The role of financial, informational, and social tools on resource-saving behaviour in Lithuania: Assumptions and reflections of real situation

Climate change, natural resource depletion and waste problems reveal the importance of natural resource saving. Resource-saving behaviour is necessary in order to enhance energy and water efficiency. By applying various theories of pro-environmental behaviour, researchers have recommended the main tools, such as financial, social and informational for the promotion of this behaviour. However, none of those works explored the impact of the proposed tools on the resource-saving behaviour. Therefore, this study showed the most effective tools, which can be regarded as the most important for policymakers. Furthermore, considering statements about the current level in respect of these tools, the aim of this study was to analyse the influence of declared financial, social and informational tools and real situations on resource-saving behaviour. Using data of the survey performed in Lithuania at the beginning of 2020, and by applying a new theory defined as "Assumptions and reflections of real situations", the results revealed that according to citizens' opinion, only the informational tool significantly determined the resource-saving behaviour. Social and financial tools had insignificant impact on this behaviour. However, the current level in respect of social and informational tools significantly affected resource-saving behaviour. Considering the financial tool, the results showed that only the money-saving aspect significantly determined resource-saving behaviour. A high price of resources did not motivate people to save natural resources. Therefore, this paper provided practical insights how effectively promote the resource-saving behaviour.