Page 25 - The Caribbean Examiner Vol 19 Issue 1 2020

THE CARIBBEAN EXAMINER

One of the recognized operationalization pathways for this approach is
Environmental understanding and promoting positive environmental behaviour. The positive Citizens can compost
waste, recycle and
environmental behaviour of individuals is increasingly recognized as a key
Behaviour contributor to the realization of improved environmental quality. Through carpool; but can
their roles as citizens, consumers, investors, educators and members of
environmental organizations, the environmentally-related choices individuals
make can significantly influence decisions of policymakers, corporations and also exert pressure
By Dr Samantha Chadee businesses, and even the attitudes of the general public. on businesses to
Assistant Professor, Environmental Studies, A systems approach to the analysis and promotion of environmental
The University of Trinidad and Tobago
behaviour is a requisite as the different spheres also intersect and influence upgrade and enforce
each other. For example, citizens can compost waste, recycle and carpool;
but can also exert pressure on businesses to upgrade and enforce their their environmental
environmental policies through abstention of certain products while policies through
purchasing more sustainable ones; awareness of bad practices and even
best practices can be raised by simply sharing credible information on social abstention of certain
media; and similarly, individuals and groups can utilize social media to lobby
Government for environmental change. products while
Efficacy in environmental management and ultimately realisation of purchasing more
sustainable development can only be achieved when there is greater
awareness and understanding that each individual has a critical role to play sustainable ones;
…this is our responsibility and this is our challenge.

PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

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