Psy/460 - Environmental Cues and Human Behavior

Environmental Cues and Human Behavior

The environment is constantly affected by human behavior, both globally and  in a local level. The effects of human behavior on the environment can be positive or negative. Some of the negative effects include climate change, deforestation, extinction of animal species, pollution, noise, etc. Some of the positive effects include the preservation of endangered animal species, the protection of the ozone layer, and the conservation of the resources Earth has to offer. This essay will explore a variety of these effects while explaining the influence of environmental cues on individuals, the importance of sustainability and its impact in the environment, and the effect of social norms in human behavior. It will also present possible solutions to successfully change behaviors and minimize negative environment impact.

Humans’ Impact on the Environment

It is impossible to completely avoid human impact on the environment. Simply by existing and living on the planet Earth, all species, including animals and human beings, will leave a footprint and a mark on the world around them. Although, like mentioned previously, human beings can affect the environment positively, it is the negative impact that is a main cause for concern regarding the planet’s future. In order to make their lives more comfortable and convenient, individuals have adapted to and changed the environment, sometimes without considering the consequences of their actions.

There is graphical evidence, from satellite photos, that indicate that the severe damage caused by humans on the environment is out of control. There is a dangerously large hole in the ozone layer, which is a protective covering around the planet. This layer is destroyed by gases like CO2, methane, and chlorofluorocarbons, which can be found in aerosol spray cans and refrigeration devices. The ozone layer protects the Earth from UV rays from the sun, so holes in the layer can lead to global warming. Humans are the post polluting species, generating much more waste than the planet Earth can deal with (Evans, 1982). Soil pollution, water pollution, and air pollution are some of the most commonly discussed negative effects of human behavior on the environment.

Although the media focuses much more on the negative ways humans impact the environment, there are positive ways individuals leave their mark on the planet as well. For instance, humans control wildfires, which can destroy large areas of forest and the animals that live in them. Also, humans protect endangered species by breeding nearly extinct animals in captivation, and then releasing them back into the wild when there are sufficient numbers of them. Humans also clean waterways, promote the reforestation of damaged areas, and selectively remove invasive species that are threats to local ecosystems.

How Environmental Cues Shape Human Behavior

Environmental cues can be explained as elements in the environment which send important information or trigger effective reactions out of individuals (Steg, 2013). Environmental cues encourage individuals to behave a certain way or engage in certain actions, depending on how those around them respond to those cues. One example of how environmental cues affect human behavior is with recycling. In towns where the inhabitants are encouraged to recycle their trash, most individuals end up doing it. The pressure of those around them incentives individuals to do the right thing.

How Behavior Can be Modified to Support Sustainability

There are many ways individuals can be empowered to change their behaviors and live more sustainably. Although most people want to respect the environment and engage in sustainable behaviors, they continue to create a negative environmental impact. Human behavior is a combination of psychological internal factors and external clues. Because of this, an inclination and motivation to behave sustainably is usually not enough to make individuals change their behaviors. It is important to note that behavior is situational, so “even after a person has formed an intention to behave in a certain way, situational circumstances can lead to a surprisingly different behavior. Intention must be reinforced and supported across different situational contexts” (Manning, 2009, p. 4). Also, it is easier for individuals to engage in sustainable behavior when they encounter fewer obstacles. For example, organic food is more expensive than “regular” food, which can discourage individuals to pick the sustainable route. Some actions created to contribute to sustainability are civil actions (voting, petition signing, etc.), educational actions, financial actions (donations, boycotting specific companies, etc.), and more importantly, direct behavior, like the small changes individuals can make to their routine in a daily basis, like taking the bike to work, buying local produce, insulating their homes, etc. (Manning, 2009).

How Social Norms Can Influence Environmental Behaviors and Beliefs

            Recent studies suggest that pro-environmental behaviors can influence pro-environmental values, and vice-versa. Individuals act a certain way because they not only hold certain values, but also because of different factors, such as economic incentive ("Social Norms, Behavior Influence Environmental Policy", 2013). For example, individuals may engage in recycling because of that economic incentive, but the repetitive act of recycling will create a value for recycling in general. In other words, “if policy dictates a pro-environment behavior, the repeated act of that behavior will become second nature – and even part of a value system – for individuals required to do it. The researchers argue that behavioral change may be the tipping point for real climate change mitigation and one step closer to a sustainable future” ("Social Norms, Behavior Influence Environmental Policy", 2013).

Solutions That Could Change Behavior and Lessen Negative Environmental Impact

            There are many ways how individuals can change their everyday behaviors and start to lessen their impact on the environment. By saving water, electricity, and gas, each individual’s foot print on Earth will be less damaging. Carpooling, taking shorter showers, line drying the clothes, and owning hybrid cars and solar panels are all relatively easy ways to conserve valuable resources. Also, recycling is a staple when it comes to protecting the environment. By repurposing household items, reusing grocery bags, creating a compost pile, and buying bulk food, individuals will be making small changes that will create less waste.

Conclusion

            Although changing the behaviors of the majority of the population on the planet, who has been acting in very destructive ways for the past few decades, is a hefty task. However, nowadays there is a great deal of awareness regarding the dangers that the future holds for planet Earth and all of those living on it, unless severe change occurs. Behavioral change can happen with small steps. When individuals make a conscious decision to reduce their carbon footprint, their personal waste, and the damage there are personally inflicting upon the environment, their impact on the planet can be less damaging. It is impossible to completely avoid any damage, since human beings need to change the environment in order to survive. However, after decades of destroying the planet, now it is time to change and turn the situation around, so there is any hope for future generations.

References

Evans, G. (1982). Environmental stress. New York, NY: Press Syndicate of the University of Cambridge.

Manning, C. (2009). The psychology of sustainable behavior. St. Paul, MN: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

Social norms, behavior influence environmental policy. (2013). Retrieved from https://asunews.asu.edu/20130214_behaviorpolicy

Steg, L. (2013). Environmental psychology: An introduction. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell.