Sustainable Choices Research Articles

Solar-Adaptive Cooling Blocks Composed of Recycled Fabric.

Radiative cooling technologies have had a significant impact on advancing carbon neutrality efforts by significantly improving the passive cooling efficiency. The tandem of conduction and radiation enables solar-adaptive radiative cooling through the insulating effect of materials along with solar absorption, which affects the thermal state of materials and enhances radiative thermal transfer from the surface under solar irradiation. This enhancement is achieved by utilizing the porous polymeric structure of materials, which facilitates improved conduction pathways along with solar reflectance, while maintaining the effective emission of thermal radiation. In this particular scenario, blocks, which were made of recycled fibers, offer a great opportunity as solar-adaptive cooling materials, enabling their easy deployment for cooling applications. Herein, we have fabricated a porous block using fiber wastes that combines strong solar reflectance (92%) at the 1 μm region and high thermal infrared emittance (∼75%) at the 10 μm region. The combination of effective solar reflection and thermal infrared emission allows the fiber block to achieve a high cooling performance of approximately 68 W/m2 under solar irradiation. In addition, the fiber block works effectively for insulation during the night, thereby enhancing its heat retention capabilities. The economic and environmental advantages of the fiber block make it a cost-competitive and sustainable choice for near-market cooling technologies. This design is anticipated to expand the practical application range of passive cooling.

Organoleptic characteristics of high‐protein snacks with novel and sustainable ingredients: Cricket flour and carob powder

AbstractTo fulfill consumer trends in sustainable and healthy food choices, this study explored the application of edible insects and carob powder as sustainable and nutritious ingredients in developing a high‐protein snack, known as a protein ball. Four formulations were developed and characterized in terms of moisture content, water activity, color, texture, microbial count, and nutritional profile. Finally, the sensory profile was determined using the flash profile method, and the developed product was compared to a commercial product. The effect of replacing the conventional protein source with cricket flour and cocoa with its sustainable alternative, carob, on the measured characteristics was determined. The results showed that cricket flour significantly decreased the lightness color values (from 40 to 30) on the internal surface of the protein ball. Texture remained largely unaffected initially; however, after 2 weeks of storage, cricket flour significantly decreased the hardness (from 15 to 12 N) and chewiness values (from 1.6 to 1.0 N mm). Moreover, cricket flour significantly increased the aerobic count (from 3–4 log to 5 log cfu g−1). The sensory space of the cricket samples was separated from the milk protein samples, mainly related to flavor attributes, while the commercial sample was distinguished by dryness and sweetness. In general, carob powder did not affect the measured parameters compared to cocoa. This study demonstrated the suitability of utilizing cricket flour and carob powder in a high‐protein snack without substantially compromising the product's organoleptic properties. Future research could investigate the consumer acceptability of the product.

Enhancing perovskite solar cells performance through tailored design: pyridine-functionalized phenothiazine derivatives with modified end-capped acceptor moieties

