstract":"Achieving net zero in the UK requires radical improvements in energy efficiency in housing combined with the decarbonisation of domestic heating. Achieving the energy efficiency goals requires a systems approach which takes account of variations at the level of individual properties but also the levels of neighbourhood and the local governance context. Our study provides insights into the scale of the challenge and how this varies by spatial context using property-level energy efficiency measures from Energy Performance Certificates data between 2008–22 and covering approximately half of the residential stock in England and Wales. We use a series of multi-level models to provide insights into how differences in energy efficiency are related to factors at each scale. Our findings show that, while the great majority of variation lies at the property level, there is some variation at the neighbourhood (output area—OA) level. Controlling for property characteristics, energy efficiency is slightly higher in neighbourhoods characterised by more disadvantaged populations. There is little evidence, therefore, that more affluent groups are either choosing to move into more energy-efficient housing or making a significant effort to invest in energy efficiency. While government support has been targeted at more disadvantaged groups, this suggests that more will need to be done to motivate or require more widespread action if the UK is to meet its net zero targets. There is only small variation at the local authority (LA) level suggesting little difference in the range or effectiveness of strategies by that tier of governance, but also that all households face similar challenges going forwards.","PeriodicalId":475046,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in sustainability","volume":"458 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140749965","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rikke Sigmer Nielsen, Christian Gamborg, Thomas Bøker Lund
{"title":"Eco-guilt and eco-shame in everyday life: an exploratory study of the experiences, triggers, and reactions","authors":"Rikke Sigmer Nielsen, Christian Gamborg, Thomas Bøker Lund","doi":"10.3389/frsus.2024.1357656","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/frsus.2024.1357656","url":null,"abstract":"Guilt and shame are often mentioned in the context of environmental problems. Exploring how such emotions affect individuals and their behavior is crucial to the effective promotion of more pro-environmental behavior and sustainable consumption. The aim of this article is to further the understanding of eco-guilt and eco-shame by studying these emotions among participants with differing levels of environmental concern (EC). Using a phenomenologically inspired approach, we conducted 18 in-depth interviews with Danish citizens. A clear connection between EC and the experienced emotions emerged, including how these emotions were triggered and how participants reacted to them. While individuals with high EC mainly experienced eco-guilt, individuals with low EC mainly experienced eco-shame and individuals with a medium level of EC experienced both emotions. Both eco-guilt and eco-shame can increase pro-environmental behaviors under certain conditions, but their effects are complex, and eco-shame in particular, risks leading to environmentally harmful behaviors. Therefore, harnessing these emotions to promote pro-environmental behavior introduces moral as well as practical considerations. The novelty of this study is that it questions the view that certain environmental emotions are inherently adaptive or maladaptive and underscores the importance of understanding the individual and social dynamics, which can affect how eco-guilt, eco-shame and their pro-environmental effects are experienced.","PeriodicalId":475046,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in sustainability","volume":"48 12","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140755417","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Both de-growth and a-growth to achieve strong and weak sustainability: a theoretical model, empirical results, and some ethical insights","authors":"Fabio Zagonari","doi":"10.3389/frsus.2024.1351841","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/frsus.2024.1351841","url":null,"abstract":"This study conceptually characterizes and theoretically represents the four main sustainability paradigms (strong sustainability, weak sustainability, de-growth, and a-growth) in terms of equality and inequality. It then applies these conditions to developed and less-developed countries (OECD and non-OECD countries) and empirically shows that the change in production technology (∆θ) required by a-growth is impossible and the change in consumption preferences (∆α) required by de-growth is unfeasible. Finally, it combines a-growth and de-growth in a theoretical solution for the relationship between ∆α and ∆θ that meets the conditions required by both strong and weak sustainability (parameters are the world’s population, consumption preferences, and production technologies or concerns for nature and future generations in developed and less-developed countries) and empirically demonstrates that this solution is feasible. In particular, sustainability turns out to be an ethical issue more than a technological issue, and the ethical concern for nature turns out to be more favorable than the ethical concern for future generations. Ethical assumptions and implications of the four main sustainability paradigms are highlighted and ethical assumptions and implications of the combined theoretical model are discussed. In particular, intergenerational efficiency is achieved in terms of welfare, and intergenerational equity is achieved in terms of environmental status.","PeriodicalId":475046,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in sustainability","volume":"23 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140086233","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The structural modelling of significant organisational and individual factors for promoting sustainable campus in Saudi Arabia","authors":"Mohammad Ambarak Alsharif","doi":"10.3389/frsus.2024.1231468","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/frsus.2024.1231468","url":null,"abstract":"In recent years, campus sustainability has gained global prominence, with a focus on sustainability initiatives and environmental activities within university campuses. This study aims to explore the factors contributing to the expansion of sustainability initiatives in Saudi Arabian university campuses.The research utilizes the Interpretive Structural Model (ISM) as a framework for public universities. A literature review incorporating rational choice theory (RCT) and organizational change theory (OCT) is conducted to identify variables relevant to campus sustainability. The hierarchical