3. Predictors of Environmental Behaviour

In this study, we examine the relationships between 3 value orientations (egoistic, altruistic, and biospheric), environmental concern, and a set of 9 everyday environmental behaviours among a sample of 146 individuals living in Singapore. Specifically, we explore if greater environmental concerns and stronger biospheric value orientation predict environmental behaviours, and if so, which types of environmental behaviours give the best prediction. We find that some of the environmental behaviours (turning the TV off standby mode, purchasing products with less packaging, choosing to use public transport whenever possible, and choosing to walk or cycle for short journeys when possible) are predicted by the extent that individuals internalize a sense of responsibility for the potential impact that their actions might have on the environment. However, we find limited “spillover” from the conduct of one environmental behaviour to another. Nevertheless, we identify a group of environmental behaviours that were least conducted by individuals in our Singapore sample (purchasing products with less packaging and choosing to purchase products made of recycled paper whenever possible) that would be prone to be targeted in future interventions and initiatives.