Our Green Goals

05/09/2013

Harness Social Norms:

Using social networks, Our Green Goals will strengthen the idea that green behaviors are socially accepted — and expected.

Promoting green behaviors in a socially rich context can generate a positive feedback loop, furthering participant motivation and ownership of green commitments. Traditional environmental appeals often lead only to sporadic actions based on guilt or concern.

05/08/2013

Getting Started:

It's often the hardest part. Geared toward green behavior "novices," visitors are presented a straightforward and personalized approach toward adopting new behaviors.

By allowing choice and flexibility, participants maintain a sense of control over their commitments, promoting long-term durability.

04/30/2013

Evaluation:

Since the project operates electronically, it can reach many people for years at little added cost.

Participant trends can inform environmental community in helpful and specific ways, serving as a model and providing guidance for future efforts that address the behavioral aspects of climate change mitigation.

04/24/2013

Social Connections:

Join with a buddy; create or find teams. As personal behaviors are linked to existing social networks, going green becomes enjoyable and enduring.

Like quitting smoking or losing weight, social marketing tools can be employed to curb carbon-intensive habits.

Illustration courtesy of Daniel Tero, Leap In.

04/22/2013

Burn Calories Instead of Fossil Fuels:

Green Goals lead to more active, healthy lifestyles. Our program integrates Active Living, which encourages physical activity while relying less on carbon-intensive transport. Focus on individual benefits helps make sustainability personally relevant.

Using principles of Gamification, green behaviors can also be fun. Competition is motivational and enjoyable. Knowing one is making a difference leads to greater long-term adoption.

04/22/2013

A Green Behavior Road Map:

Green Goals provide the structure and empowerment to bridge the environmental concern and action gap.

Equipped with simple tools and literacy, participants will gain a sense of agency for integrating green behaviors into daily life. Participation can also lend credibility to the climate change consensus.

01/24/2013

Our Mission:
Our Green Goals is fighting climate change with social networking. Our team is developing an interactive online platform supporting green behavior commitments through social engagement and team competition.

The project empowers ordinary citizens, particularly those who are new to going green, to take effective, long-term action in pursuit of healthy, sustainable lifestyles.

01/23/2013

04/10/2012

Got 20 seconds? Help fund our project with your vote ~ Fight climate change with social networking: http://goo.gl/FYZ03

Fostering and supporting green behavior commitments through a comprehensive web-based platform. By combining social networking with environmental psychology research, a broad spectrum of the American public can "go green," promoting healthy people, communities, and the environment.