Pro-ecological behaviors in early college students

Abstract

In the 21st century, environmental issues have increased in importance, generating concerns and scientific debates about the ecological crisis in its variations, like the climatic changes. Consequently, since, the end of the 1970s, at least, attempts have been made to promote international agreements to minimize the impact of anthropic action through the dissemination of environmentally sustainable views. On an individual level, such actions are called, among other terms, pro-ecological behaviors, and emerge from their interactions with environment and society. These have been studied in a context of conceptual diversity, but there is a convergence towards “conducts that protect the environment”. Objective: to verify pro-ecological behavior in students recently arrived at the university. Method: 441 first-year university students recently registered in different courses at a public university participated. Using the Ecological Behavior Scale, data collections were carried out collectively, in classrooms, at the beginning of the 2019 academic year. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: pro-ecological behaviors of saving water and energy of first-year students of Physiotherapy courses and an Interdisciplinary Bachelor's degree differed statistically, being more present in the second. Actions related to consumer activism did not seem to affect students as much as other pro-environmental actions, which presented themselves at high levels. It is suggested to launch new researche in the future, considering the progression of students in higher education.