Amid growing concerns of environmental issues, such as resource depletion and climate change, an understanding of college student altruistic and egocentric behavior can offer insight into approaches for change. Students of higher education may become the advocates for changing societal norms that can augment environmental problems. Therefore, knowledge of scholars’ environmental awareness and supporting activities could help understand the factors the influence pro-environmental behaviors. A wide range of information about individual behavior that impacts the environment was collected by surveying 100 University of Oklahoma students. Key findings include a relationship between percent of trash recycled by students and their classification, and student’s perception of local water safety is related to their opinion of local water taste. The information gathered from our sample population could be instrumental in improving environmental friendly programs and practices on campus by highlighting key determinants for specific actions.

Biography: Tanya S. Woody is graduating with special distinction in May 2017 with a B.S. in Environmental Sustainability and a Minor in Mathematics. Some of her current research focuses on the limitations of sustainable retrofits in historic districts. She will continue her academic studies in the Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability, pursuing a M.S in Geography with a focus on Geospatial Technologies. Some research interests include hydrologic science, climate science, and atmospheric science.

University Libraries Undergraduate Research Award