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Project Code [2001-PHD-6-M1]
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Project title
Environmental attitudes and behaviour; values, actions and waste management
Primary Funding Agency
Environmental Protection Agency
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
n/a
Lead Organisation
University of Dublin, Trinity College (TCD)
Lead Applicant
David Taylor
Project Abstract
In recent years waste and general environmental issues have become an area of prime concern for national governments policymakers and local communities. However research on waste management has largely ignored the role of individual attitudes and actions preferring to concentrate on technical or scientific solutions to waste management problems. Many of the waste management policies adopted in Ireland focus on the provision of information about waste and the environment in general with the assumption that the public will absorb this information and change their behaviour accordingly. However this thesis proposes that waste management behaviour is affected by more than just information and that a gap (commonly referred to as the value-action gap) exists between individualsi attitudes and actions towards waste. Using Galway as a case study and utilising innovative research methods this research furthers previous studies conducted in Ireland and contributes to wider literature by establishing the existence of the value-action gap in waste management in Galway and providing an improved understanding of the factors which influence attitudes and behaviour towards waste management generally. Specifically the research produced an original data set with base-line quantitative information on both public understanding of waste management issues and public attitudes and behaviour towards waste management. In addition the research enabled the public to identify the variables that shape their waste management attitudes and behaviour and identify the barriers to and opportunities for achieving more sustainable waste management.
Grant Approved
€76,184.28
Research Hub
Green and Circular Economy
Research Theme
Waste and Resources Management
Initial Projected Completion Date
n/a