Understanding Environmentally Conscious Behaviour Through Environmental Identity

This paper argues that the strongly established connection between identity and consumer behaviour may not be necessarily applicable in examining environmentally conscious behaviour through an identity lens due to several other factors that may especially influence environmental identity formation; (1) the continuously evolving nature of environmental identity in the context of complexities (i.e., political debates, climate change science) of climate change; (2) the challenges of expressing inner connection with nature (i.e., instrumental value vs. intrinsic value); (3) the various cultural and symbolic meanings associated with environmentally conscious behaviour (i.e., functional benefits vs emotional benefits) and (4) different forms of behavioural practices (i.e., environmentally conscious behaviour vs. anti-consumption). Therefore, this paper recommends utilising insights and measurements unique to environmentally conscious behaviour as opposed to that of general consumer behaviour because the antecedents of the former, especially environmental identity projections can be multifaceted.

A Review on Mechanical Properties of Sustainable Concrete by using Rise husk ash and hydrated lime

Concrete is a commonly used construction material all over the globe. Environmentally conscious construction is essential in today’s society. By using the proper materials, we may achieve long-term construction. RHA is often used as a cementitious product replacement, and in such cases, we may mix RHA with hydrated lime. Many research has been conducted on RHA, and they all indicate that it outperforms other kinds of concrete. The importance of rice husk ash in construction and its applications are the subject of this essay. Many studies have been undertaken to identify appropriate replacements for cement in concrete mixes to reduce our over-reliance on cement as a component in concrete production owing to its contribution to CO2 emissions. This article examined the research on the usage of fly ash and rice husk ash as partial concrete replacements and the chemical composition of these materials, and their impact on concrete compressive strength. The mix was created using a logical approach in which solid components were set, and water and superplasticizer content were modified to get the best viscosity and flowability. Rice husk ash (RHA) is a rice milling byproduct. Its usage as a soil stabilizer provides an environmentally friendly alternative to ultimate disposal. Because RHA is not self-cementitious, a hydraulic binder, such as lime, must be added to create cement types to strengthen the soil. In sandy soils, studies on stabilization using RHA and lime mixtures were carried out. RHA of rice husk incineration in ordinary ovens with no temperature control and laboratory burning at regulated temperatures were utilized. In soil mixes with varying RHA and lime concentrations, cementitious compounds were found to develop. Soils treated with RHA and lime underwent unconfined compression strength testing. All RHA and lime concentrations and periods tested showed strength gains, and all materials created were changed rather than stabilized. The use of RHA to improve sandy soils offers environmental, social, and economic advantages as an alternative to ultimate disposal.

A Review on Mechanical Properties of Sustainable Concrete by using Rise husk ash and hydrated lime

Concrete is a commonly used construction material all over the globe. Environmentally conscious construction is essential in today's society. By using the proper materials, we may achieve long-term construction. RHA is often used as a cementitious product replacement, and in such cases, we may mix RHA with hydrated lime. Many research has been conducted on RHA, and they all indicate that it outperforms other kinds of concrete. The importance of rice husk ash in construction and its applications are the subject of this essay. Many studies have been undertaken to identify appropriate replacements for cement in concrete mixes to reduce our over-reliance on cement as a component in concrete production owing to its contribution to CO2 emissions. This article examined the research on the usage of fly ash and rice husk ash as partial concrete replacements and the chemical composition of these materials, and their impact on concrete compressive strength. The mix was created using a logical approach in which solid components were set, and water and superplasticizer content were modified to get the best viscosity and flowability. Rice husk ash (RHA) is a rice milling byproduct. Its usage as a soil stabilizer provides an environmentally friendly alternative to ultimate disposal. Because RHA is not self-cementitious, a hydraulic binder, such as lime, must be added to create cement types to strengthen the soil. In sandy soils, studies on stabilization using RHA and lime mixtures were carried out. RHA of rice husk incineration in ordinary ovens with no temperature control and laboratory burning at regulated temperatures were utilized. In soil mixes with varying RHA and lime concentrations, cementitious compounds were found to develop. Soils treated with RHA and lime underwent unconfined compression strength testing. All RHA and lime concentrations and periods tested showed strength gains, and all materials created were changed rather than stabilized. The use of RHA to improve sandy soils offers environmental, social, and economic advantages as an alternative to ultimate disposal

From the Discovery of Extremozymes to an Enzymatic Product: Roadmap Based on Their Applications

With the advent of the industrial revolution, the use of toxic compounds has grown exponentially, leading to a considerable pollution of the environment. Consequently, the development of more environmentally conscious technologies is an urgent need. Industrial biocatalysis appears as one potential solution, where a higher demand for more robust enzymes aims to replace toxic chemical catalysts. To date, most of the commercially available enzymes are of mesophilic origin, displaying optimal activity in narrow ranges of temperature and pH (i.e., between 20°C and 45°C, neutral pH), limiting their actual application under industrial reaction settings, where they usually underperform, requiring larger quantities to compensate loss of activity. In order to obtain novel biocatalysts better suited for industrial conditions, an efficient solution is to take advantage of nature by searching and discovering enzymes from extremophiles. These microorganisms and their macromolecules have already adapted to thrive in environments that present extreme physicochemical conditions. Hence, extremophilic enzymes stand out for showing higher activity, stability, and robustness than their mesophilic counterparts, being able to carry out reactions at nonstandard conditions. In this brief research report we describe three examples to illustrate a stepwise strategy for the development and production of commercial extremozymes, including a catalase from an Antarctic psychrotolerant microorganism, a laccase from a thermoalkaliphilic bacterium isolated from a hot spring and an amine-transaminase from a thermophilic bacterium isolated from a geothermal site in Antarctica. We will also explore some of their interesting biotechnological applications and comparisons with commercial enzymes.

