Be the Change You Want to See

Abstract

Composting biodegradable material is an effective means of reducing landfill waste and improving the state of the environment. To encourage the use of public compost bins, two interventions were introduced in community shopping center food courts and a local, independently owned fast food restaurant: tabletop signs outlining the benefits of composting and models who demonstrated the behavior. When diners ( n = 540) viewed confederate models composting ahead of them, they were more likely to compost as well ( p < .001). However, the signs did not significantly influence composting rates, either alone ( p > .05) or in combination with the models ( p > .05). Results support the idea that proenvironmental actions can influence similar behavior in others and may be more effective than signage in doing so.