http://repository.ou.ac.lk/handle/94ousl/3430 2026-08-31T02:04:30Z 2026-08-31T02:04:30Z De Silva, K. Manoji http://repository.ou.ac.lk/handle/123456789/4158 2026-08-21T07:24:53Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Eco-driven community education for sustainable plastic use: Colombo case study De Silva, K. Manoji Plastic pollution represents a severe and escalating environmental and social challenge in urban areas such as Colombo, Sri Lanka, where rapid urbanization, population density, and inadequate waste management infrastructure contribute to high volumes of mismanaged plastic waste. This results in marine ecosystem degradation, soil contamination, microplastic infiltration into food chains, and disproportionate health and economic burdens on marginalized communities. This study assesses the effectiveness of community-based educational campaigns in fostering sustainable plastic consumption behaviors among urban households, employing a sociological framework to analyze behavior change through mechanisms like social learning, community cohesion, and cultural integration. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research encompassed pre- and post-intervention surveys of 150 households across two socioeconomically diverse neighborhoods Wellawatte (middle-income) and Mattakkuliya (low-income) supplemented by semi-structured interviews with 20 community leaders and residents. The intervention involved a four-week program featuring interactive workshops, localized social media campaigns in Sinhala and Tamil, and participatory clean-up drives, tailored to incorporate Sri Lankan cultural elements such as Buddhist principles of non-harm (ahimsa) and communal harmony to boost engagement and receptivity. Quantitative outcomes demonstrated a 25% overall reduction in single-use plastic consumption (from an average of 10 bags per week per household to 7.5), a 71% increase in reusable item adoption (from 35% to 60% of households), and an 83% rise in regular recycling participation (from 30% to 55%), alongside a 50% improvement in environmental awareness scores (from a mean of 2.8 to 4.2 on a 5-point Likert scale). Qualitative findings illuminated the pivotal role of peer modeling and collective efficacy in driving change, while underscoring persistent barriers including economic constraints, infrastructural deficiencies, and gender-based disparities in waste management responsibilities. Socioeconomic differences were pronounced, with middle-income areas achieving a 28% reduction compared to 22% in low-income zones, highlighting the moderating influence of resource access. The results affirm the potential of sociologically grounded interventions to advance circular economy principles such as reduce, reuse, and recycle and align with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and 13 (Climate Action). By providing empirical insights into scalable, community-led strategies, this Colombo case study contributes to global and regional discourses on mitigating plastic pollution, emphasizing the integration of social sciences in environmental policy and practice for long-term behavioral and systemic transformations.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Hettige, N. Dissanayake, M. P. http://repository.ou.ac.lk/handle/94ousl/3449 2025-09-24T06:17:26Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

The Missing Link in Sustainability: Cultivating Eco-Love as a Tool for Behaviour Change in Plastic Use Hettige, N.; Dissanayake, M. P.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Madhushani Dominicta, H. G Dissanayake, Malathee P http://repository.ou.ac.lk/handle/94ousl/3448 2026-08-16T04:44:44Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

A Theory Synthesis and Systematic Literature Review on Cognitive Biases in Climate Shaped Plastic Behaviors Madhushani Dominicta, H. G; Dissanayake, Malathee P This study presents a theory synthesis and systematic literature review exploring how climaterelated emotions particularly eco-anxiety and solastalgia interact with cognitive biases to perpetuate unsustainable plastic consumption, even in the face of increasing environmental awareness. Addressing a significant gap in sustainability science, the research investigates the psychological mechanisms behind this paradox and evaluates evidence-based intervention strategies. Methodologically, the study integrates a PRISMA-ScR guided systematic review of 94 peerreviewed studies published between 2010 and 2024 across psychological, environmental, and policy domains. Studies were selected based on strict inclusion criteria focusing on plastic behaviors, cognitive biases, and climate affect. In addition, a novel theory synthesis is conducted, combining dual-process theory, ecopsychology frameworks and behavioral economics to develop the model “Climate-Shaped Cognition Model (CSCM) of Plastic Behaviors”. Key findings reveal that eco-anxiety intensifies present bias (aggregate OR = 2.1 in 78% of studies), while moral licensing significantly increases after climate-related actions (3.2× stronger effects). Effective interventions identified include affect calibrated nudges, which result in an 18–34% reduction in plastic use, and temporal bridging tools, with an effect size of d = 0.57. The synthesis highlights a neurocognitive double bind, where climate emotions simultaneously heighten environmental concern and reinforce bias driven plastic behaviors. The proposed CSCM introduces three principles for intervention design: cognitive-affective alignment, dual-process engagement, and culturally contextualized implementation. This study offers the first comprehensive framework explaining how climate emotions shape cognitive barriers to plastic sustainability and provides actionable strategies for policymakers and behavior designers. It emphasizes the urgent need for standardized measures of plastic related climate distress and rigorous cross cultural evaluation of adapted interventions.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Samarasekara, P. M. V. http://repository.ou.ac.lk/handle/94ousl/3447 2026-08-21T07:10:49Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Promoting Pro-Environmental Behavior in Sri Lanka: A Literature-Based Conceptual Framework Integrating Psychology and Cultural Values Samarasekara, P. M. V. Plastic pollution and environmental degradation are urgent challenges in Sri Lanka, threatening health, biodiversity, and sustainability. While regulatory measures exist, community-level behavior change remains underexplored, especially when framed through Sri Lanka’s cultural values. This study develops a conceptual framework that integrates global psychological theories with local cultural traditions to promote pro-environmental behavior. A narrative literature review was conducted, drawing on peer-reviewed articles, policy reports, and cultural texts published between 2015 and 2025. Sources were selected for their relevance to environmental behavior, psychology, and Sri Lankan cultural practices, ensuring a balance between global and local perspectives. The framework highlights mediators such as attitudes, social norms, perceived behavioral control, ecoanxiety, and collective efficacy, anchored in religious ethics of compassion, stewardship, and interconnectedness. Practical illustrations include plastic reduction initiatives in temples, schools, and local councils. The framework offers pathways for empirical testing through surveys, pilot interventions, and community-based projects. Recommendations include culturally sensitive campaigns, youth-led initiatives, and community partnerships to strengthen collective responsibility for sustainability.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z