interrelationships among these variables are examined, and the Matrice d’Impacts Croises-Multiplication Appliqué and Classment Analysis (MICMAC) categorize the study variables. Associations between the variables are validated through expert consultations from selected case study institutions.The findings highlight the significance of organizational structure and decision-making processes in determining the prevalence of other sustainability-related variables. Organizational structure and decision-making processes are recognized as key factors exerting significant influence over other variables. Additionally, leadership is categorized as a linkage variable, representing a strong relationship within the hierarchical model.The study acknowledges the challenges in implementing sustainability initiatives, including conflicts in strategic planning, absence of campus sustainability policies and regulations, financial barriers, and lack of support from leadership. The study offers valuable insights and recommendations for stakeholders involved in sustainability initiatives within higher education institutions, particularly university leaders and decision makers in facility and project management departments (F&PM). By addressing the organizational and decision-based factors, effective integration of sustainability practices into university planning and activities can be achieved. This research contributes to filling the knowledge gap regarding the factors influencing the implementation of sustainability in Saudi Arabian higher education institutions (HEIs). The study emphasizes the importance of addressing organizational structure, decision-making processes, and leadership in order to successfully implement sustainability practices on university campuses.","PeriodicalId":475046,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in sustainability","volume":"89 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139836340","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The structural modelling of significant organisational and individual factors for promoting sustainable campus in Saudi Arabia","authors":"Mohammad Ambarak Alsharif","doi":"10.3389/frsus.2024.1231468","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/frsus.2024.1231468","url":null,"abstract":"In recent years, campus sustainability has gained global prominence, with a focus on sustainability initiatives and environmental activities within university campuses. This study aims to explore the factors contributing to the expansion of sustainability initiatives in Saudi Arabian university campuses.The research utilizes the Interpretive Structural Model (ISM) as a framework for public universities. A literature review incorporating rational choice theory (RCT) and organizational change theory (OCT) is conducted to identify variables relevant to campus sustainability. The hierarchical interrelationships among these variables are examined, and the Matrice d’Impacts Croises-Multiplication Appliqué and Classment Analysis (MICMAC) categorize the study variables. Associations between the variables are validated through expert consultations from selected case study institutions.The findings highlight the significance of organizational structure and decision-making processes in determining the prevalence of other sustainability-related variables. Organizational structure and decision-making processes are recognized as key factors exerting significant influence over other variables. Additionally, leadership is categorized as a linkage variable, representing a strong relationship within the hierarchical model.The study acknowledges the challenges in implementing sustainability initiatives, including conflicts in strategic planning, absence of campus sustainability policies and regulations, financial barriers, and lack of support from leadership. The study offers valuable insights and recommendations for stakeholders involved in sustainability initiatives within higher education institutions, particularly university leaders and decision makers in facility and project management departments (F&PM). By addressing the organizational and decision-based factors, effective integration of sustainability practices into university planning and activities can be achieved. This research contributes to filling the knowledge gap regarding the factors influencing the implementation of sustainability in Saudi Arabian higher education institutions (HEIs). The study emphasizes the importance of addressing organizational structure, decision-making processes, and leadership in order to successfully implement sustainability practices on university campuses.","PeriodicalId":475046,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in sustainability","volume":"109 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139776711","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Charis Eisen, Julian Schenten, Anna Theis, J. Rehn-Groenendijk, Marvin Helferich, Helena Müller, Daniel Hanss
{"title":"Toward system innovation for more sustainable chemistry: insights into consumers’ perceptions, knowledge, and behavior related to traceability and product design strategies along leather supply chains","authors":"Charis Eisen, Julian Schenten, Anna Theis, J. Rehn-Groenendijk, Marvin Helferich, Helena Müller, Daniel Hanss","doi":"10.3389/frsus.2024.1351638","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/frsus.2024.1351638","url":null,"abstract":"The leather industry is a complex system with multiple actors that faces a fundamental transition toward more sustainable chemistry. To support this process, this article analyzes challenges of the industry and consumers’ roles as a nexus of transition-relevant developments. We present findings of an empirical study (N = 439) among consumers on their perception of leather, related knowledge, and purchasing behavior. We found that participants perceived leather as natural, robust, and of high quality. Knowledge about the manufacturing of leather products was overall limited but varied. Applying a psychological behavior theory, we found that being aware of environmental and health consequences from conventional manufacturing of leather products was positively associated with a personal norm to purchase leather products that are less harmful to environment and health. The perceived ease of buying such products was positively associated with their purchase. Our findings shed light on consumers’ roles in the current leather system and their support of niche innovations toward more sustainable chemistry. Against this backdrop, we discuss implications for product design, consumer information, and needs for traceability along supply chains.","PeriodicalId":475046,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in sustainability","volume":"11 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139780031","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}