When making a push for any kind of change, it’s natural to seek celebrity endorsements, but research released yesterday by the campaign Climate Week shows that it’s those closest to us, our friends, family, and partners, who most influence the way we view carbon emissions and sustainable living.
Tom Juniper of the UK Guardian’s Green Living Blog reports that the in the study, soccer stud David Beckham was rated as more likely to change environmental behavior than long-time environmental activist Leonard DiCaprio for the same reasons he influences other decisions: he’s a superstar with an international following. But what’s most interesting about the study—and perhaps most obvious—is that when it comes to really influencing environmental action, those closest to you are most likely to get your attention.
According to the study, 58 percent of people say their partners influence them the most. Of men, 69 percent say they are influenced by “nagging.” Forty one percent of us are swayed by the beliefs of our friends. More directly, if everyone you know is abandoning their car in favor of public transportation and car-share programs, it’s probable that you’ll start to questions your own carbon footprint and follow suit. If your partner scolds you for trashing food scraps rather than composting them, you’re likely to befriend the worm bin. If you’re shunned by your friends for accepting a plastic bag, you’ll probably consider toting around something reusable in the future.
What the study shows is that the ability to create systemic changes in the way we live will comes from individuals as much as from grassroots efforts, legislation, and regulations to curb carbon emissions. So, do the right thing and know that you’re being watched!
