When we did our survey research for the Backyard Composting Project in the Township of Langley, BC, we found some surprising and interesting facts.
For instance, although 55% of the people surveyed reported that they used a kitchen sink disposal unit, there was no difference in the incidence of composting between those who used them and those who did not. Great news for backyard composting promotion! 
(http://www NULL.beyondattitude NULL.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/MG_3181-Edit NULL.jpg)
It turns out that 97% of people who compost also garden. In other words, it is a safe bet in the Township of Langley that if you are speaking with someone who composts, you are speaking to someone who gardens. However, the reverse is not true. Gardeners are not necessarily composters as only 1 in 4 gardeners compost. There is room for improvement here by creating a social norm of composting amongst gardeners. This could be very effective, as 85% of respondents described themselves as gardeners.
Another interesting finding was with respect to odours. Although concern about odours is often a barrier mentioned by people who do not compost, the survey found that not a single respondent who composted had experienced an odour problem. This is great information to have on hand in the CBSM strategy to break down the odour concern barrier when encouraging people to begin composting.
Finally, there was an interesting twist in the survey findings. It turns out that there is a significant rat population in parts of the Township of Langley. In fact, rats are unexpectedly prevalent in one beautiful area with lovely homes and beautiful gardens and landscaping. We originally saw this as a bit scary from a backyard composting promotion viewpoint, as fear of rats is often mentioned as a barrier to people composting. However, even though it is accepted that there are rats in the area, the survey indicated that only 3 people had ever seen a rat near their composter. Again, the survey provided information that could be used to demonstrate that their concern about attracting rats by backyard composting was unfounded.
Enough for today. Tomorrow I will share some findings from this survey which are very similar to other backyard composting CBSM work we have done in other communities, including one from over 15 years ago. It has to do with establishing social norms. It seems that in backyard composting, some things never change.
Backyard Composting Surprises 2
When we did our survey research for the Backyard Composting Project in the Township of Langley, BC, we found some surprising and interesting facts.
For instance, although 55% of the people surveyed reported that they used a kitchen sink disposal unit, there was no difference in the incidence of composting between those who used them and those who did not. Great news for backyard composting promotion!
(http://www NULL.beyondattitude NULL.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/MG_3181-Edit NULL.jpg)
It turns out that 97% of people who compost also garden. In other words, it is a safe bet in the Township of Langley that if you are speaking with someone who composts, you are speaking to someone who gardens. However, the reverse is not true. Gardeners are not necessarily composters as only 1 in 4 gardeners compost. There is room for improvement here by creating a social norm of composting amongst gardeners. This could be very effective, as 85% of respondents described themselves as gardeners.
Another interesting finding was with respect to odours. Although concern about odours is often a barrier mentioned by people who do not compost, the survey found that not a single respondent who composted had experienced an odour problem. This is great information to have on hand in the CBSM strategy to break down the odour concern barrier when encouraging people to begin composting.
Finally, there was an interesting twist in the survey findings. It turns out that there is a significant rat population in parts of the Township of Langley. In fact, rats are unexpectedly prevalent in one beautiful area with lovely homes and beautiful gardens and landscaping. We originally saw this as a bit scary from a backyard composting promotion viewpoint, as fear of rats is often mentioned as a barrier to people composting. However, even though it is accepted that there are rats in the area, the survey indicated that only 3 people had ever seen a rat near their composter. Again, the survey provided information that could be used to demonstrate that their concern about attracting rats by backyard composting was unfounded.
Enough for today. Tomorrow I will share some findings from this survey which are very similar to other backyard composting CBSM work we have done in other communities, including one from over 15 years ago. It has to do with establishing social norms. It seems that in backyard composting, some things never change.