"This is public health: recycling counts!" Description of a pilot health communications campaign

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2009 Dec;6(12):2980-91. doi: 10.3390/ijerph6122980. Epub 2009 Nov 30.

Abstract

This paper describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of a pilot recycling campaign. The goal of the campaign was to increase people's awareness and knowledge about recycling and the link between a healthy environment and the public's health. A total of 258 individuals attended campaign week events and completed an initial survey. Results identified inconvenience of recycling facility locations as a key barrier to recycling. Post-campaign survey results revealed increased recycling of paper, plastic, glass, and cans (p < 0.05). The majority of participants "agreed" or "strongly agreed" that as a result of campaign messages they had greater awareness about recycling (88.4%) and their recycling efforts increased (61.6%).

Keywords: environment; health communication; public health; recycling.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Awareness*
  • Data Collection
  • Environmental Pollution / prevention & control*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Health Promotion*
  • Humans
  • Pilot Projects
  • Program Development
  • Program Evaluation*
  • Public Health Practice
  • Public Health*
  • Recycling*
  • Refuse Disposal
  • Social Marketing*