Abstract Future energy resources are being developed using clean and renewable energies since these sources offer environmentally friendly and sustainable choices to traditional sources like fossil fuels. Among various renewable energy sources, solar energy is becoming increasingly efficient with advancements in organic photovoltaic systems. Organic semiconductor materials, which require high electron affinity and possess desirable optical and electronic properties, are crucial for these systems. Researchers are constantly trying to increase the role of photovoltaic materials in optoelectronic applications. With current energy demands, there is a shift from traditional solar cells to perovskite photovoltaic materials due to their significant contributions to renewable energy. Therefore, we have designed a new stream of donor- π -acceptor (D- π -A) type pyridine functionalized phenothiazine derivates-based donor materials, resulting in nine fabricated HTMs (PT1-PT9), by substituting the terminals with thiophene and acceptors moieties respectively to enhance the photovoltaic properties of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). All newly proposed materials were computationally examined to estimate their optoelectronics, geometrical, and photovoltaic properties using quantum chemical approach, and then compared to the reference. For organic hole-transporting materials, a heterocyclic phenothiazine core (PTZ) has been proven effective as it has feasible structure modifications, excellent electron-donating properties, and straightforward synthesis. The study of electronic parameters (density of state, frontier molecular orbitals, and electrostatic potential ESP), optical properties (light harvesting efficiency, absorption maxima, dipole moment, and first excitation energies) and charge transfer characteristics (electron–hole overlap, transition density matrix) of designed materials revealed that there is an increase in absorption range under the influence of terminal acceptor groups, with lowering the bandgap values compared to the reference. A density of state (DOS) graph and HOMO–LUMO schema are evidence of the electron-withdrawing effect of acceptor moieties. Transition density matrix (TDM) analysis proves reliable charger transfer in designed molecules. Reorganization energy values for designed molecules are lower than the reference making charge transfer carriers more efficient. Additionally, solvation-free energy values (−17.28 to −33.19 Kcalmol−1) and higher dipole moments suggest better surface-wetting and solubility properties. In general, the fabricated materials have exceptional charge mobilities with higher absorption and reduced band gap values that make them suitable and stable candidates for photovoltaic devices.

Can control aid in attaining sustainable goals? An improved data-informed framework to promote shared mobility

This work explores the role control theory and practices can play in nudging a virtuous shift in mobility habits (e.g. from vehicle ownership to usership), while keeping individual inclinations and needs in the (control) loop using data. To this end, an EU-wide survey is leveraged with a two-fold objective. First, a fine-grained characterization of individuals (the Sharing-DNA) is provided, dictated by the main socio-economic drivers for adopting shared mobility solutions extracted from the data. Second, a network is constructed to mimic mutual influences among individuals based on information on mobility patterns extrapolated from the EU survey. These ingredients are merged into an irreversible cascade model, representing the stepping stone for designing optimal, human-centered incentive policies to nudge the use of shared mobility services. In the quest to attain a trade-off between usage maximization and investment containment, the tuning of the design knobs is explored accounting for individuals’ centrality within the influence network. An extensive set of simulated scenarios demonstrate the potential benefits of individualized closed-loop policies in promoting sustainable mobility choices while respecting individualities, showcasing how the proposed framework can become an actionable tool for policymakers toward a more sustainable future.

Is It Possible to Establish an Economic Trend Correlating Territorial Assessment Indicators and Earth Observation? A Critical Analysis of the Pandemic Impact in an Italian Region

The paper is set within the methodological framework of the Territorial Impact Assessment (TIA) process, which is an instrument designed to facilitate sustainable and cohesive policy-making choices at the European level. The article is developed within the context of a European H2020-RICE cooperative project, which utilises the STeMA (Sustainable Territorial Economic/Environmental Management Approach) TIA methodology to investigate the potential relationship between statistical economic indicators, specifically Gross Domestic Product, and related parameters (metadata), and Earth Observation (EO) data. The objective is to provide evidence of socioeconomic trends during the Coronavirus 2019 pandemic in the Lazio Region (Italy), with a particular focus on the metropolitan area of the Rome capital city Rome. In line with the pertinent European context and the scientific literature on the subject, the paper examines the potential for combining classical and Earth observation indicators to assess macroeconomic dimensions of development, specifically in terms of gross domestic product (GDP). The results of the analysis indicate the presence of certain correlations between grey data and EO information. The STeMA-TIA approach allows for the measurement and correlation of both qualitative and quantitative statistical indicators with typological functional areas (in accordance with European Commission-EC and Committee of Ministers responsible for Spatial/Regional Planning—CEMAT guidance) at the NUTS (Nomenclature des unités territoriales statistiques) 2 and 3 levels. This facilitates the territorialisation of information, enabling the indirect comparison of data with satellite data and economic trends. A time series of data was gathered and organised for the purpose of facilitating comparison between different periods, beginning with 2019 and extending to the present day. In order to measure and monitor the evolution of the selected territorial economies (the Lazio Region), a synthetic index (or composite indicator) was developed in the economic and epidemic dimensions. This index combines single values of indicators according to a specific STeMA methodology. It is important to note that there are some critical observations to be made about the impact on GDP, due to the discrepancy between the indicators in the two fields of observation.

