Summary of paper describing self reported recycling behavior of first and second generation South Asians in Canada

1.
Differences in self reported recycling behavior of first and
second generation South Asians in Ontario, Canada
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921344914002675
By: Dr. Calvin Lakhan
http://wastewiki.info.yorku.ca/
lakhanc@yorku.ca

2. Overview
• Study examined differences in self reported recycling
behavior between first and second generation South
Asians
• 341 survey participants in 7 communities
• Study focused on:
• Identifying differences in recycling attitudes/behaviors
• How do past recycling experiences affect current
recycling behavior?

3. Methods
• Surveys and semi structured interviews conducted in 7
municipalities in Southern Ontario
• Survey organized into four main ares:
• 1) Attitudes towards recycling
• 2) Self reporting recycling behavior
• 3) Past recycling experiences
• 4) Demographic Information

4. Results
• Significant differences in self reported recycling behavior when
comparing first and second generation immigrants
• First generation immigrants do not readily recognize the importance
of recycling, or understand promotion and education materials
• Past recycling participation is a significant predictor of recycling
behavior among ethnic minorities

5. Conclusions
• Municipalities need to develop alternative methods of
recycling engagement to encourage recycling
participation among first generation South Asian
recyclers
• Second generation ethnic minorities report much higher
levels of environmental concern and willingness to
participate in recycling initiatives

6. Conclusions
• Municipalities need to develop alternative methods of
recycling engagement to encourage recycling
participation among first generation South Asian
recyclers
• Second generation ethnic minorities report much higher
levels of environmental concern and willingness to
participate in recycling initiatives