Recommendation:

The first idea is that resident advisors in dorms should become ambassadors for "green" behavior. The second part of this recommendation is to have campus role models and well-known figures endorse sustainable behavior in order to encourage the general student body to follow their actions. Both suggestions create an opportunity for social norms to be created to promote sustainable behavior.

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Supporting Research: The first idea draws on the research of Sussman et al (2013), which described a study where composting behavior of patrons was observed while varying a few factors. The second idea is based on research by Buksa and Mitsis (2011), which aimed to see the effect athletes' endorsements on consumer behavior in Australia.

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Methods: In Sussman's study, patron composting behavior was observed, during the control phase as well as when prompts and positive behavior models were introduced. In the study by Buksa and Mitsis, questionnaires were administered to gauge consumer behavior in response to athletes' endorsements.

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Results: In Sussman et al (2013), patrons in a cafeteria setting showed greater likelihood of composting after prompts (i.e. pro-composting signs) were placed in the cafeteria and even greater likelihood of composting food if there were people who modeled the composting behavior. In Buksa and Mitsis (2011), questionnaire results and analysis showed that athlete role models influence behaviors of consumers in Australia.