Implementation of Green Lean Six Sigma in Dutch Healthcare: A Qualitative Study of Healthcare Professionals' Experiences.

Introduction: The healthcare sector significantly contributes to environmental degradation, highlighting the need for sustainable practices. Green Lean Six Sigma (GLSS) offers a relevant and impactful approach to reduce healthcare's environmental footprint while improving efficiency. By incorporating environmental considerations into Lean Six Sigma, GLSS has the potential to mitigate healthcare's environmental impact and promote environmental sustainability. This study aims to gain insight into healthcare professionals' experiences with GLSS at their workplace. Materials and Methods: This qualitative exploratory study employed semi-structured surveys based on theory of training evaluation from Kirkpatrick with Dutch healthcare professionals in the first six to eight months after completing GLSS training. Results: Even though 76% (N = 16) of trained healthcare professionals applied GLSS at their workplace and 43% of them (N = 9) completed a project within the first six to eight months after training, they all experienced one or more barriers. The most frequently reported barriers were lack of time, difficulties with project selection and a lack of management support. GLSS project results included reduction of products, energy, costs and travel, green choices in procurement and sustainable food choices. GLSS also helped to create awareness on the environmental impact of healthcare and to optimize processes by reducing costs, waiting time, workload and defects. Discussion: This is the first study to report experiences from applying GLSS in healthcare. Furthermore, it is the first study presenting GLSS training evaluation results in terms of participant behaviour and organizational outcomes. Conclusions: Results of this study can be used to enhance GLSS deployment programs and to optimize organizational settings for successful GLSS implementation in healthcare.

Life cycle assessment and generative design: development of a national LCA tool for exterior walls

PurposeThe promotion of sustainable design is demanded globally. The life cycle assessment (LCA) proved its reliability in this mission, but the difficulty and time required to apply it discouraged designers. This research aims to integrate LCA into the building design process through a software tool, taking advantage of generative design features. This will facilitate decision-making by architects and construction professionals.Design/methodology/approachThe study develops the EGY-LCA (http://egy-lca.com/). This prototype tool suggests exterior wall design alternatives for residential buildings in Egypt, using the environmental impact indicators of LCA data and other criteria related to national codes, materials, construction methods and required thermal resistance. Within a generative design process, the algorithm tests every possible wall method with materials and thickness combinations for each layer in compliance with inputs. The paper begins by explaining the tool’s working method. Afterward, different sets of inputs are examined and the values of the resultant environmental impacts of several suggested wall solutions are statistically analyzed. The application demonstrates the importance of the generative design tool. Proposing several solutions based on a set of inputs facilitates the selection of sustainable choices and allows comparisons between alternatives.FindingsThe prototype experiment confirms the research hypothesis. Unlike the available LCA tools, architects can make decisions with limited LCA experience if the data and equations are integrated into a generative design tool. The prototype proves its applicability for exterior wall alternatives.Research limitations/implicationsThe prototype is the initial step toward a whole-building LCA tool. It includes limited LCA stages and materials for the external wall. Future research is required to expand this parametric tool concept to include all the building components. The framework in Section 5 proposes a visualization.Practical implicationsThe prototype tool: EGY-LCA (http://egy-lca.com/). The value added to the design and construction sectors through the uncomplicated LCA application is fostering sustainable design, generative design tools can achieve this.Originality/valueThe novelty of this work is that it is the first initiative offering a parametric LCA tool. It promotes the application of LCA at the design stage using generative design, which contributes to sustainable development.

