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Name
Michaela Barnett
Title
PhD Fellow of the Convergent Behavioral Science Initiative at the University of Virginia, University of Virginia
Bio
Michaela Barnett is a PhD Fellow of the Convergent Behavioral Science Initiative at the University of Virginia and a writing fellow at the Behavioral Scientist. She researches the role of human behavior in waste systems, with a focus on sustainable consumption and recycling. Her writing on sustainability has appeared in both popular and academic publications, including Appetite, Behavioral Scientist, and Alluvian.
Human Behavioral Aspects of Waste Systems
Human behavior is perhaps the most difficult component of any waste system to manage. It is complex, variable, hard to predict, and often stems from how people perceive waste systems. What are the perceptions people have about the waste and recycling system? In this talk, I will unpack some of the insights from my research examining the misperceptions consumers have about the recycling system, what they think are effective strategies to reduce waste, and the disconnect between how people think about waste generation and disposal. I'll also dive into my work studying whether or not recycling staff at higher education institutions (and likely staff at cities and counties) feel that they matter to their organizations - and the impact this has on waste diversion and recycling.
Participants will leave this talk with a better understanding of the role of human perceptions in the waste system, including how lay people perceive the recycling system and how institutions can empower and resource waste diversion staff.
Human Behavioral Aspects of Waste Systems
Human behavior is perhaps the most difficult component of any waste system to manage. It is complex, variable, hard to predict, and often stems from how people perceive waste systems. What are the perceptions people have about the waste and recycling system? In this talk, I will unpack some of the insights from my research examining the misperceptions consumers have about the recycling system, what they think are effective strategies to reduce waste, and the disconnect between how people think about waste generation and disposal. I'll also dive into my work studying whether or not recycling staff at higher education institutions (and likely staff at cities and counties) feel that they matter to their organizations - and the impact this has on waste diversion and recycling.
Participants will leave this talk with a better understanding of the role of human perceptions in the waste system, including how lay people perceive the recycling system and how institutions can empower and resource waste diversion staff.
