Understanding How “ Tiny Houses” Affect Sustainable Behaviors
CHALLENGE
Sustainable intentions do not always translate to sustainable behaviors.
Cite and state policies do not always produce sustainable housing and health behaviors.
RESEARCH QUESTION
How does “downsizing” (i.e., the process of living in tiny house) affect health behaviors?
RESEARCH TECHNIQUES
Qualitative: Contextual inquiry and thematic analysis
FINDINGS
When one owns a “tiny house”, one may better understand how little s/he needs, and how much s/he can potentially save from other activities such as eating out.
The act of “scaling down” may trigger a domino effect causing one to think about the value of quality (versus quantity).
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE
Improved understanding of sustainability behaviors across contexts may allow policymakers to create more effective policies aimed at generating super-additive sustainability behaviors.
PUBLICATION
Poster (2019 Environmental Design Research Association Conference)