Nudging student recycling behaviour: An experimental study in Kazakhstan and UK higher education
Lakshmi G. Nguyen K. Mazhikeyev A. Hack-Polay D. Anafiyayeva Z.
1 December 2022Elsevier Ltd
Journal of Cleaner Production
2022#377
We study the effects of influencing the recycling decisions of young people in the UK and Kazakhstan Universities using a public good experiment with an information nudge (through a video) and a peer effect nudge. Kazakhstan recycles approximately 15% of its municipal waste, compared to almost half in the UK; however, surprisingly, overall contributions are significantly higher from Kazakh students compared to those from UK students. An information video on recycling prompts Kazakh students to contribute more while no such effect is found with the UK students. This suggests that Kazakh students may perceive themselves to be more capable of recycling despite a less sophisticated recycling system compared to the UK. A strong peer effect is seen across both countries. The study highlights the importance of subjective norms through peer nudge and the likelihood of higher contributions from students with siblings. A wider implication is that emerging economies’ educational institutions may have latent positive environmental and recycling practices that developed nations could learn from. The study has implications for educational development as well as national recycling policy frameworks.
Altruism , Experiments , Nudge , Peer effect , Public good game , Recycling
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Lincoln International Business School, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN5 7AT, United Kingdom
Crandall University, Gorge Road, Moncton, Canada
Seifullin Agro Technical University, Zhenis Avenue, Astana, 62 010011, Kazakhstan
Lincoln International Business School
Crandall University
Seifullin Agro Technical University
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