What Behaviours to Choose?

Another installment about Effective MCR Conversations

"Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn't."

~ Erica Jong

We all have an idea in the back of our mind about what behaviours we want our friends, family, and neighbours to adopt. But first, it's important to find the most realistic option for them!

What would be most successful?

With this in mind, ask ourselves: How do we select behaviours that we target for a friend or neighbour to do?

Step One: Listen

Yes, it sounds too simple, but listening to our audience is sooo important! Consider them for who they are and what is realistic for them.

Step Two: Come up with one small ask

No... NOT two asks. Look for an ask that is:

1. Non-Divisible: It cannot be divided into multiple actions.
2. End-State: Will this action lead directly to the outcome, or will they have to do something else?
   
   For example, one small ask could be "program a programmable thermostat." (Not purchasing it and not installing it, but programming it.)
   Once they program the thermostat, we know that leads directly to less energy used

Step Three: Make sure your ask has...

1. High Impact: Something that will make the most difference.
2. High Probability: Something they are likely to do.
3. Low Penetration: Something that they are not already doing.

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Example: Use less single-use plastic bags

1. Well... just listen.
2. One small ask: Bring a reusable grocery bag into the store. (non-divisible and end-state)
3. Make sure your ask has:
• High Impact: Most single-use plastic bags are grocery bags. So yes, this works on grocery bags.
• High Probability: IF they bring reusable bags into the store, there is a high chance that they will use them. So, yes.
• Low Penetration: No, not many people are already doing it.

Alex V. is a recent graduate from The King’s University where she graduated with a BSc. in Environmental Studies and Biology, and a Certificate of Education and the Environment. She is enthusiastic about anything related to waste reduction and living sustainably and loves sharing her tips and tricks with the community around her.

More "Effective MCR Conversations"

Previous What are the Competing Behaviours?

MCR Success Stories in September, 2019

Future Waste Reduction Specialists
MCR Rebecca chatted with children about waste. She especially loved when the children took over the conversation about improved waste behaviour; this gave her the feeling that the future of the city will be great.




How to Compost in Castle Downs
MCRs Mildred, Angela and Natasha taught local residents how to start composting at home. This workshop was hosted by Councillor Jon Dziadyk.






Vermi-Composting Success
MCR Kit provided compost support to a family and assisted them to set up a worm bin to start vermi-composting.

Wasteless Movie Night 
MCR Christine T. hosted a movie night and a conversations about waste discussion panel for about 20 participants. They watched and talked about the movie WALL-E. MCRs Mila, Craig, Tony, Line, Alan and Margo helped organize the event and spoke during the panel discussion. Team effort!

Enjoy more time and less waste at Eco Stations this fall

The City's four Eco Stations will be open seven days a week from September 29 to November 9. Drop off items like yard waste and household hazardous waste, free of charge, daily from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Extended hours make it more convenient to divert waste from the landfill by using your local Eco Station.

Yard waste can be dropped off at an Eco Station for composting when these guidelines are followed:

• Yard waste (leaves, twigs, branches, fallen fruit, dead plants, grass) is loose or in a paper yard waste bag;
• Branches are no more than 4 feet long and 2 inches in diameter.

Items that can't be recycled or composted, such as some types of household hazardous waste, are disposed of properly to minimize the risk to people and the environment. For a full list of accepted items, please see here.

On November 10, Eco Stations will transition to regular winter hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Visit edmonton.ca/ecostations

Tell One Friend: Prepare Your Autumn Leaves

It's autumn. Tree leaves fall in brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red.  Before long, those leaves turn brown and get crunchy. Preparing leaves is an important step in home composting and reducing waste.

How to Prepare Autumn Leaves

• Mulch dried leaves on your lawn. Mow over the leaves once or twice to break them down. They are a great source of carbon for your lawn.
• Store leaves as 'browns' for your home compost. This is a smart way to have a stash of browns for next spring and summer
• Mulch dried leaves on your plant beds. Just pile them around plants. It's like free fertilizer for your soil.

Using leaves on your landscape means less waste picked up at the curb.

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Share Your Message Effectively

Try these tips to connect with friends, family, neighbours and co-workers. 

Model the Behaviour

Show friends and family how you prepare and use leaves.

Make it Normal

Post photos of your autumn leaves on social media.

Offer Timely Prompts

While a neighbour is cleaning their yard, ask them for their leaves and mention that they are valuable. Your enthusiasm shows how they might be losing a valuable resource of their own.

Give Positive Feedback

"Those mulched leaves on your lawn look natural. I'm excited to see your lawn next spring."

Visit edmonton.ca/composting

Previous Tell One Friend: Take Batteries out to the Eco Station