Research

My broad interest is in civic engagement in environmental protection. These days, I investigate this general terrain by studying:

Environmental concern, sustainable consumption: My research in this area engages several inter-related questions: What are the relationships among sustainable practices, environmental concerns, and social context? What public engagement activities are used to make sustainable lifestyles a default option? I tackle these questions in my book, Eco-Types and in journal articles you can find on the Publications tab. On the policy side, please check out the CCA / CAC report on the circular economy in Canada. I was honoured to serve as an expert panelist to oversee the production of this timely and important report.
Meat / Conscientious Omnivores: How do people navigate contentious consumer terrain? Meat is contested on environmental, labour, health and animal welfare grounds, yet the vast majority of people in Canada eat meat. Currently, I am collaborating with professors Josée Johnston, Shyon Baumann and Merin Oleschuk on a study of conscientious omnivores—people who resolve tensions around meat-eating by sourcing ethical meat. We have published several articles on the topic and are currently working on a book project.