Garden-Related Environmental Behavior and Weed Management: An Australian Case Study

Abstract

This study aims to identify the key drivers of two garden-related environmental behaviors (GEBs): plant choice and bush-friendly behavior. This is important for biodiversity conservation threatened by weed invasion from domestic gardens. The effects of self-control, time pressure, and knowledge of weed-control initiatives were examined. A mail survey was sent to suburban residents living adjacent to native bushland in Wollongong, New South Wales. Regression analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used. The path models for SEM were based on the theory of reasoned action. The results indicate that attitude, perceived harm, and knowledge of weed-control initiatives exert an effect on GEBs through intention; self-control influences intention to increase native garden plants; and time pressure influences bush-friendly behavior. The results emphasize the importance of searching for predictors that are specifically related to the examined behavior instead of only relying on a universal model to explain behavior. Behavior-intervention strategies for weed management are derived. It emphasizes the importance of searching for predictors that are specifically related to the examined behavior instead of only relying on a universal model to explain behavior. Behavior-intervention strategies for weed management are derived.

Volition to behave sustainably: An examination of the role of self‐control

“…However, despite the potential relevance of SC as a predictor of PEB adoption (Nielsen, 2017), empirical evidence remains scarce (Chuang, Xie, & Liu, 2016; Hu & Gill, 2016; Kerret et al, 2016; Redondo & Puelles, 2017). SC has been proven to be an ability that facilitates the adoption of environmental choices consistent with one's environmental identity (Chuang et al, 2016; Hu & Gill, 2016) or that helps individuals cope with behavioural inconsistencies (Redondo & Puelles, 2017).…”

“…However, despite the potential relevance of SC as a predictor of PEB adoption (Nielsen, 2017), empirical evidence remains scarce (Chuang, Xie, & Liu, 2016; Hu & Gill, 2016; Kerret et al, 2016; Redondo & Puelles, 2017). SC has been proven to be an ability that facilitates the adoption of environmental choices consistent with one's environmental identity (Chuang et al, 2016; Hu & Gill, 2016) or that helps individuals cope with behavioural inconsistencies (Redondo & Puelles, 2017). Although previous studies provide initial findings to improve the understanding of the relationship between volitional abilities and PEB, they do not fully account for the direct influence of SC on behaviour or examine whether the magnitude of the influence on behaviour is similar in different types of PEB actions.…”

“…Rather, SC has been theorized as a mediating mechanism that facilitates consistency between individuals' identities and their adoption of a wide range of behaviours, both environmental and non‐environmental (Kerret et al, 2016; Redondo & Puelles, 2017). In studies not directly related to behaviour, other authors have found SC to be an antecedent of intentions, given that variables, such as the focus of one's attention on environmental choices, differ based on an individual's SC (Chuang et al, 2016; Hu & Gill, 2016). In sum, based on these arguments, we hypothesize that dispositional SC is a direct antecedent of PEB.…”

“…We defend that SC is a fundamental volitional ability to facilitate PEB adoption (Hu & Gill, 2016;Kerret, Orkibi, & Ronen, 2016). In addition to testing the direct influence of SC on PEB, this study also hypothesizes that SC would have a greater influence on actions for which there are fewer or no external barriers (e.g., limited availability, limited information or higher prices) since these actions are under greater volitional control of the individual.…”

“…Dispositional self‐control (SC) is defined as “the self's capacity to override or change one's inner responses, as well as to interrupt undesired behavioural tendencies and to refrain from acting on them” (Tangney, Baumeister, & Boone, 2004, p. 274). We defend that SC is a fundamental volitional ability to facilitate PEB adoption (Hu & Gill, 2016; Kerret, Orkibi, & Ronen, 2016). In addition to testing the direct influence of SC on PEB, this study also hypothesizes that SC would have a greater influence on actions for which there are fewer or no external barriers (e.g., limited availability, limited information or higher prices) since these actions are under greater volitional control of the individual.…”