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Zhu X, Hoffman MJ, Rochman CM. A City-Wide Emissions Inventory of Plastic Pollution. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38301607 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c04348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
A global agreement on plastic should have quantitative reduction targets for the emissions of plastic pollution and regular measurements to track success. Here, we present a framework for measuring plastic emissions, akin to greenhouse gas emissions, and demonstrate its utility by calculating a baseline measurement for the City of Toronto in Ontario, Canada. We identify relevant sources of plastic pollution in the city, calculate emissions for each source by multiplying activity data by emission factors for each source, and sum the emissions to obtain the total annual emissions of plastic pollution generated. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we estimate that 3,531 to 3,852 tonnes (T) of plastic pollution were emitted from Toronto in 2020. Littering is the largest source overall (3,099 T), and artificial turf is the largest source of microplastic (237 T). Quantifying source emissions can inform the most effective mitigation strategies to achieve reduction targets. We recommend this framework be scaled up and replicated in cities, states, provinces, and countries around the world to inform global reduction targets and measure progress toward reducing plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Zhu
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Scarborough, Ontario M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Matthew J Hoffman
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Rochester Institute of Technology, 85 Lomb Memorial Dr., Rochester, New York 14623, United States
| | - Chelsea M Rochman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Willcocks St, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3B2, Canada
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Gelino BW, Erath TG, Reed DD. Going Green: A Systematic Review of Proenvironmental Empirical Research in Behavior Analysis. BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL ISSUES 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s42822-020-00043-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Szczucinski D, Gelino BW, Cintron CJ, Becirevic A, Reed DD. Increasing Appropriate Composting in High-Traffic University Settings. Behav Anal Pract 2020; 13:22-28. [PMID: 32231964 DOI: 10.1007/s40617-019-00358-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Composting systems are poised to make a significant impact on waste-management strategies and greatly contribute to global sustainability efforts. However, risk of contamination by potentially detrimental compounds must be overcome before these systems can be widely adopted. Behavior analytic approaches to waste disposal adherence have consisted of antecedent and consequence strategies; many such strategies require continual oversight and significant investment of resources to maintain effectiveness. This project describes a field study that investigated a purely antecedent-based approach to nudge proper organic recycling on a university campus. Using a multiple-baseline design across dining sites, we demonstrate the efficacy of enhanced compost bins (i.e., green colored bins with a hinged door and an accompanying placard indicating site-specific materials that can and cannot be composted) to reduce product contamination by inorganic or unsuitable organic refuse. Implications for future research and suggestions for university implementation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Szczucinski
- University of Kansas, 4048 Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045 USA
| | - Brett W Gelino
- University of Kansas, 4048 Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045 USA
| | - Christopher J Cintron
- University of Kansas, 4048 Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045 USA
| | - Amel Becirevic
- University of Kansas, 4048 Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045 USA
| | - Derek D Reed
- University of Kansas, 4048 Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045 USA
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Relationship Among Behavior Theory, Experimental Research, and Behavior Modification Techniques. PSYCHOLOGICAL RECORD 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/bf03394459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Abstract
Behavioral models of community intervention are becoming increasingly prominent, but the application of behavior change procedures in community settings raises a number of practical and ethical problems. Basic impediments to program implementation are discussed and ameliorative recommendations are made. An emphasis is placed on broad assessment involving all elements of the community throughout program planning and conduct. Approaches to ethical issues in community behavior change are reviewed, and it is suggested that these ethical issues can only be adequately confronted by developing interventions designed to develop increasingly competent communities, skilled at assessing and modifying their own problem situations.
