Act global, think local? Local perspectives towards environmental sustainability in semi-rural communities of Alberta, Canada

Figures & data

Figure 1. Q chart layout used in the study.

Table 1. Factor data extracted from Q results.

	Factor 1	Factor 2	Factor 3
Eigenvalues	14.56	4.65	2.13
Explained variance^a	31%	16%	9%
No. significant loaders^b	21	11	3

^a Cumulative explained variance was 56%.

^b Three participants were confounders (loaded significantly on more than one factor).

Table 2. Factor scores.^a

No.	Statement	Factor^b
		1	2	3
1	People should find creative ways to recycle or repurpose items, reduce food waste, and repair things instead of throwing them out.	2	3	0
2	In an ideal economy, products should be designed so that they are long-lasting, easy to maintain and repair, and/or they should be remanufactured/refurbished.	2	4	1
3	Sharing based businesses such as tool libraries or vehicle sharing systems would be a challenge in this community because it’s important to own things.	−2	−3	−1
4	The current way we extract natural resources and dispose of our waste has triggered serious environmental problems.	1	−2	1
5	Canada has abundant resources, so we do not have to worry too much about recycling and reusing waste products.	−4	−4	−4
6	We should try to incorporate zero waste principles into our industries and day to day lives.	3	1	−1
7	There is no way to achieve sustainability on technology alone.	0	0	−2
8	People should try to minimize their carbon footprint by minimizing their consumption patterns.	2	0	−2
9	The most important thing we can do for sustainability in Alberta is to reduce and reuse water.	−1	0	0
10	We should not focus our efforts on recycling; instead, we should reduce packaging and encourage thrift.	−1	1	0
11	Less attention should be paid to developing clean energy solutions. People should focus on conserving resources instead.	−2	0	−4
12	We should pay more attention to the proper valuation, appreciation, and restoration of nature.	3	1	1
13	We should support farmers by buying direct, even though it may be more expensive.	1	2	0
14	Farmers should be supported in carrying out agricultural management practices that increase carbon sinks and reduce emissions.	0	−1	2
15	We should stop measuring our performance only on GDP and focus on social and environmental performance as well.	3	0	−1
16	The climate is always changing, and it is changing for a number of reasons that we don't have control over.	−3	2	0
17	Canadians should not feel guilty about living normal lives. It’s other countries that need to improve their environmental record.	−4	−1	−2
18	Communities should embrace their small town spirit while embracing new technologies that enable them to be independent	0	1	1
19	Communities should start increasing local food production.	1	0	0
20	Communities should encourage local initiatives for sustainability, as this is how communities will survive in the future.	2	2	3
21	The government, not individuals, should be responsible in addressing environmental commitments.	−2	−3	−3
22	Unlimited growth is not only possible, it is the only way to improve our quality of life and to meet human needs.	−3	−2	0
23	We can find technological solutions to overcome any challenges that we run into along the way.	−2	−3	3
24	Carbon pricing is an efficient way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while stimulating innovation.	−1	−4	−3
25	The oil and gas industry will create technologies and innovations that significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.	−3	2	−1
26	The oil industry is not going to end anytime soon, but there are better alternatives that should be invested in.	−1	−2	2
27	Dramatic change in the way our society is designed is necessary to create a sustainable society.	2	−2	−2
28	Alberta should apply our skilled trades and engineering know-how to create more energy solutions, and move towards a carbon neutral world.	1	−1	3
29	Renewable energy needs to be applied at a smaller localized scale with increased community ownership.	0	−1	0
30	A legislated maximum emission limit on industries would help drive technological progress and innovation.	0	−1	−3
31	Energy, air, land, and water conservation are critical elements in achieving sustainability.	4	3	4
32	Recycling and composting should be the norm for 100% of the population.	4	1	1
33	The oil and gas industry is undervalued; Alberta has some of the cleanest energy in the world.	−2	4	0
34	Carbon offsets tend to give people a sense of moral superiority while not really doing anything.	−1	1	2
35	Environmentally friendly industrial development should be supported in this community.	1	2	2
36	Creating and preserving a strong economy is the foundation for the overall success of sustainability	−1	0	4
37	Shopping locally and supporting environmentally friendly businesses is important for sustainability.	1	3	−1
38	Having community gardens and tree-scaped residential areas is important for sustainability.	0	0	−2
39	The post- COVID-19 economy should include a faster transition to renewables and energy efficient upgrades.	0	−2	2
40	We should redefine what growth is and separate economic growth from the consumption of finite resources.	0	−1	−1

^a Factor scores indicate how each statement was ranked (+4 to −4) within idealized Q sorts. The idealized Q sorts each represent a discourse, or factor.

^b Each factor represents a discourse which is formed from a group of participants who loaded on that factor (sorted the statements in a similar way).

Figure 2. Z-values of the factors for each statement and factor. Statements are ranked in descending order of the standard deviation of the z-values (hence, statements to the left show highest, and statements to the right the lowest consensus).