Human Influences on the Environment Essay

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Human Behavior and the Environment

Environmental psychology makes an attempt to discover and understand the manner in which human behavior influences the environment both positively and negatively (De Young, 2013). The purpose of this paper will be to gain insight on how the environment is affected by human behavior. The focus will be to elucidate the manner in which environmental cues influence behavior, as well as to assess the manner in which behavior can be transformed to nurture sustainability, and how this can ultimately decrease adverse effects on the environment. The paper will also discuss the manner in which social norms have an impact on behavior and beliefs about the environment. Thereafter a number of solutions that could positively alter behavior and practices so as to decrease adverse environmental impact will be provided.

Environmental Cues and how they shape Human Behavior

In accordance with Steg (2013), environmental cues can be described as components in the environment that communicate significant information or instigate an emotional response. Cues are deemed to be an imperative aspect of the manner in which the environment impacts behavior because they stir people to action in association with the environment. Thus, environmental cues tend to shape the manner in which human beings behave.

An appropriate example of an environmental cue and how it shapes human behavior might be dietary decisions. A study undertaken by Prinsen et al. (2013) examined how environmental cues directed individual's dietary decisions made in reaction to food enticements and cravings. For instance, individuals would pick an unhealthy food in an environment where such people have opted for that kind of dietary decision -- such as a quick-serve gas station, where no 'healthy food choices' might be available. Alternatively, if an individual observes others ordering salads, they might also choose to order a salad. Environmental cues can impact human behavior and decisions such that an individual might choose to eat a healthy meal such as a salad because the individuals around have chosen such a meal. In general, environmental cues embolden and inspire people to behave a certain manner or take part in certain activities, contingent on how those around them react to those cues.

Modification of Behavior to Support Sustainability

In accordance with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), the term sustainability is centered on a basic standard, code, or understanding that everything we need to survive, and/or promotes our own welfare, is either directly and/or indirectly dependent on the natural environment (EPA, n.d.).

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The organization states that sustainability enables individuals and communities to make decisions that lead to, and/or enhance, the possibility of a prosperous future, using the three pillars of sustainability: economy, society, and environment. Ultimately, working towards a sustainable environment enhances situations under which human beings and nature can be together in existence and live in accord. They permit actions that satisfy the basic life-style, as well as social, economic, and psychological necessities of contemporary and forthcoming generations.

Operant conditioning is one aspect that can be employed in modification of human behavior to support sustainability. This is the alteration or transformation of behavior simply by managing and/or directing the outcomes. Modifying behavior through this means can decrease the adverse impact on the environment; this is because behavior is reinforced when it is backed by a reward; simultaneously, behavior is decreased when backed by a negative perceptions and/or punishment (Sullivan, 2009). For instance, throwing trash out in the open, or out of a moving vehicle, is a transgression of laws - resulting in fines if the individual is caught. Simultaneously, there are social 'norms' prohibiting throwing trash out into the open -- this is behavior that is not 'approved of'. Enforcement of laws and regulations creates modification of human behavior because individuals tend to evade punishments. However, a more interesting consideration is that the individual might be more likely to avoid such action because of perceived negative social impact -- one's friends would disapprove of throwing out trash. The same things can be said concerning picking wildflowers unlawfully, poaching of animals, cutting of trees, and burning of forests. These forms of conservation are beneficial not only to the environment but to human beings as well.

The Influence of Social Norms on Behavior and Beliefs

Social norms can be described as casual rules or regulations concerning social behavior. These are rules that govern social behavior, yet are not official or formal. These social norms are not only different between different cultures, but also they….....

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