- Humans often need encouragement and motivations to do the
things which would benefit society at large through sustainable
development. Nudges theory is a concept in behavioral science and
behavioral economics which urges for positive reinforcement and
incidental suggestions as for the way to impact decision making and
behavior of individuals and groups.
- A nudge influences an individual's particular choice or
behavior, by modifying the environment so that automatic cognitive
processes bring bout a change to favor the desired result. Nudges
are important as humans are not completely rational beings and
people will often do something that is not in their own
self-interest, even when they are conscious that their behavior is
not in their finest interest.
- For example -
Nudges theory was implemented by the UK through their scheme that
each home will be provided with two garbage bins, one for
recyclable material and another for regular waste. The recyclable
bin was the bigger one, hope to limit space for general taste to
increase recycling the waste garbage. This way encouraged
cleanliness and sustainable development.
how do we nudge people
to use their personal cup when they go to a coffee shop? -
Taking an example of a famous beverages shop called "Starbucks",
which gives $0.10 discount for customers who bring their own mugs
for coffee. Indirectly and psychologically this offer encourages
the customer to bring their own coffee mugs in order to get a
discount and for saving money. This decision is a positive action
towards waste reduction for both environment and expenditures of
the company on mugs.