Affordances are perceived functional significances of things in our environment, which limits how we behave. Sometimes, a sustainable option may not be present. Affordances shape our view of the world and, subsequently, how we behave in it.
For example, we seek an object that allows us to dispose of our plastic packaging after its use. This affordance (or function) exists for many objects — a non-recycling bin, a recycling bin, or through the act of littering (in this case, the ground). However, recycling bins may not be as abundant as we would like. Our environment does not provide enough cues for us to practice recycling behaviour, leading to less frequent recycling behaviours. As a result, depending on what is available around us, we might instead throw our plastic packaging in non-recyclable bins or litter them on the ground (if there aren’t any bins).
Over time, these affordances shape how we behave and how we impact our environment.
Besides psychological causes, our low recycling rates may be a reason behind the high plastic packaging waste phenomenon.
Next: Low Recycling Rates