The Power of Real Experience: Self-Driven Contributions for Sustainable Environment

Authors

  • Anesito L. Cutillas

    1. College of Arts and Sciences & College of Education, Cebu Technological University-Argao Campus, Argao 6021, Cebu, Philippines; 2. Center for Social Innovation, Cebu Technological University-Argao Campus, Argao 6021, Cebu, Philippines
  • Ruby Ann B. Maniwang

    Science Department, Liloan National Technical-Vocational High School, Liloan, Southern Leyte 6612, Philippines
  • Kyza L. Quimpan

    Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Southern Leyte State University- Main Campus, Sogod, Southern Leyte 6606, Philippines
  • Syra C. Cinco

    Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Visayas State University Tolosa (VSU Tolosa), Tanghas, Tolosa, Leyte 6503, Philippines
  • Niño Jerry M. Basaca

    Hilongos National Vocational School, Hilongos Leyte 6524, Philippines
  • Jao V. Duran

    Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Visayas State University Tolosa (VSU Tolosa), Tanghas, Tolosa, Leyte 6503, Philippines
  • Rocky A. Marco

    Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Visayas State University Tolosa (VSU Tolosa), Tanghas, Tolosa, Leyte 6503, Philippines
  • Enrique E. Balili, Jr.

    Faculty of Social Science Education, Southern Leyte State University-Tomas Oppus Campus, Tomas Oppus, Southern Leyte 6605, Philippines
  • Ybony C. Cutillas

    College of Technology and Engineering, Cebu Technological University-Argao Campus, Argao 6021, Cebu, Philippines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/jees.v7i7.8342
Received: 7 January 2025 | Revised: 20 January 2025 | Accepted: 7 July 2025 | Published Online: 23 July 2025

Abstract

Habit formation is essential for environmental preservation and sustainability as it promotes consistent, long-term engagement in pro-environmental behaviors. Habitual pro-environmental behaviors contribute to the establishment of social norms, encouraging communities to adopt sustainable lifestyles collectively. As more people integrate environmentally conscious practices into their daily routines, the broader cultural shift toward sustainability becomes more pronounced. This paper explored the experiences of environmental advocates of sustainability, emphasizing habit formation as a fundamental driver of long-term ecological responsibility. Environmental advocates (n = 20) from the Visayas, Philippines, were purposively sampled for interviews. Participants expressed a deep personal commitment to sustainability as a lifelong responsibility. Participants actively promoted sustainability through education, advocating for responsible consumption, and participating in community-driven environmental initiatives. When individuals develop habits such as energy conservation, waste reduction, and responsible consumption, these actions become second nature, requiring minimal cognitive effort to sustain over time. This consistency is vital in addressing environmental challenges, as one-time actions are insufficient to create lasting change. Collaborative initiatives, community engagement, and institutional support are essential for achieving lasting environmental impact. Nevertheless, the findings can inform educational programs, policy-making, and community-driven sustainability initiatives, reinforcing the idea that both individual actions and collective efforts are necessary to address environmental challenges effectively.

Keywords:

Advocacy; Environmental Preservation; Sustainability; Sustainable Habit

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Anesito L. Cutillas, Ruby Ann B. Maniwang, Kyza L. Quimpan, Syra C. Cinco, Niño Jerry M. Basaca, Jao V. Duran, Rocky A. Marco, Enrique E. Balili, Jr., & Ybony C. Cutillas. (2025). The Power of Real Experience: Self-Driven Contributions for Sustainable Environment. Journal of Environmental & Earth Sciences, 7(7), 304–320. https://doi.org/10.30564/jees.v7i7.8342

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Copyright © 2025 Anesito L. Cutillas, Ruby Ann B. Maniwang, Kyza L. Quimpan, Syra C. Cinco, Niño Jerry M. Basaca, Jao V. Duran, Rocky A. Marco, Enrique E. Balili, Jr., Ybony C. Cutillas

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