Influences on responsible environmental behaviour: A study of two neighbourhoods in proximity to Royal Botanical Gardens protected areas (Ontario).

摘要

This study examines the relationship between particular environmental influences and environmental behaviours. These influences include: environmental beliefs and values; environmental experiences, skills and knowledge; and demographics. In order to gather data, a mail questionnaire was sent to residents that live in proximity to two protected areas owned by Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamilton and Burlington, Ontario. Results from this study indicate that four specific environmental influences have direct relationships with environmental behaviours: environmental experience, knowledge of environmental action strategies, attitude toward pollution and love of nature. The remaining influences are indirectly related to behaviours, in that they relate to the four influences listed above, but not directly with behaviours. With these relationships established, organizations that engage in environmental education can design more directed and effective programs that target the four key influences that directly relate to environmental behaviours.