Choose to reuse: Predictors of using a reusable hot drink cup
Elizaveta Novoradovskaya, Barbara Mullan, Penelope Hasking
Abstract
Abstract Sustainable behaviours are important for the future of the planet. Exploring the psychological predictors of those behaviours can assist in developing efficient and cost‐effective interventions for people to acquire and maintain them. We explored potential predictors of using a reusable hot drink cup. Students and staff ( n = 270) from a number of Australian universities answered questions addressing their past behaviour, intention to use a reusable cup, habit automaticity, intolerance of uncertainty, need for structure, conscientiousness and environmental values. One week later, participants retrospectively reported use of their reusable cup over the previous week. Results demonstrated that past behaviour and strength of environmental values significantly predicted the use of the cup. A trend was found for people unable to withstand uncertainty, where stronger habits were associated with greater use of the cup. These results can contribute to development of evidence‐based behaviour change interventions.