Hi all, It seems to be a constant challenge to remember reusable bags. Many people forget them at home or in their car on the way to the grocery store. If you’re aiming to help people reduce waste in this way, you might consider using prompts. Prompts are reminders for people to engage in a behavior when they are already predisposed to doing so. In other words, they may have the intention to act, but forget. When using prompts, remember that they need to be close in space and time to the target behavior. In the case of reusable bags, a good place to remind people would be in the parking lot.
Prompts that are close in space and time to the target behavior are not always visual. They can be auditory as well. When it comes to reusable bags, it may be worth having a sales clerk remind people at the point of sale in case someone has a few in their purse, knapsack, or other bag.
Finally, make sure that the prompts are specific. The phrase “Think globally, act locally”, for example, can be inspiring to some but there is no specific ask here. A phrase like “Turn off the lights!” right on a light switch is an example of a specific prompt. And yes, another specific prompt would be “remember your reusable bags!”
Prompts that are close in space and time to the target behavior are not always visual. They can be auditory as well. When it comes to reusable bags, it may be worth having a sales clerk remind people at the point of sale in case someone has a few in their purse, knapsack, or other bag.
Finally, make sure that the prompts are specific. The phrase “Think globally, act locally”, for example, can be inspiring to some but there is no specific ask here. A phrase like “Turn off the lights!” right on a light switch is an example of a specific prompt. And yes, another specific prompt would be “remember your reusable bags!”
