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Abstract

This paper explores what drives participation in community-based Share, Reuse, Repair (SRR) initiatives within neighbourhoods in UBC. This research was guided by a project charter from the Social Ecological Economic Development Studies Sustainability Program (SEEDS), as well as the University Neighbourhoods Association's directed interest in fostering a stronger community that drives social justice through the implementation of SRR in initiatives. This study takes a broad lens to identify potential drivers and barriers when fostering participation in SRR initiatives. While also acknowledging that the UBC neighbourhoods represent a unique geographical demographic as well as governance structure. This presents an opportunity to gain new insights from studying grassroots circular economy efforts. Identifying the motivations and barriers for such initiatives will contribute to the broader global conversation towards the global shift towards sustainability and the circular global economy. Our research group conducted a literature review encompassing relevant peer- reviewed academic studies regarding circular economy (CE), Grassroots Share, Reuse, Repair (SRR) initiatives and driving factors of participation for sustainability initiatives. Our review found that community participation is a requirement for grassroots initiatives to be successful, but within communities, driving individual participation within a collective is complex and multidimensional. This review also identified several barriers, such as skill gaps, knowledge gaps, time limitations, differences in values regarding sustainability and systematic inequalities. The methodology used to conduct this study was a mixed methods approach. The research team collected quantitative and qualitative data from 68 UBC residents using a Likert scale and open-ended survey, as well as conducted targeted semi-structured short-form interviews with professionals involved in Share, Reuse, Repair (SRR) initiatives. The survey participants were sourced through a variety of methods, such as putting up posters on campus, social media, and digital newsletters. The industry professionals (i.e. those who specialize in local circular economy or SRR adjacent programs) that were interviewed were identified through a juridical scan and the snowballing method. The data was then analyzed using inductive coding to categorize and effectively display the study's findings. The research group identified various limitations of the research, which included the digital-only format of the surveys, potential bias due to the environmentally focused demographics of UBC, and limited support from formal organizations. Analysis of our research group's interviews highlighted several key takeaways about how SRR initiatives are perceived and how they can be more effectively implemented in community settings. While the survey responses suggested a widespread prioritization of sustainability, interviews revealed that convenience often outweighs environmental values in day-to-day decision making. Participants noted that factors such as lengthy travel times, time constraints, unclear instructions, and high costs discourage participation in SRR programs. Our analysis identified that people are far more likely to engage when an initiative feels easy, accessible, and familiar. Other themes that emerged include a general distrust of government- run programs, local grassroots initiatives with a community focus are more likely to attract interest and a lack of repair knowledge, initiative visibility and peer influence discourage participation. Finally, our analysis also identified a gendered pattern, which is reflected in broader social trends that women tend to direct sustainability efforts but are underrepresented in decision-making structures in society. Disclaimer: “UBC SEEDS provides students with the opportunity to share the findings of their studies, as well as their opinions, conclusions and recommendations with the UBC community. The reader should bear in mind that this is a student project/report and is not an official document of UBC. Furthermore readers should bear in mind that these reports may not reflect the current status of activities at UBC. We urge you to contact the research persons mentioned in a report or the SEEDS Coordinator about the current status of the subject matter of a project/report.”