Relationship between well-being and recycling rates: evidence from life satisfaction approach in Britain

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between self-reported well-being and recycling rates. The estimates are based on Britain using data from the British Household Panel Survey. The effects of recycling rates on individuals’ happiness are estimated. Two approaches are followed. The first approach refers to panel probit-ordinary least squares (OLS). The second approach is the latent class generalised ordered probit. The results support that a significant positive relationship between self-reported well-being and recycling is presented.

Keywords:

• air pollution
• happiness
• life satisfaction approach
• recycling
• subjective well-being

• JEL codes: C23, C26, D60, H41, Q51

Notes

1. http://www.alupro.org.uk

2. Based on Hausman and Breusch–Pagan Lagrange multiplier tests, fixed effects are preferred.

3. The results remain the same even when the health status is excluded from the regressions accounting for the possibility of reverse causality. Therefore, based also on literature, we keep this variable as it is useful to examine the effects of health status on happiness.