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Understanding urban-suburban adoption and maintenance of rain barrels
Highlights Economic cost and lack of knowledge are factors limiting practice adoption. Economic benefits are a more important motivator than environmental benefits for practice adoption. No significant difference exists between Full Maintainers and Partial Maintainers.
Abstract Stormwater best management practices (BMPs) can help local communities alleviate water runoff and reduce pollution in a cost-effective way. However, few researchers have examined the adoption of stormwater BMPs in urban-suburban communities. The purpose of this study was to explore the factors influencing adoption and maintenance of rain barrels, a commonly promoted urban-suburban BMP, in two watersheds in Indiana. The resulting analysis of quantitative survey data, qualitative interview data, and practice assessment field data indicated that: (1) People with more positive attitudes towards the environment and higher level of knowledge about practices are more likely to adopt practices; (2) Gardeners with the intention of reducing water use in their yard were the most prevalent adopters and should be targeted for future stormwater conservation practices; (3) Between 25% and 35% of practices were discontinued within five years of their adoption; and (4) Informational signage stating adopters’ commitment to practices and support for the environment is a potential strategy for fostering practice maintenance over time.
Understanding urban-suburban adoption and maintenance of rain barrels
Highlights Economic cost and lack of knowledge are factors limiting practice adoption. Economic benefits are a more important motivator than environmental benefits for practice adoption. No significant difference exists between Full Maintainers and Partial Maintainers.
Abstract Stormwater best management practices (BMPs) can help local communities alleviate water runoff and reduce pollution in a cost-effective way. However, few researchers have examined the adoption of stormwater BMPs in urban-suburban communities. The purpose of this study was to explore the factors influencing adoption and maintenance of rain barrels, a commonly promoted urban-suburban BMP, in two watersheds in Indiana. The resulting analysis of quantitative survey data, qualitative interview data, and practice assessment field data indicated that: (1) People with more positive attitudes towards the environment and higher level of knowledge about practices are more likely to adopt practices; (2) Gardeners with the intention of reducing water use in their yard were the most prevalent adopters and should be targeted for future stormwater conservation practices; (3) Between 25% and 35% of practices were discontinued within five years of their adoption; and (4) Informational signage stating adopters’ commitment to practices and support for the environment is a potential strategy for fostering practice maintenance over time.
Understanding urban-suburban adoption and maintenance of rain barrels
Gao, Yuling (author) / Babin, Nicholas (author) / Turner, Allison Jeanette (author) / Hoffa, Cheyenne Renee (author) / Peel, Sara (author) / Prokopy, Linda Stalker (author)
Landscape and Urban Planning ; 153 ; 99-110
2016-04-12
12 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
Understanding urban-suburban adoption and maintenance of rain barrels
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