Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice towards sustainable consumption among university students in Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract

A crucial challenge to achieve sustainable development is counteracting the current unsustainable consumption. Unsustainable consumption has contributed to resource exhaustion, environmental pollution and climate change problems that we face today. The key principle of sustainable consumption is to enhance the quality of life without causing further environmental degradation while securing the future generation’s needs. This paper assesses the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of university students towards sustainable consumption. A validated and pilot-tested questionnaire was distributed to 390 students and results were analysed using SPSS. The study found significant relationships between knowledge, attitude and practice towards sustainable consumption using Pearson’s Chi-square test for independence. The findings further showed there is a high level of knowledge but moderate level of attitude and practice among the students. The study discovered social media is the primary source of getting environmental knowledge for them. The findings also showed that urgent changes in perspective is needed to reduce unsustainable consumption. Associations between KAP were significant at significant level of p<0.05. Undertaken at one of the top public universities in Malaysia, this paper aims to shed light on the current situation of KAP on sustainable consumption. This study provides indicator of where their consumption patterns stand and insights for policy makers to better consider sustainable consumption to achieve sustainable development.