Research conducted at Arizona State University and the University of Minnesota examined the recycling rates of towels in hotel rooms. Two samples were considered. The only difference between the two samples was the sign they read in the hotel bathroom, near the towels: Group 1 read – ‘You can show your respect for nature and […]

Research conducted at Arizona State University and the University of Minnesota examined the recycling rates of towels in hotel rooms. Two samples were considered. The only difference between the two samples was the sign they read in the hotel bathroom, near the towels: Group 1 read – ‘You can show your respect for nature and help save the environment by reusing your towels during your stay.’Group 2 read – ‘Almost 75% of guests who are asked to participate in our new resource savings program do help by using their towels more than once. You can join your fellow guests to help save the environment by reusing your towels during your stay’. Recycling rates were 26% higher for group 2. For me, this highlights three things that might seem counter-intuitive: The wording of a simple sign can be incredibly importantThe environment is less important than the behaviour of othersPresenting the facts…