“No straw, thanks!”: promoting responsible consumption through participatory course research

Purpose This study aims to explore value and behavioral habit changes in relation to responsible consumption of single-use plastics in college-aged students enrolled in a course related to sustainability. A secondary aim is providing an example of a pedagogical approach at the classroom level in which students themselves are study subjects. Design/methodology/approach A sample of 24 undergraduates from a midsized university in Washington, DC, participated in a two-week experiential education opportunity where they replaced their plastic straw use with a metal straw. A mixed-methods approach combined pre-post and delayed-post surveys with qualitative data from participant journals to understand participant experience. Findings In total, 80% of participants reported increased awareness of plastic straws and their own use of them, and many participants described new or renewed efforts to avoid straws and other single-use plastics and products when consuming food and beverages. Research limitations/implications The sample size was relatively small, with no control group, and the experiment’s duration was short. In addition, the study relies on self-reported data from students who may have felt pressure to respond positively to the effect of the study. Originality/value This study shows how a minor behavioral intervention can lead to increased sustainability awareness for both participants and those with whom they discuss the product replacement intervention. Participants reported over 60 conversations about sustainability with friends and family during the study.