Relating Knowledge and Perception of Sustainable Landscape Practices to the Adoption Intention of Environmentally Friendly Landscapes

Abstract

The influence of traditional residential landscapes on humans and the environment has provoked a discussion on maintaining landscapes in a sustainable way and conserving water resources. Traditional American landscapes require water-intensive management. Previous research has discussed potential negative impacts on the environment from prevalent improper landscaping maintenance techniques. To mitigate long-term consequences, sustainable landscape management programs aim at protecting the environment from harmful inputs and conserving water. Among alternative practices, converting fully turfgrass lawns to sustainable landscapes is recommended. The Florida Friendly Landscaping (FFLTM) initiative is one such program designed to minimize negative impacts while maintaining and improving landscapes’ aesthetic characteristics. Although technological advancements in lawn care services have rapidly developed in the past few decades (e.g., smart irrigation systems), the level of homeowners’ knowledge and perceptions regarding sustainable practices are still at the forefront of potential factors that influence the widespread adoption of sustainable lawn management. Relatively few studies have investigated how homeowners’ knowledge and perceptions of sustainable landscapes affect adoption decisions. This study adapted Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior as a framework to examine how individuals’ knowledge and perceptions of sustainable landscapes influence their adoption intention, and to predict their pro-environmental behavior. We found that homeowners’ knowledge about lawns and landscapes (more knowledgeable) is positively correlated with their sustainable landscape adoption intention. Additionally, homeowners’ perceptions of landscape conservation practices (more agreeable with sustainable landscape practices) are positively correlated with sustainable landscape adoption intentions. The implications for policymakers and water conservation programs are discussed.

Does the Perceived Effectiveness of Voluntary Conservation Programs Affect Household Adoption of Sustainable Landscaping Practices?

“…To gain a comprehensive understanding, it is crucial to understand homeowners' perspectives in the context of residential landscaping practices and their associated challenges. In residential landscaping practices, it is critical to consider homeowners' intrinsic factors when attempting to persuade them to adopt sustainable landscaping practices and transform from fully turfgrass lawns to more sustainable landscapes [16]. Failing to account for these factors can pose challenges in effectively promoting and implementing sustainable landscaping practices.…”

“…Homeowners' attitudes and perceptions towards the environment may influence homeowners' pro-environmental behavior and intention [9,13,[16][17][18]. Moreover, homeowners' knowledge, skills, experience, perceptions, value orientations, environmental beliefs, considerations of social norms, and a range of economic relations may influence the effective promotion of the adoption of sustainable landscapes [16][17][18].…”

“…Another recent study reported that homeowners' landscape maintenance-related perceptions, knowledge, environmental attitudes, and consideration of future consequences might influence their pro-environmental behavior [19]. Zhang et al [16] found that Floridian homeowners' perceptions of landscape practices (i.e., being more agreeable with the positive consequences of sustainable landscape practices) positively affect sustainable landscape adoption.…”

“…Drawing upon the preceding arguments, it is evident that homeowners' motivational factors play a pivotal role in shaping pro-environmental behavior [9,[16][17][18][19]. Homeowners' perceptions of the effectiveness of the programs may also affect their environment-related decisions as a mediator (but not vice versa).…”