EEB422: Sustainable Environments And Communities

Subject: EEB422 – Sustainable Environments and Communities

Campus: Charles Sturt University, Bathurst

Assessment Item 1: Investigation

Value: 40% Due Date: 20th October Length: 2000 words
In this assignment students will have an opportunity to engage in scientific and social inquiry by posing and answering a question related to an environmental / sustainability issue relevant to their own life and/or community. The task requires students to engage with scientific and/or social research strategies to increase awareness of contemporary debates surrounding sustainability.
After conducting the investigation, students are to submit a 2000 word report with headings and subheadings (as follows) embedded tables, graphs and digital images/photos.
You should think in terms of a small project with attainable goals. For example, it is more appropriate to consider a case study involving either yourself, your household, your family rather than research involving ten or more people. Think of changes you could make to your own life and record and reflect upon the results of implementing a change in your practice. The process and the outcome are important here.
ABSTRACT:
This action research investigation was conducted to allow me, as the researcher, to gain insight into how water usage within my household is efficiently used and how our decisions will affect us living a sustainable lifestyle. This research was chosen as we need to be mindful of the environment and how we are able to change our attitudes for a more economically sustainable future. People rely entirely on the environment to provide the resources to maintain and continue our lives, and those of every other living thing on the planet (Littledyke, Taylor, & Eames, 2009).
Water is something we require and is essential for everyday in our lives. Water is a valuable resource that we should by no means waste. We need to be aware of how we use water and take the benefits and advantage of water-efficient appliances and fixtures (Australian Government Living Greener,
2). Dolnicar and Hurlimann (2010), research states that there has been a considerable amount of research conducted by different water authorities and governments, around the country, to establish the water use behaviours of communities. These studies presented valuable insights into water behaviours, and have established that water use often changes depending on location and factors such as climate, water restrictions, and household water use appliances (p. 5).
This investigation was undertaken through a variety of methodologies. Qualitative data collection allowed me to make meaning from information gathered to investigate practice and improve it based on what is discovered through observations on daily household water usage, conservation and perceptions from the household participant (Piazza, 2012b). Quantitative data was used in the form of a rating scale, a questionnaire was implemented as a means of gaining numeric and factual data, which shows comparisons and measuring in household water usage and consumption on the property (Piazza,