A systematic literature review of online communication and promotion for sustainable tourism

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to systematically review the literature on how sustainable tourism is communicated online and who the main stakeholders involved in the communication are.Design/methodology/approachConducting a quantitative approach based on the systematic literature review, we searched five academic databases and examined 747 papers published from 2009 to 2022. A total of 87 articles were systematically analysed.FindingsSustainable online communication has mainly been explored through structured data rather than alternative ones. Different stakeholders have been studied about online sustainable communication. However, few studies have focused on the relationships between them as a unique and complex ecosystem of subjects.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first attempt to synthesise sustainable online communication and the stakeholders involved. It provides an in-depth understanding of central papers discussing the topic and offers insights for future research to foster growth in both research and practice. Overall, this research highlights the lack of research on the topic and its importance for a planned sustainability-oriented online communication strategy to raise awareness and inspire sustainable choices.

The Circular Game: The Impact of Gaming on Sustainable Behaviour

The main objective of this paper is to assess the impact of The Circular Game use on participants' sustainable awareness, learning and behaviour. The Circular Game is a strategy board game to learn about sustainability, improve environmental awareness, apply circular economy strategies, and train to design innovative and circular business models. Researchers will analyse changes in participants' sustainable knowledge, awareness, and behaviour before and after participation in the game with ad hoc questionnaires. The results of this analysis will allow us to test whether the emotions generated during the play-based learning process can condition their environmental awareness, learning and behaviour towards greater sustainability in the future. The game can generate emotions in participants and work teams, promote collaborative and green knowledge acquisition, and help bachelor and master students and employees apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. Similarly, companies and entrepreneurs need a relaxed environment to present their ideas and proposals for improvement. This methodology uses game elements in academic or working environments to stimulate and challenge participants to incorporate sustainable business choices. The Circular Game is a game in which participants compete to be the company that applies the most circular economy strategies in its business model. The groups advance through a circular board where, depending on the squares they land on, they can earn money, invest in circular economy strategies, and add or reduce CO2 emissions. The winner will be the one who has completed all the circular economy strategies set out in the game with the minimum of CO2 emissions. The social impact is substantial as it is a methodology that can be applied in any field, educational or business. The impact will be more significant if the game's objective, to be more sustainable, is translated into the participants' real lives.

The use of sound phonons in the development of NVH treatments for light commercial electric vehicles

Light Commercial Electric vehicles (LCEV) are becoming increasingly popular due to their environmental benefits and lower operating costs, making them a sustainable choice for businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save fuel expenses. However, unlike Saloon and SUV electric vehicles LCEV's have to be potentially configured for a wide variety of operating roles including parcel delivery, mini-buses, retail wagons, ambulances and mobile workshops to name just a few. Consequently, when considering their refinement aspects during their development it has become economically restrictive to base this on actual physical prototypes. Acoustic modelling provides a suitable alternative, but any software package must be highly flexible so that multiple configurations can be examined without requiring time consuming re-modelling. This paper describes the use of sound phonons in an interactive GUI for the successful development process of an LCEV from target setting through to final optimised NVH package creation. The project involved full vehicle model creation via donor CAD, of a current ICE LCV, which was morphed into an EV to include an under-floor battery and rear drive system. Sub-system models of areas such as the interior bulkhead, battery pack insulation and EV encapsulation were also integrated during the optimisation process.

Enabling sustainable consumer choices with CarbonShunya: India’s first solution to measure and mitigate carbon impact of consumer transactions in real-time**The views expressed in this paper are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the organization(s) to which the authors are affiliated. This work is an independent effort to support collective action to

