Decades of public messages about recycling in the US have crowded out more sustainable ways to manage waste

New research shows that Americans may have absorbed public messaging about the importance of recycling too well.

Shahzeen Attari, Associate Professor of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University • conversation
July 24, 2023 ~10 min

Just in time for back-to-school shopping: How retailers can alter customer behavior to encourage more sustainable returns

Returns cost companies billions of dollars in lost sales. They also generate emissions and packaging waste. Two logistics experts offer some tips from psychology for more sustainable returns.

Robert Overstreet, Assistant Professor of Supply Chain Management, Iowa State University • conversation
July 19, 2023 ~9 min


The allure of the ad-lib: New research identifies why people prefer spontaneity in entertainment

Audiences love improvised, off-the-cuff entertainment, and new research suggests it’s because spontaneity seems to offer a glimpse of the performer’s authentic self.

Katherine Du, Assistant Professor of Marketing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee • conversation
June 2, 2023 ~5 min

Driverless cars won't be good for the environment if they lead to more auto use

Studies show that when people can ride in a car without having to operate it, they increase their car use. That could increase traffic and pollution, unless government puts a price on car travel.

Scott Hardman, Professional Researcher, Plug-in Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Research Center, University of California, Davis • conversation
Jan. 28, 2022 ~10 min

Do you really need more petrol, or toilet paper? There are better ways to take control in a crisis

As continued panic buying will only perpetuate any fuel shortages, it’s important to think about what can be done to curb it.

Cathrine Jansson-Boyd, Reader in Consumer Psychology, Anglia Ruskin University • conversation
Oct. 1, 2021 ~5 min

Food and drink products with pro-environment 'ecolabels' are more appealing to shoppers – new research

We still don't know whether ecolabels are significantly better for the environment than alternatives.

Christina Potter, Health Behaviours Researcher, University of Oxford • conversation
March 26, 2021 ~5 min

Panic buying in the wake of COVID-19 underscores inequalities in South Africa

Most consumers in South Africa aren't able to fill up a trolley of groceries for their daily needs, let alone join the panic buying induced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

James Lappeman, Head of Projects, UCT Liberty Institute of Strategic Marketing, University of Cape Town • conversation
March 22, 2020 ~7 min

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