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Meyers AW, Artz LM, Craighead WE. The effects of instructions, incentive, and feedback on a community problem: dormitory noise. J Appl Behav Anal 2010; 9:445-57. [PMID: 16795531 PMCID: PMC1312022 DOI: 10.1901/jaba.1976.9-445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
A reinforcement system utilizing instructions, modelling, feedback, and group reinforcement was employed in an attempt to reduce disruptive noise on three university residence halls. A fourth hall received the same treatment program without the reinforcement component. Noise scores were determined by recording the number of discrete noise occurrences over a criterion decibel level. On all four residential floors, noise scores during treatment conditions were lower than initial and final baseline levels. Additionally, periods of noise reduction corresponded to the changing criterion multiple-baseline and reversal designs utilized. Pre- and posttreatment questionnaire responses from the three reinforcement floors paralleled changes in objective noise data. At posttreatment, residents reported less noise disturbance of study and sleep and more control over the noise situation and floor problems in general. These results indicated that a comprehensive behavior-modification treatment package was effective in reducing disruptive noise in university residence halls. Difficulties in data collection and anomalies in the data are discussed. Future directions for field-based behavior-modification research are outlined.
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Palmer MH, Lloyd ME, Lloyd KE. An experimental analysis of electricity conservation procedures. J Appl Behav Anal 2010; 10:665-71. [PMID: 16795572 PMCID: PMC1311244 DOI: 10.1901/jaba.1977.10-665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Daily electricity consumption of four families was recorded for 106 days. A reversal design, consisting of various experimental conditions interspersed between repeated baseline conditions, was used. During experimental conditions, daily prompts (written conservation slogans attached to front doors) and/or daily feedback (daily kilowatts consumed and daily cost information) were in effect. Maximum consumption occurred during the initial baseline; minimum consumption occurred during different experimental conditions for different families. The mean decrease from the maximum to the minimum for all families was 35%. Reversals in consumption were demonstrated in three families, although successive baselines tended to decrease. No clear differences in effectiveness between prompting and feedback conditions were apparent. The procedures used resulted in considerable dollar savings for the families.
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Meyers H, Nathan PE, Kopel SA. Effects of a token reinforcement system on journal reshelving. J Appl Behav Anal 2010; 10:213-8. [PMID: 16795550 PMCID: PMC1311172 DOI: 10.1901/jaba.1977.10-213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A token reinforcement program involving two levels of token value and backup reinforcers to increase journal reshelving behavior in a large university library was experimentally evaluated. Results showed that instructions (in which signs asked users to reshelve journals) had no impact. By contrast, token reinforcement contingent on reshelving behavior led to a marked increase in journals reshelved. A return to instructions-only conditions, when data were corrected for library usage, showed an increase in unreshelved journals over the token reinforcement period, though the increase was not to baseline levels. For the next 11 months, library staff maintained a modified token program. Follow-up data collected after that interval showed that number of unreshelved journals remained markedly lower than levels at baseline and the first instructions-only period, though they were slightly higher than at the token reinforcement period. Token reinforcement of the variety employed in this study constitutes an efficient, economical means of changing the behavior of library users who fail to reshelve books and journals.
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Briscoe RV, Hoffman DB, Bailey JS. Behavioral community psychology: training a community board to problem solve. J Appl Behav Anal 2010; 8:157-68. [PMID: 16795491 PMCID: PMC1311834 DOI: 10.1901/jaba.1975.8-157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This study demonstrated the effect of training nine lower socio-economic adults participating as policy board members in a federally funded rural community project to make behaviorally defined statements to increase problem-solving behaviors in board meetings. A multiple-baseline design across subjects and skills was used to analyze the behavioral categories of: (1) stating the problem; (2) finding solutions to the problem, and (3) implementing the action to the solution. Problem-solving responses during board meetings increased for subjects following training and remained higher than baseline during follow-up.
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Seaver WB, Patterson AH. Decreasing fuel-oil consumption through feedback and social commendation. J Appl Behav Anal 2010; 9:147-52. [PMID: 16795518 PMCID: PMC1311919 DOI: 10.1901/jaba.1976.9-147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The energy crisis of the winter of 1973-74 led to severe shortages of fuel oil for home heating and a government request for voluntary conservation by the oil consumer. This experiment tested two methods of facilitating fuel-oil conservation. Home fuel-oil consumers were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups: feedback of information on rate of oil use, feedback plus commendation for reduced consumption, or a no-treatment control. The consumption rate for the feedback plus commendation group was significantly lower than that of either the informational feedback group or the control group. The informational feedback group did not differ from the control group. The results suggest that feedback alone may not result in oil conservation, but that feedback combined with commendation can produce socially significant savings.
