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Students’ Responses to Improve Environmental Sustainability Through Recycling: Quantitatively Improving Qualitative Model

Author

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  • Muhammad Shakil Ahmad

    (COMSATS Institute of Information Technology)

  • Aqeel Ahmed Bazmi

    (COMSATS Institute of Information Technology)

  • Abdul Waheed Bhutto

    (Dawood University of Engineering & Technology)

  • Kanwal Shahzadi

    (COMSATS Institute of Information Technology)

  • Nadia Bukhari

    (COMSATS Institute of Information Technology)

Abstract

This study attempts to contemplate the respondents’ behaviors regarding recycling, with the purpose of identifying the factors that influence their behaviors. The study is based on a survey that was conducted with 230 nationwide university students and guidelines borrowed from the Theory of Planned Behavior and The Theory of Reasoned action. The data collected was evaluated by applying the Structure Equation Modelling technique. The study concluded that peoples’ attitudes are largely subject to the moral values and general norms of their own society. Additionally, an individual’s response towards recycling is greatly determined by the extent of his/her awareness towards the environment, as well as his/her personal knowledge. Another conclusion was that an individual’s past experience towards recycling contributes to his/her attitude (willingness or apprehension about recycling) in the future. Furthermore, although the convenience and cost of recycling were found to be reasonably significant determinants about one’s recycling behavior, it was determined that time commitment is the most decisive factor that influences an individual’s willingness to or not to recycle. The study’s findings have not only established the authority of Theory of Planned Behaviour and Theory of Reasoned Action, but it has also presented propositions and recommendations for future research. The inferences were based on the study’s respondents, hence, so their validity can be applied to various scenarios involving local educational institutions or government structures. The goal of the study is to encourage people to engage in positive recycling behavior.

Suggested Citation

  • Muhammad Shakil Ahmad & Aqeel Ahmed Bazmi & Abdul Waheed Bhutto & Kanwal Shahzadi & Nadia Bukhari, 2016. "Students’ Responses to Improve Environmental Sustainability Through Recycling: Quantitatively Improving Qualitative Model," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 11(1), pages 253-270, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ariqol:v:11:y:2016:i:1:d:10.1007_s11482-014-9366-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s11482-014-9366-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hornik, Jacob & Cherian, Joseph & Madansky, Michelle & Narayana, Chem, 1995. "Determinants of recycling behavior: A synthesis of research results," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 24(1), pages 105-127.
    2. Kelly, T.C. & Mason, I.G. & Leiss, M.W. & Ganesh, S., 2006. "University community responses to on-campus resource recycling," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 47(1), pages 42-55.
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    4. Sidique, Shaufique F. & Lupi, Frank & Joshi, Satish V., 2010. "The effects of behavior and attitudes on drop-off recycling activities," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 54(3), pages 163-170.
    5. Sidique, Shaufique F. & Joshi, Satish V. & Lupi, Frank, 2010. "Factors influencing the rate of recycling: An analysis of Minnesota counties," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 54(4), pages 242-249.
    6. Darby, Lauren & Obara, Louise, 2005. "Household recycling behaviour and attitudes towards the disposal of small electrical and electronic equipment," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 44(1), pages 17-35.
    7. Begum, Rawshan Ara & Siwar, Chamhuri & Pereira, Joy Jacqueline & Jaafar, Abdul Hamid, 2009. "Attitude and behavioral factors in waste management in the construction industry of Malaysia," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 53(6), pages 321-328.
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