Concerns over the environment are now at the forefront of political thinking and as a consequence local authorities are required to recycle more than ever before, as well as finding solutions for the safe disposal of hazardous materials. These requirements can only be achieved with the co-operation or consent of the community and therefore public involvement and understanding is crucial. SRA’s expertise in consultation and research on attitudes and behaviour can be invaluable in this context as shown by organising a citizens panel in Dorset which reached consensus on a waste management strategy.
SRA have been working in partnership with environmental specialists to develop user friendly ways of enabling the public and other stakeholders to participate in decision making about priorities and tradeoffs. One solution to this has been the development of an interactive card game to assist in sustainability appraisals.