Abstract Among the myriad challenges facing humanity, air pollution and climate change emerge as the most formidable existential threats to our future. Ironically, both these are direct fallouts of human activities such as indiscriminate consumption of consumer products/services and burning of fossil fuels. Purchase of consumer goods in 2024 is projected to be in excess of $22.6 trillion worldwide. How these consumers buy, use or dispose consumer goods will profoundly impact all life on the planet. Therefore, it is an imperative to embed sustainability in every Rupee of consumer spending. Hence a robust digital solution, CarbonShunya, has been developed with the purpose to empower a billion consumers to make sustainable purchase and lifestyle choices. CarbonShunya is India’s 1st solution that can measure and mitigate the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) footprint of consumer transactions in real-time. It provides consumers with actionable insights at the point-of-purchase and post-purchase to shape a shift in consumer beliefs, attitudes and behavior. This paper presents the methodology, assumptions and processes which have been adopted to develop the CarbonShunya life-cycle assessment framework and solution in Indian context. It also presents a case study, using the CarbonShunya framework, to measure and mitigate GHG impacts of monthly consumer expenditure on several categories of products/services across various states of India, based on a primary survey of over 174 000 households. The results from the case-study provide actionable insights and conclusions for policymakers and practitioners. CarbonShunya has cross-cutting applications across sectors so as to enable consuming economies to embrace conserving behaviors.

Sustainability and nutritional composition of food offer and choices in three hospital canteens in Italy

Diet is considered one of the most important determinants of health and at the same time a cause of climate change. We conducted a cross-sectional study in three Italian hospital canteens on five consecutive working days to investigate food offer availability and user choices in terms of nutritional intake and environmental impact. Photos of lunch trays were collected by the researchers and food offer and choices were analysed using the Italian Food Composition Database for Epidemiological Studies and the SU-EATABLE LIFE dataset. A total of 1227 lunch meals were analysed. The median energy intake ranged from 646 to 900 kcal/tray. The median energy content from lipids ranged from 32 to 40 %E and exceeded that from carbohydrates in one canteen. The median carbon and water footprint ranged from 773 to 1338 g CO2eq./tray and from 847 to 1229 L H2O/tray, respectively. Differences occurred depending on sex and typology of work. In conclusion, regardless of the differences in the number of food options offered in the three canteens, the choices tended to be suboptimal from a nutritional perspective. The most sustainable choices were made in the canteen without beef on offer. Measures should be taken to increase the variety of vegan and vegetarian options on offer and to improve food choices in terms of nutritional composition and environmental sustainability. This could be done through educational programmes focused on increasing awareness on their diet, and practical indications on how to compose a complete and low impact meal.

Modulation of metagenomic, biochemical, and histo-morphological features in the termite Odontotermes formosanus through nanoemulsion treatment

A biotechnological technique that involves creating novel pesticides is the nanotechnology of natural compounds, like essential oils. With a lower threat to the environment and public health, these rational approaches provide a more sustainable choice. The present work sought to create novel nanoemulsions of ginger essential oil (G-EO) (Zingiber officinale) and basil essential oil (B-EO) (Ocimum basilicum) to control Odontotermes formosanus (O. formosanus). Stabilization of the ginger nano-emulsion (G-NE) and basil nano-emulsion (B-NE) was assessed by dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential (ZP), and PH measurement, and the characterization was verified by transmission electron microscopy, UV-Vis, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, a chemical investigation utilizing gas chromatography and mass spectrometers revealed the main components of B-NE, B-EO, G-NE, and G-EO. In addition to assessing the essential oil's termiticidal abilities against O. formosanus in bulk and nanoemulsion formulations. When G-NE and G-EO were both at 17.5 mg/mL, the mortality rates were 100% and 42.87%, respectively. B-EO appeared to have a 45.33% death rate, while B-NE displayed a 100% mortality rate at a dose of 0.273 mg/mL. According to the termiticide appraisal, nanoemulsions have a greater effect on suppressing O. formosanus than essential oils. Additional research was conducted on the impact of G-NE and B-NE on the level of total protein, detoxification enzymes (carboxylesterase, acid, alkaline phosphatase, and acetylcholinesterase), and antioxidant enzyme (peroxidase). It was found that there was a significant change in biochemical activities when compared to the control. Additionally, changes in morphology and histology were seen after exposure to G-NE and B-NE. Moreover, when contrasted to the untreated group, the current study's analysis of the fungal community after exposure to B-NE revealed a high degree of diversity. This work stressed the potential of G-NE and B-NE as natural plant-derived termiticides and suggested a novel technique for sustainability and environmental friendliness in controlling O. formosanus.

