AN ASSESSMENT OF STUDENTS’ ENVIRONMENTAL ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIORS AND THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THEIR SCHOOL RECYCLING PROGRAMS.

Abstract

Recycling over many years has become of great importance to our society, and especially the environment. It has become an important means of reducing the increasing amounts of waste being sent to landfills each year. Adults, youth and even children can all play a part in contributing to creating a healthier and clean environment. With this in mind, and the fact that Halifax is recognised as having one of the most progressive recycling programs in Canada, the principal objective of this project was to assess student attitudes and behaviour towards recycling in the attempt of increasing recycling participation in the schools. The significance of this project was that we need to start encouraging good habits and behaviours among the youth, to teach them to be good stewards of our environment so as to create a more sustainable environment in the future and for the future generations. The research and analysis of this project was obtained through the use of questionnaires to gather the relevant information from the students. In addition, observations and interviews were also undertaken. Knowledge about recycling and knowing what materials are recyclable was found to be the main factor that influences recycling participation as well as location and instructions on the recycling bins.