Hi all, I’ve got an example for you of a high-quality littering prevention campaign in California. Action Research partnered with the Orange County Stormwater Program (h20c.org) to decrease the amount of trash that ended up in nearby creeks, rivers, and the ocean. Their research found that littering was a primary source of waste pollution and that focusing their efforts on youth and skateparks could make a positive difference. They then created a behavior change campaign encouraging youth at skateparks to protect Orange County’s waterways by keeping the skateparks trash-free. This littering prevention campaign applied CBSM strategies such as strategic reminders (i.e. prompts) to properly dispose of trash, as well as social norms and the distribution of stickers with campaign messaging that highlighted personal commitment. The campaign organizers also communicated in person with event booths and fabulous (and I really mean fabulous!) campaign materials that were designed to be relevant to the target audience/priority group.
What was the impact? The combination of CBSM strategies including the face-to-face nature of the organizers’ approach resonated with youth, causing littering to decrease by 57%. The campaign was so successful that it won the 2022 CASQA Award for Outstanding Public Outreach/Engagement Program. Action Research now regularly hosts Tricks to Trashcans events at skateparks throughout Orange County, and skaters in the region continue to avoid littering, keeping the County’s waterways clean. To view more Tricks to Trashcans campaign materials, click here.
What was the impact? The combination of CBSM strategies including the face-to-face nature of the organizers’ approach resonated with youth, causing littering to decrease by 57%. The campaign was so successful that it won the 2022 CASQA Award for Outstanding Public Outreach/Engagement Program. Action Research now regularly hosts Tricks to Trashcans events at skateparks throughout Orange County, and skaters in the region continue to avoid littering, keeping the County’s waterways clean. To view more Tricks to Trashcans campaign materials, click here.
