Improving Cafeteria Patrons' Waste Disposal

The Effectiveness of Models and Prompts on Waste Diversion: A Field Experiment on Composting by Cafeteria Patrons

“…Five characteristics of effective visual prompts have been described: (1) the target behavior is relatively convenient to engage in; (2) the desirable or undesirable behavior is specified in precise terms; (3) convenient alternative desirable behaviors are indicated when avoidance of an undesired behavior is targeted (e.g., disposing of bottles in a recycling bin rather than the garbage); (4) the message is delivered in close proximity to opportunities for engaging in the target behavior (e.g., as in point‐of‐purchase advertising); and (5) the message is stated in polite language that does not threaten an individual's perceived freedom (Geller, Winett, & Everett, ). Using these principles, point‐of‐decision signs have been created that effectively encourage polystyrene recycling, litter cleanup after eating in cafeterias (Craig & Leland, ; Dixon, Knott, Rowsell, & Sheldon, ; Werner, Rhodes, & Partain, ), and other behaviors (e.g., Baltes & Hayward, ; Geller, Witmer, & Orebaugh, ; Johnson, Sholcosky, Gabello, Ragni, & Ogonosky, ).…”

Be the Change You Want to See

“…Thus, designing visual prompts which account for all of these principles can be tricky. Although effective signs have been created to encourage a number of proenvironmental behaviors, such as polystyrene recycling and litter cleanup after eating in cafeterias, and turning off lights in unoccupied rooms (Craig & Leland, 1983; Dixon, Knott, Rowsell, & Sheldon, 1992; Sussman, & Gifford, 2012; Werner, Rhodes, & Partain, 1998), poorly designed or situated signs can also have a negative effect (e.g., Thurber & Snow, 1980).…”

Effectiveness of Prompts and Models on Food Composting by Restaurant Patrons

“…Using these principles, researchers have been able to improve point-of-decision signs to the point that they are effective in encouraging polystyrene recycling, litter cleanup after eating in cafeterias (Craig & Leland, 1983;Dixon, Knott, Rowsell, & Sheldon, 1992;Werner, Rhodes, & Partain, 1998) and many other behaviours (e.g., Baltes & Hayward, 1976;Geller, Witmer, & Orebaugh, 1976;H. D. Johnson, Sholcosky, Gabello, Ragni, & Ogonosky, 2003).…”