Linking beliefs and behavior to address environmental problems.

Abstract

Management and disposal of domestic waste in rural locations often face difficulties, posing a potential environmental problem. Solving it implies valuing the relationship between the human being and the environment, to plan specific environmental education actions. The identification of both beliefs and behaviors of the population of Paso Hospital, (rural town in Rivera, Uruguay) regarding environment, is taken as a case study. 184 inhabitants were surveyed, the data was analyzed using the R program, performing chi-square tests, and calculating association coefficients (Cramer's V).  It is observed that the assessment of local environmental problems regarding the use of natural resources varies according to the educational level. There is a clear need to carry out deeper research to better understand the relationship between beliefs and behaviors concerning the environment, involving local people, analysis and communication of environmental impacts in the territories.