Technical and economic assessment of hydrogen-based electricity generation from PV sources in tertiary buildings: a case study of a hospital building in Algeria.

The largest anthropogenic source of carbon dioxide emissions is the global energy system, which means transforming the global energy system is one of the most significant ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change. Buildings play a critical role in our transition to a lower-carbon future, accounting for approximately 47% of global energy consumption and about 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Renewable hydrogen represents one of the most environmentally friendly options for energy generation. This study presents an energetic, economic, and environmental impact of a self-sufficient system for energy production from renewable energy sources in buildings. To achieve this objective, a hydrogen-based generation system was selected to meet all the electrical requirements of tertiary building in Algeria throughout the year. The results indicate that the hybrid renewable energy system can avoid the emission of approximately 1056 tons of carbon dioxide per year. Furthermore, the payback period is 7years. These results clearly demonstrate that the integration of hydrogen energy in buildings is the optimal choice for environmental sustainability.

Immersive visualization in infrastructure planning: Enhancing long-term resilience and sustainability

Infrastructure decisions today significantly impact future generations' quality of life, especially as severe storms and rising sea levels increasingly threaten communities across the United States. Decision-makers at all levels, including those involved in disaster prevention and response, must address climate change. However, those in infrastructure design and construction often prioritize immediate gains over long-term resilience. Engineering teams typically employ decision tools to manage complexity, but these methods may not highlight the long-term consequences of their choices. This study tests whether integrating Virtual Reality (VR) technology with engineering decision-making tools, can enhance engineers’ ability to visualize the future impacts of their infrastructure projects. A group of engineering students (n = 56) was given a case study on updating roadwork systems in Norfolk, Virginia, an area vulnerable to flooding. The control group viewed images depicting current and future conditions of sea-level rise (year 2100), while the intervention group experienced the same information but through an immersive VR scenario. Participants selected achievement levels for each credit using the Envision system, with total points reflecting the resilience and sustainability of decisions. The results indicate that participants who engaged with the VR experience, achieved higher scores than those who received the images. The results also indicate a variation in VR's impact based on political affiliation, with Democrats responding more positively to the VR experience than Republicans. The findings highlight that integrating VR into decision-making tools can be a crucial advancement in infrastructure planning, enabling engineers to make more informed, sustainable choices for a resilient future.

언어 네트워크를 활용한 가정과 교육과정 비교 분석: 2015 및 2022 개정 교육과정을 중심으로

This study aims to compare the 2015 and 2022 home economics education curricula using a language network analysis, examining changes in core keywords and major topics between these two periods. Keywords from middle and high school home economics curriculum documents of both periods were used to construct language networks, analyzed using centrality measures and topic modeling. The results follow. First, the core keywords of the middle school 2015 revised home economics curriculum were ‘family’, ‘health’, ‘problem’, and ‘solution’, and the core keywords of the 2022 revised home economics curriculum were ‘life’, ‘choice’, ‘environment’, ‘routine’, and ‘change’. In addition, a comparison of six topics extracted by both periods revealed that the 2015 revised curriculum dealt with the contents related to ‘family’ and subject competency (practical problem-solving ability) as core elements, while the 2022 revised curriculum emphasized changes in living environment, daily life, and sustainable choices. Secondly, the core keywords of the high school 2015 revised home economics curriculum were ‘family’, ‘life’, ‘safety’, and ‘problem’, and the core keywords of the 2022 revised home economics curriculum were ‘living’, ‘family’, ‘culture’, ‘life’, and ‘welfare’. An examination of the five topics extracted by both periods confirmed that the emphasis on ‘family’ and ‘safety’ decreased and the influence of content related to life culture, digital environment, and life welfare increased in the 2022 revised curriculum. This study is essential in providing foundational data for developing the next curriculum and offers insights into subject competency, teaching and learning methods, and evaluation.

