Effective Communications to Enhance Sustainable Behaviors in Preventing SSOs within Multifamily Housing and Latino Populations

To enhance sustainable behaviors and yield successful prevention of sanitary sewer overflows, effective communications strategies for multifamily housing and Latino populations were developed. The objective was to gauge awareness levels, identify constraints, and craft an effective strategic communication plan to encourage proper Fats, Oil, and Grease (FOG) disposal. Qualitative research was comprised of discussions within six focus groups in conjunction with interviews by Latino community leaders and multifamily apartment managers. Quantitative research encompassed surveying 968 multifamily housing and Latino individuals.Developing interpersonal channels with local leaders and building relationships within the community was identified to be more effective than mass media. Messaging should be framed as a positive behavior; informative to yield an understanding of the personal health effects and environmental impacts; and layered to systematically move individuals to the sustainable adoption of proper FOG disposal methods. A targeted program which is sequentially phased for different areas will increase effectiveness.