Using Public Transport Can Make Up for Flying Abroad on Holiday

Abstract

Compensatory Green Beliefs (CGBs) refer to beliefs that the negative effects of energy-inefficient or unsustainable behaviors (e.g., flying abroad on holiday) can be compensated for by engaging in energy-efficient or sustainable practices (e.g., using public transport). The present research developed and validated a scale to measure endorsement of CGBs. This scale formed part of an online survey, which investigated the relationship between endorsement of CGBs and how people think and behave in relation to energy and environmental issues. Factor analysis confirmed the reliability of a 16-item, single-factor scale measuring CGBs. Endorsement of CGBs was found to correlate negatively with measures of proecological behavior, environmental values, “green” identity, concern with climate change, age, and education level. These findings offer an insight into the possible cognitive antecedents of “rebound effects” that are known to limit the effectiveness of interventions designed to reduce energy consumption and promote sustainable behavior.

Can recycling compensate for speeding on highways? Similarity and difficulty of behaviors as key characteristics of green compensatory beliefs

“…Existing results, however, suggest that even an ad-hoc similarity based on whether a given behavior belongs conceptually to one subdomain or another translates into an endorsement of compensatory statements. Table 1 displays items from the Green Compensatory Behaviors Scale developed by Kaklamanou et al (2013). They are ordered from the least endorsed to the most endorsed by study participants, as reported by its authors.…”

“…One of the strategies that people often apply to neutralize negative feelings in such a situation is formulating compensatory beliefs. Compensatory beliefs are convictions that the harmful effects of people's behaviors may be compensated for by engaging in other activities (Kaklamanou, Jones, Webb, & Walker, 2013). For example, someone who buys an SUV believes that the harmful effects of exhaust gases may be neutralized by using public transportation on weekends.…”

“…For example, in the health domain, higher levels of compensatory beliefs were found to increase caloric intake among dieters (Kronick, Auerbach, Stich, & Knäuper, 2011) or to decrease readiness to quit smoking among adolescents (Radtke, Scholz, Keller, & Hornung, 2011). In another domain, green compensatory beliefs appeared to be negatively related to self-reported engagement in behaviors such as using energy-efficient vehicles (Kaklamanou et al, 2013). This effect of green compensatory beliefs can at least partially explain the inefficiency of some pro-environmental campaigns and long-term policies (Geller & Attali, 2005;Kaklamanou et al, 2013).…”

“…In another domain, green compensatory beliefs appeared to be negatively related to self-reported engagement in behaviors such as using energy-efficient vehicles (Kaklamanou et al, 2013). This effect of green compensatory beliefs can at least partially explain the inefficiency of some pro-environmental campaigns and long-term policies (Geller & Attali, 2005;Kaklamanou et al, 2013). After failing to engage in promoted behaviors, people might rest on their laurels by reformulating their cognitions rather than acting.…”

Two Blind Mice: It Is Time for Greater Collaboration between Engineers and Social Scientists around the RDD & D of Industrial Technologies

“…However, because of the lower per kilometre operating costs of the new vehicle, the consumer uses the car more, which lessens the net benefit of the switch (or in some cases ends up with a net detriment). Research being conducted by myself and others is seeking to clarify the mechanisms that might feed into this effect, in order to hopefully reduce its impact [2,3].…”