An assessment of environmental literacy, behaviors, attitudes and lifestyle factors of college students

Abstract

Objective

Evaluate associations between environmental literacy, attitudes, sustainability behaviors, health, and lifestyle factors among undergraduates.

Participants

Convenience sample of 345 students at a mid-sized, rural university completed the survey fall 2019.

Methods

Descriptive statistics, correlations, and exploratory factor analysis were used to evaluate data.

Results

Overall, though participants exhibited a lack of environmental knowledge (average score five of ten), they possessed pro-health and pro-environment attitudes and were likely to engage in corresponding behaviors (e.g. recycling, waste reduction, etc.). Principal axis factor analysis identified five underlying factors: liberal/progressive views, individual eco-friendly practices, personal health, healthy lifestyle, and waste reduction.

Conclusion

Correlational analyses indicated students who value health and engage in healthier behaviors also value the environment. While most agreed environmental sustainability is important, recycling behaviors and sustainability knowledge were mediocre. Understanding underlying factors such as environmental attitudes and sustainability-related behaviors can drive intervention strategies to move students to action.

Keywords:

• environmental literacy
• environmental behaviors
• college students
• environmental attitudes
• sustainability

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of the US and received IRB approval from the Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Funding

No funding was used to support this research and/or the preparation of the manuscript.