Rebecca L Taylor

Rebecca L. Taylor is an Assistant Professor in Agricultural and Consumer Economics and the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment at the University of Illinois. Her research focuses on environmental policy, consumer behavior, and resource management, with an emphasis on recycling programs, waste reduction, and the economic impacts of sustainability initiatives. She has contributed to understanding how policies like deposit-refund systems and municipal composting services influence household behavior, as well as the effects of automation and economic downturns on consumer choices.

Her work integrates behavioral economics and empirical analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of environmental regulations. Notable studies include examining the Great Recession's impact on economic learning curves and analyzing how time constraints shape food purchasing decisions. Taylor’s interdisciplinary approach bridges agricultural economics, urban planning, and public policy to address contemporary challenges in sustainability.

Key themes in her research include recycling policy design, the psychological and economic drivers behind consumer choices, and the interplay between technology adoption (e.g., self-checkout systems) and purchasing behavior. Her findings have been widely cited in policy discussions and industry reports, highlighting practical applications for reducing waste and fostering sustainable practices.

While no specific awards or grants are listed in the provided text, her contributions to environmental and consumer economics underscore her active role in advancing sustainable policy solutions. Her research outputs span peer-reviewed journals like the Economic Record and Ecological Economics, reflecting her commitment to rigorous academic inquiry.