Metro Vancouver is implementing new lawn watering restrictions and would like to provide effective reminders to residents.
Has anyone done a controlled test of the effectiveness of a fridge magnet vs. a hose bibb tag? Or any observational studies of watering behaviour?
We are moving to morning watering, three days a week. We are unsure if reminders are necessary, because if you miss a day another one is coming in two days. The days won't change, M-W-Sa or T-Th-Su.
So, do people need a reminder of days while they are still inside their house, or do they need a reminder when they are already outside, reaching for their hose? If they are reaching for their hose, will they be deterred by a reminder, or are they already psychologically committed to that behaviour?
So, if anybody has tested hose tags against magnets, that would be ideal, but magnets against other things may also be useful.
thank you,
Ruben.
Ruben Anderson
Communications Specialist
Metro Vancouver
Canada
Have you tested fridge magnets vs. hose tags (or anything comparable)?
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No, I have not, but this would be an opportunity for you to try both methods in a test area, observe the results, than then roll out the most effective to the full region (and post your results).
Much of the literature on persuasion would point to a combination of having the homeowner sign a pledge to only water on the assigned days, this is to work on his or her desire to be consistent. Next, a public reminder, like a small sign or posting indicating they only water on assigned days.
Lewis Johnson
FGCU
United States