Abstract
Students of Higher Educational institutions (HEIs) are regarded as major stakeholders of an institution and key agents of transformation in society. Thus, the environmental knowledge of students in academic institutions is instrumental in providing a solution to the solid waste menace and other environmental problems in the community. However, there exists a wide rural–urban gap in transitioning towards sustainable development across HEIs. This informed the current study examining the knowledge, attitude, and perception (KAP) of students at a rural-based educational institution on solid waste management. It also aimed to learn about the institution’s current practices regarding solid waste management and identify steps that can be taken to move the institution closer to a circular economy goal. This study presents the KAP results from a survey of 376 students from nine schools at the University of Venda for the conceptualization of a circular economy (CE) vision for the university. The results show that the knowledge of the students on solid waste management was low and inadequate. However, students are willing to partake in recycling projects to improve the current environmental state of the institution. This study also revealed that some of the students (41%) require motivation to participate in recycling schemes through economic incentives. Increasing awareness of environmental education and initiating participatory environmental programs and strengthening 3 of the key sustainability competencies is recommended as an effective tool to transition to a circular economy in the institution. Further studies are recommended in areas of gamified learning for CE and capital generation from waste for capacity building.
Highlights
Introduction published maps and institutional affilThe transition to a circular economy represents a promising passage to sustainable development, which stems from the right knowledge, attitude, and perception of higher educational institutions, as they are regarded as the frontiers and carriers of knowledge that trickles down to the community at large
The awareness of the abovementioned has triggered the establishment of several initiatives that are being targeted at the youth, aiming at their inclusiveness in sustainable development, among which is the right knowledge of solid waste management among iations
Avery important aspect of environmental education is the dissemination of information on matters of environmental concern to the academic community as an entity, which includes students, staff, and other workers
Summary
Introduction published maps and institutional affilThe transition to a circular economy represents a promising passage to sustainable development, which stems from the right knowledge, attitude, and perception of higher educational institutions, as they are regarded as the frontiers and carriers of knowledge that trickles down to the community at large. The role of students in higher institutions of learning cannot be exaggerated, as it is recognized as pivotal in contributing towards the circularity and sustainable development of a nation. South Africa’s National Youth policy, which declared that youths represent major agents of social transformation, economic growth, and invention. Their resourcefulness, inspiration, vigor, and vision are recognized to be highly imperative for a country’s development [1]. The awareness of the abovementioned has triggered the establishment of several initiatives that are being targeted at the youth, aiming at their inclusiveness in sustainable development, among which is the right knowledge of solid waste management among iations.
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