| Studies
 Psychology and Sustainability
Public concern about the environment is increasing. Most problems concerning environment and ecology are not resource problems; they are people problems! Some of our most pressing environmental issues are the result of hundreds, thousands, or millions of actions on the part of individuals and households. Likewise, solutions will be the result of individual and household behavioral changes. Behavior change can be guided using psychosocial principles. These ideas build on the work of Doug McKenzie-Mohr, an advocate of social marketing for environmentally responsible behavior.
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Wolf, K.L. 2007. Learning Sustainability: To Know and To Act. Public Garden 22, 1: 12-15. (pdf
632 K) |
Trees, Nature and Human Physical Activity
The U.S. (and other nations) are facing a public health crisis. A variety of conditions - sedentary lifestyle and fat laden diets, for instance - are contributing to increased incidence of overweightness and obesity. Such health conditions can contribute to higher risk for chronic diseases, leading to high public costs to cities and the nation. What are the solutions? On one hand urban design should provide adequate facilities for moderate physical activity (such as walking and biking). On the other hand, individual behavior choice makes a difference. Multiple studies show that having trees and nature nearby is important to a person's choice to go outdoors and be active.
Human Dimensions of Water Quality
Nonpoint
source (NPS) pollution is the principal remaining cause of
water quality problems across the U.S. NPS pollution is defined
as any source of water contamination not associated with a
distinct discharge point, and is the cumulative result of
day-to-day activities of many people, animals, or businesses.
Agencies and interest groups conduct intervention programs
using a combination of education, technical and financial
assistance, and regulatory measures. The expected result is
that landowners will change their behavior in regard to water
quality. Yet little is known about the effectiveness of such
programs. A survey research study, conducted in the Puget
Sound area of Washington state, evaluated the psychological
dynamics of water-friendly land management, including motivations
and satisfactions.
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Landowners and Restoration: a human dimensions perspective (2.1 M pdf)
WA Association of District Employees 2007 Annual Training Meeting (Leavenworth, WA) |
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Nonpoint
Source Pollution: Landowner Psychology and Action: Fact
Sheet (pdf
16 K) |
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Nonpoint
Source Pollution Learning Methods and Their Effectiveness: Fact Sheet (pdf
28 K) |
Green Infrastructure and Social Benefits
More and more local governments are implementing green infrastructure to replace or supplement grey infrastructure, the systems made of concrete and pipes that provide utilities and services. Green infrastructure involves using landscape systems to provide biotechnology services and grey infrastructure alternatives on a metropolitan or regional scale. Meanwhile, decades of research indicates the wide range of social benefits that are provided by experiences of "nearby nature" in cities. These writings consider how green infrastructure can be designed to provide another layer of service - improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities.
Youth
and Urban Nature Experiences:
Assessing Impacts, Benefits and Behaviors
A series of research efforts started in Summer 2003 and have continued through 2007. Many organizations and agencies offer
opportunities for youth to work in urban forests and other nature settings. Youth may participate in programs as volunteers or
employees. While helping to improve the environment through
planting, restoration and facilities work, it is possible that
young people gain social and psychological benefits. Following
a literature review, a pilot instrument of developmental measures was used to assess potential youth
benefits. A two-study research project was then done. Project partners have included EarthCorps (Seattle), Mountains to Sound Greenways Trust (Seattle), and numerous organizations in other U.S. cities that host youth and nature programs.
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Wolf, K.L., and EarthCorps. 2007. Trees and Youth in the City: Research on Urban Forest Stewardship & Positive Youth Development. In: Sustaining America’s Forests: Proceedings of the Society of American Foresters 2007 National Convention. Bethesda MD: Society of American Foresters (Portland, OR). (300 K pdf) |
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Youth and Urban Forestry Work: studies of developmental benefits - Fact Sheet (pdf
96K) |
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Research
About Youth Benefits From Nature and Forest Experiences
- Fact Sheet 14 (pdf
35K) |
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PROJECT
INTRODUCTION - Social Science Research Project: Forest
Ecosystem Work and Youth Benefits (pdf
18K) |
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Wolf,
K. L. 2003. Youth and Mental Health: Work Projects in
Urban Green Space. In C. Kollin (ed.), Engineering Green:
Proceedings of the 11th National Urban Forest Conference.
Washington D.C.: American Forests. (pdf
304 K) |
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