A towel less: social norms enhance pro-environmental behavior in hotels.
Previous research has shown that normative appeals to engage in environmentally friendly behavior were most effective when they were accompanied by a provincial norm (e.g., when norms matched individuals' immediate situational circumstances). Analyzing hotel guests' towel-use during their stay, the current study tests whether messages employing provincial norms were more effective in reducing towel-use than standard environmental messages. In line with previous findings, guests of two hotels used significantly fewer towels when provincial normative appeals--rather than standard environmental messages--were communicated. These findings corroborate to the body of research demonstrating the power of social norms on environmental behavior.
Gerhard
G
Reese
Kristina
K
Loew
Georges
G
Steffgen
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001512:Bedding and Linens; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000379:methods*; D004777:Environment; D006801:Humans; D012941:Social Responsibility; D012945:Social Values