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Scientific paper

Text

Education for Sustainable Consumption through Mindfulness Training

Author:
Laura Stanszus

Entry type:
Scientific paper

Year of publication:
2014

Publishers:
Degrowth Conference Leipzig 2014

Language:
English

Abstract: Education for Sustainable Development, Attitude-behavior-gap, Mindfulness, Individual transformation, Self-reflection Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is considered one of the main drivers of sustainability transformation strategies worldwide. Despite numerous efforts to forward ESD, its practical relevance remains low, as exemplified in the consumption related education and the widely debated attitude-behavior-gap. Gaining knowledge and reflecting attitudes and behavior does not automatically result in lasting transformation. A possible tool to change that is the concept of mindfulness. It encompasses the reflection of individual values and actions in each given moment, potentially aligning values and behavior sustainably. First results into the influence of mindfulness-training on consumption levels have been established. However none of the research empirically analyzes the relationship between mindfulness competency and its training and sustainable (non-)consumption behavior. This gap will be addressed in the paper at hand. An interdisciplinary research model will be developed first. Testing of the conceptualization in consumption specific mindfulness-trainings with pupils, students and employees follows. Recommendations for action to strengthen ESC will be derived from the results.

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