New Methods for Testing/Determining the Environmental Exposure to Glyphosate in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Plants

Glyphosate is still the subject of much debate, as several studies report its effects on the environment. Sunflower (GK Milia CL) was set up as an experimental plant and treated with glyphosate concentrations of 500 ppm and 1000 ppm in two treatments. Glyphosate was found to be absorbed from the soil into the plant organism through the roots, which was also detectable in the leaf and root. Glyphosate was also significantly detected in the plant 5 weeks after treatment and in plants that did not receive glyphosate treatment directly, so it could be taken up through the soil. Based on the morphological results, treatment with higher concentrations (1000 ppm) of glyphosate increased the dried mass and resulted in shorter, thicker roots. Histological results also showed that basal and transporter tissue distortions were observed in the glyphosate-treated plants compared to the control group. Cells were distorted with increasing concentration, vacuoles formed, and the cell wall was weakened in both the leaf-treated and inter-row-treated groups. In the future, it will be worth exploring alternative agricultural technologies that can reduce the risk of glyphosate while increasing economic outcomes. This may make the use of glyphosate more environmentally conscious.

Helping ‘green dentistry’ grow in your practice

Susan Hudson considers how dentistry can be environmentally conscious

Community-Based Tourism Experiences in Nepal

This chapter presents a case study of community-based tourism (CBT) in Nepal. Based on the Nepalese experiences, this chapter demonstrates that the CBT approach not only helps to economically empower the local community, revitalize local culture, and enhance appreciation for the natural and cultural environment, but also ultimately helps to promote socially responsible and environmentally conscious sustainable tourism practices. Identifying policies and appropriate practices for the sustainable development of tourism is critical because of the recent crisis of COVID-19 that has almost paralyzed the entire travel and tourism industry. Furthermore, based on CBT approaches, the knowledge derived from the Nepalese experiences can be used in various developing countries that aim to develop sustainable tourism development models for the post-COVID-19 era.

Green Consumerism in Brunei Darussalam

The aim of this chapter is to analyze the relationship of the demographic and socio-psychological determinants on consumers' green purchase behaviours in Brunei Darussalam, with the application framework of the affect-behaviour-cognition (ABC) model. A total of 119 consumers from different backgrounds participated in this study, whereby 113 respondents participated in the online questionnaire, and the other six respondents were interviewed. It is discovered that consumers who are more environmentally conscious are not necessarily likely to purchase green products, but are actually involved in green behaviours. However, in the environmental aspects of awareness, concern, and knowledge, the other factors, monthly income and educational level, did not possess major significance. The product attributes such as price and availability of the green products played a significant role in consumer buying decisions which will lead to the value-action gap phenomenon. Moreover, this study discovered the government is needed to promote and encourage green purchase behaviours in Brunei Darussalam.

Assessing the Pro-environmental Behaviour Associated with Small-scale Sport Tourism Events

This study examined the pro-environmental behaviour that is associated with small-scale sporting events in the context of South Africa. To achieve this aim, the study employed a mixed-method research strategy, wherein face-to-face questionnaire surveys (n=316) were conducted with small-scale sporting event attendees. These were complemented by in-depth, semi-structured interviews with key informants who are involved in the organisation and management of such events (n=9). The key findings indicated that small-scale sport event attendees are environmentally conscious and practice pro-environmental behaviour at small-scale sport events to a large extent. However, the study observed certain nuances relating to behavioural differences at different events, with regards to environmental management. Moreover, there seemed to be a misalignment of environmental management from the event organisers and environmental behaviour by the attendees of small-scale sporting events, especially when looking into intended future behaviour at the events. The study advocates for a more comprehensive planning and management approach for small-scale events, particularly from the viewpoint of the organisers in order to promote responsible behaviour by attendees of the events going forward.

The effects of environmental consciousness and menu information on the perception of restaurant image

PurposeThis research examines the influence of consumer environmental consciousness and perception of menu information in the formation of restaurant image. The concepts of mindfulness and mindful consumption were used as the theoretical background for the study.Design/methodology/approachUsing a quasi-experimental setting, data were collected from restaurant consumers dining at an upscale casual restaurant in the southeastern United States over a four-week time. Structural equation modeling, multi-group analysis and mediation analysis were used to test the hypothesized relationships between research constructs.FindingsResults suggested that consumer environmental consciousness does not have a direct effect on the formation of restaurant image. However, consumer environmental consciousness influenced consumers' perception of menu information, and the perception of menu information consequently influences the restaurant image.Practical implicationsFoodservice industry increasingly interested in sustainability practices. Consumers want to know the connections between food and its impact on their health and the environment. Findings reveal that environmentally conscious consumers actively sought out menu information, and that once the information they were seeking was perceived, it significantly strengthened the perception of restaurant image.Originality/valueTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first research that investigated the environmental consciousness construct in a live restaurant context.