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McNees MP, Egli DS, Marshall RS, Schnelle JF, Risley TR. Shoplifting prevention: providing information through signs. J Appl Behav Anal 2010; 9:399-405. [PMID: 16795530 PMCID: PMC1312021 DOI: 10.1901/jaba.1976.9-399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Shoplifting is one of the most frequent crimes in the United States, yet there is no agreement about effective prevention procedures. Since most prevention strategies are aimed at either increasing public awareness of the severity of the consequences or increasing the threat of detection, procedures that contain these elements were evaluated. Posting signs around a department of a department store pointing out that shoplifting is a crime, etc., partially reduced shoplifting rates. When merchandise that was frequently taken was identified by signs and stars, shoplifting decreased to near zero. Publicity campaigns to inform the public of consequences for shoplifting may produce desirable results, but identifying likely shoplifting targets, which may increase the likelihood of detection, effectively reduces shoplifting rates.
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On Global Warming and Local Indifference: Behavioral Analysis of What Persons Can Do About Their Own Near Environment. BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL ISSUES 2010. [DOI: 10.5210/bsi.v19i0.3223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Biglan A. Selection by consequences: one unifying principle for a transdisciplinary science of prevention. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2004; 4:213-32. [PMID: 14598995 DOI: 10.1023/a:1026064014562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The principle of selection by consequences is critical to the analysis of a broad range of phenomena in the biological and behavioral sciences from the evolution of species to the selection of cultural practices. This paper reviews the role of that principle in diverse areas of the biobehavioral sciences and discusses how it can provide one dimension along which the diverse disciplines relevant to the prevention of problems of human behavior can be integrated. Such integration should improve the ability of prevention science to reduce the incidence and prevalence of human behavior problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Biglan
- Oregon Research Institute, 1715 Franklin Blvd., Eugene, Oregon 97403-1983, USA.
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Reiter SM, Samuel W. Littering as a Function of Prior Litter and The Presence or Absence of Prohibitive Signs1. JOURNAL OF APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 1980. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1559-1816.1980.tb00692.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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17
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O'Neill GW, Blanck LS, Joyner MA. The use of stimulus control over littering in a natural setting. J Appl Behav Anal 1980; 13:379-81. [PMID: 7380760 PMCID: PMC1308140 DOI: 10.1901/jaba.1980.13-379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
A conventional litter receptacle (55-gallon drum) and a specially designated receptacle consisting of a 55-gallon drum adorned with a plywood "har" were alternated in two areas of a football stadium over a period of four games. A frequency count of several types of litter articles showed that more than twice as many items were deposited within the experimental container than the conventional one (an average of 52.5 and 21.5 items per game, respectively). The weight of litter deposited within each container showed a similar relationship. An average of 0.65 kg of litter per game were deposited within the conventional receptacle compared with an average of 1.3 kg per game for the experimental receptacle.
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Experiments on Deviance with Special Reference to Dishonesty. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 1979. [DOI: 10.1016/s0065-2601(08)60263-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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Taylor MJ, Kratochwill TR. Modification of preschool children's bathroom behaviors by contigent teacher attention. J Sch Psychol 1978. [DOI: 10.1016/0022-4405(78)90024-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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20
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Behavior Modification in Community Settings. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1977. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-535604-6.50009-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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Extensions of Reinforcement Techniques to Socially and Environmentally Relevant Behaviors. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1977. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-535604-6.50008-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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22
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23
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Historical Perspectives in Behavior Modification: Introductory Comments. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1975. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-535601-5.50008-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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24
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Recent Advances in Token Economy Research. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1975. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-535601-5.50013-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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