Understanding Environmental Motivations to Reduce Anthropogenic Litter in Monroe Lake State Park and the Hoosier National Forest Charles C. Deam Wilderness in Indiana, USA
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2022-04
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Abstract
GILBERT, MARIA MICHELLE. Master of Environmental Assessment. Understanding Environmental Motivations to Reduce Anthropogenic Litter in Monroe Lake State Park and the Hoosier National Forest Charles C. Deam Wilderness in Indiana, USA.
Scholars have identified various environmental tactics to discourage littering behaviors on public lands, but research suggests that a single tactic is not likely to result in long-term consistent behavior change that leads to the adoption of pro-environmental behaviors. This study investigated possible tactics to be implemented at Monroe Lake State Park and the Hoosier National Forest Charles C. Deam Wilderness to encourage visitors to engage in long-term consistent pro-environmental behaviors that encourage litter collection at both sites. Study objectives were evaluated by a qualitative study that derived data from direct observations, interviews, and surveys. Using the Fogg Behavior Model as the theoretical framework, this study evaluated recreationists’ extrinsic and intrinsic motivating factors, recreationists’ physical abilities, and triggers that remind recreationists to engage in litter collection. Results suggest the placement of garbage cans and informational signs is most likely to encourage visitors to engage in litter collection behaviors at both study sites. As a result, it is recommended that garbage cans and informational signs be placed in select locations and that law enforcement and positive reinforcement be implemented as environmental tactics to encourage litter collection in Indiana’s state and federal public lands surrounding Monroe Lake.
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public lands, wilderness, littering behaviors, environmental degradation and Toxicology, Fogg Behavior model
