Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Education news and issues in the Ozarks.

Is Sustainability a Possibility?

  Sustainability is a major topic in many college campuses, governments and organizations. But what is sustainability and how is it reachable? Dr. Bob Jones, psychology department head at Missouri State University, has published a new book on the psychology of sustainability.

He found that the available texts on environmental psychology didn’t address that students want to know what to do about their environment.

“Psychology of Sustainability: An Applied Perspective” examines research about the many factors that lead to behavioral effects on the environment and human adaptability. Jones shares some of the more interesting facts he uncovered in researching the book.

Another surprise for Jones was a finding about altruism – or the act of giving something with no expectation of return. Research showed that the overwhelming belief of those surveyed was that educated people were less likely to be altruistic – instead they’d be self-serving. But his research showed it was the opposite – altruism was linked positively to education. But Jones really wants to communicate that we are more adaptable than we ever suppose. He says it is important to remember this when considering more sustainable practices for your daily life: you can teach an old dog new tricks.

Nicki received a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration from Missouri State in marketing, in 2002 and 2004 respectively. After gaining experience in writing, marketing, special event planning, fundraising and public relations, she returned to the university to work in the office of strategic communication. There she tells the university’s story by sharing the stories of individuals at Missouri State.
Related Content