University of Derby - Green-minded? We'll see

Academics are using virtual reality to gauge students' unconscious attitudes towards green issues. Researchers from the University of Derby's psychology and environmental management departments have created an "Eco House" in Second Life, where student volunteers will be asked to take part in various problem-solving exercises that challenge their feelings about environmental issues such as recycling and energy efficiency. Simon Bignell, lecturer in psychology at Derby, said: "Some people, for instance, say they recycle material but actually they don't, and we hope this technology can help discover what the barriers to change are."