Low-carbon information quality dimensions and random forest algorithm evaluation model in digital marketing

The growing urgency for low-carbon lifestyles necessitates developing effective strategies to promote sustainable consumer choices. This study investigates key dimensions of information quality that shape consumer behavior within digital marketing to achieve this goal. Employing a mixed-methods approach that integrates grounded theory and machine learning, this study identifies three core dimensions of low-carbon information quality: matching quality, presentation quality, and interpretability quality. These dimensions underscore the importance of aligning information with consumer needs, ensuring clear and accurate presentation, and fostering transparency for trustworthiness. A Random Forest algorithm-based evaluation model is constructed to assess low-carbon information quality, demonstrating its effectiveness in identifying high-quality, sustainable content. This research provides a practical tool for digital marketers to enhance their strategies, raise consumer awareness of sustainable options, and ultimately contribute to the growth of the low-carbon consumption market.

After the storm: Environmental tragedy and sustainable mobility

Due to mounting environmental challenges, communities are increasingly prioritising resilience and sustainability. Environmental disasters can be seen as windows of opportunity for collective action, influencing pro-environmental attitudes and engagement. While personal experiences of catastrophe can increase environmental awareness, they can also affect social capital, impacting relationships with peers and institutions. Within this context, a post-disaster community might be encouraged to put more efforts in the local urban sustainable transformation to reduce the impact of climate-change related event. To this end, individuals' daily micro-mobility choices may offer insight into community engagement with sustainability initiatives, given the link between modes of transportation and long-term urban pollution. Through a survey of Italian citizens, we explored how disaster experiences shaped attitudes towards sustainable modes of mobility, as well as changes in individual and social factors. The analysis employed a structural equation model based on an extended version of the theory of planned behaviour. The results revealed that disaster experiences tended to heighten awareness of climate change risk while also reducing social interaction, thereby affecting pro-environmental behaviour. Trust in local government was not permanently affected, highlighting the difficulty in identifying the direct impacts of environmental disaster experiences on pro-environmental actions. Sustainable consumption choices and pro-environmental attitudes may be influenced by social and psychological factors, including personal experiences, personal well-being and civic engagement.

Beyond information: The power of personalized nudges in promoting vegetable purchases

This study explores the impact of providing general health-related information and personalized nudges aimed at modifying cognitive biases on enhancing vegetable purchases and consumption. We conducted a four-month natural field experiment and analyzed daily purchase records of 942 households using receipt scanner data. While merely explaining the loss-framed health benefits of vegetables did not significantly alter the overall vegetable purchasing habits, we observed a notable decrease in meat purchases, attributing this to the indirect effects of vegetable information. Additionally, when the status of relative vegetable purchases amount was provided based on personal purchase histories, individuals who initially purchased more vegetables demonstrated an increased buying volume. This effect was more pronounced in households with children than in those without. The nudging interventions had long-term effects beyond the experiment’s duration, possibly driven by an altruistic concern for children’s health within the household. Therefore, while nudges alone are not a complete solution, their ability to effect long-term changes in household purchasing patterns suggests that they can be a valuable addition to policy tools promoting sustainable and healthy food choices, as well as traditional mass-targeted promotion strategies.

How emissions and distance do influence the choice of eco-tourists?

ABSTRACT Given the growing environmental impact of tourism, understanding how information influences tourists’ sustainable choices is essential. This study focuses on the relatively under-researched area of how information on carbon emissions and travel distance affects tourists’ environmentally friendly choices at destinations across various time intervals. Hypothetical dichotomous questions were employed in three online surveys with 991 participants. T-tests were used to compare the effects of carbon emissions and distance information over eight, five, three, and one-hour intervals. The results indicate that both carbon emissions and distance information positively influence preferences for environmentally friendly behaviour. Additionally, more available time can lead to less environmentally friendly choices. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and tourism stakeholders aiming to foster sustainable practices in the industry.