Sustainable living and buying eco-friendly products are the rage of the day because of the many benefits that come with it. The biggest and the most obvious impact is the reduced negative impact on the environment. This is achieved by choosing products that are environmentally-sustainable, recycling and by reducing the carbon footprint.
However, being green is easier said than done. This is because it requires a heightened level of commitment and perseverance that is hard to sustain for every individual. Some resort to various techniques such as psychology therapy to keep the momentum going while others drop out slowly and steadily. This is partly because living a green way of life can interfere with family commitments, personal endeavors and even careers. Further, there can be constant problems and setbacks associated with supporting a cause and all this can force people to just drop out of their green goals.
In the light of this argument, the report released by scholars from the University of Michigan, University of Toronto and Rice University throws some insight into the psychological aspects of people who want to be green. The study showed that constant self-evaluation is the key to continue or fizzle out. When an individual constantly questions himself or herself about the impact of an action on the environment, he or she will either do more of it provided the results motivate them. If these individuals are unsure if they are really making an impact, then such self-doubts causes them to fizzle out. Other than self-doubt and evaluation, support from family and the society, career goals and the mind-set are also important determinants.
This insight is significant because it will help people and organizations to create a better plan of action for themselves. It gives them a chance to know when they are slipping and it will also motivate them to get back on track to living a green life.
Edited by Ryan Sartor