Determining the knowledge, attitude and practice about the environment and recycling of individuals living in a public housing compound: A quantitative, qualitative mixed method study

Year 2022, Volume: 3 Issue: 2, 133 - 141, 31.05.2022

Hülya Şirin , Ahmet Arslan , Gamze Ketrez

Abstract

Background: The environment is the physical, biological, social, economic and cultural environment in which people and other living things maintain their relationships and interact throughout their lives. In this study, it was aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of individuals residing in a public housing estate towards the environment and recycling.

Methods: The research was designed as cross-sectional and conducted with a mixed method including both quantitative and qualitative methods. 330 of 437 residents participated in the qualitative part of the study (participation rate 75.5%) in January 2021. The quantitative part of the study was attended by 10 apartment workers.

Results: 51.5% of the participants (n=170) believe that they have sufficient knowledge about recycling. However, only 38.8% of the participants (n=128) stated that they collect recyclable waste separately. The environment-emotion level of men was found to be higher (Z=-2.242, p=0.025). A statistically significant difference was found between the general level average scores in terms of marital status. In terms of “knowledge sub-levels”, the mean environmental knowledge level scores of health workers were found to be significantly higher than other occupational groups (Z=-2,460, p=0.014). Apartment workers stated 202 flats (46.2%) collect recyclable waste separately.

Conclusion: To prevent the climate crisis, it is important to recycle domestic waste to protect the environment. Individuals’ recycling behavior levels can be increased with practices that aim to inform, direct and encourage recycling. In parallel with all these practices, it is important for governments to be politically determined and implement legal regulations on waste recycling.

Keywords

Recycling, Environment, Public housing, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice

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