Environmental Awareness and Plastic Recycling Behaviour of Nigerian Undergraduates

Abstract

Several prior studies globally have linked education with environmental awareness and behaviour, however there is a need to address the research gap in developing countries on the impact environmental education can have on pro-environmental awareness and in promoting pro-environmental behaviours (PEB) especially among university students. This paper takes into account the influence of social norms on PEB such as plastic recycling and promotes the notion of sustainable education in Higher institutions of learning in Nigeria. Recommendations for policy makers and universities are also reflected upon as Nigerian universities are urged to take pro-active steps towards adapting their curriculums and environmental volunteering activities. Furthermore, the study suggest sustainability literacy tests are incorporated into Nigerian university educational policies in other to promote pro-environmental behaviours among students.

A Cross-Cultural Analysis for Plastic Waste Perception of Students from Romania and Turkey

“…Depending on the country in question, different impacts can be observed, while promoting pro-environmental behaviors is also different. In his work, Aikowe [17] took into account the influence of social norms, namely plastic recycling, and promotes the notion of sustainable education in higher education institutions in Nigeria. Another recommendation was for policy makers and universities to be urged to take proactive steps to adapt ecological volunteering curricula and activities through university educational policies.…”

“…Loveth Aikowe [17] gives special attention to plastic recycling amongst students, Qu et al [23] focus on waste separation and recovery on campus, Wang et al [24] on students' intentions to use recyclable packaging. Thus, they all bring a new vision regarding the role of universities and the importance of sharing environmental problems, especially regarding plastic waste.…”