31 Mar Personal Networks and Sustainability

At the (very fun) Texas Green Network event last week City of Austin Chief Sustainability Officer Lucia Athens told the crowd that that people don't make sustainable living decisions because they make sense, they save money or the are the right thing to do. They do them because their peers are doing them.

This is supported by this ScienceDaily.com article, "The choices an individual makes about environmental issues are affected by family, friends and others in a person's social network. Michigan State University scientists are studying how to harness the power of social networks to better communicate sustainability science. 'Instead of trying to communicate with thousands of people, we can be more effective by using the structure of social networks to spread information,'

says Thomas Dietz, MSU assistant vice president for environmental research and a sociologist. 'By communicating with the people who influence decisions in a network, we can have a dialogue with them and learn what is important to those groups. The influencers then spread the information to the rest of the network.'"

I knew we had crossed into mainstream a few years ago at when I attended a holiday party for a cancer-awareness organization and overheard this little cluster of women chatting approvingly about how they noticed the host used CFL lightbulbs. Today the water-cooler conversations are likely to include the fuel efficiency of vehicles they own or are considering for purchase.

I'm thrilled to be at the center of a network of conscious, early-adopter, green-minded folks who are influencing their social circles through their everyday actions (and sharing on Facebook, and such). The ripples are spreading green practices more effectively than any slick ad campaign.

The multiplier effects of networks – each one reaches several, who reach several, who reach several, etc. –  is a good way to change an entire culture…one that currently has a lot of bad habits (well at least unhealthy and consumptive).

People I've dated, in-laws, friends, co-workers and interns and many more have become diligent recyclers and healthier eaters who seek out local and organic foods and/or eat more vegetarian. More people in my circles carry a reusable water bottle, shun overpackaging and conscientious conservers of water and energy.

I encourage others by giving gifts of stainless steel water bottles, travel mugs, and even reusable/portable camping silverware sets to keep from having to use plastic disposible forks and such.

The Austin EcoNetwork is starting to grow and it's members are central to the spreading of healthy and sustainable practices.

What are some of your green personal practices that some of your peers are picking up on?