The Psychology of Sustainability: Understanding and Developing a Sustainable Lifestyle

Abstract

One of the components of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) is: “Good Health and Well Being” 
, which is goal number 3. In a world facing environmental disaster and hazards threatening human and 
other life forms, urgent collective action is needed to protect the planet and its biodiversity. Sustainable 
development, in its real terms, entails meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability 
of future generations to meet their own needs. The Psychology of Sustainability, therefore, explores 
what motivates individuals to take sustainable action in their daily lives, as well as, how this action 
influences their well-being and connection with their environment. This study focuses on the 
psychology of sustainability and the need for every individual to understand why it is vital to live a 
sustainable lifestyle and develop the habit of maintaining a sustainable lifestyle. It uses the Theory of 
Planned Behaviour (TPB) model, to explain what actions are successful when it comes to getting more 
involved with sustainable efforts. This study also identifies two decision making centers that govern our 
choices, which are the rule based and the associative, and how they both influence making sustainable 
choices. Furthermore, it explains some of the ways by which sustainable lifestyle can be promoted at the 
local, national and global levels