A Study of High School Students’ Attitudes and Behaviors Related to Recycling

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

There is an abundance of research on environmental attitudes and recycling; specifically, however, high school students are very under-represented. This population is one that is very important as these individuals will be the ones making decisions, privately and politically, with regards to recycling programs in their communities. By understanding their attitudes and behaviors in college, those designing recycling programs can develop and modify programs to suit their needs, and education programs can be prepared to better inform these individuals.

METHODS

The purpose of this study was to study the attitudes and behaviors of students related to recycling. To accomplish this, students from Tagaytay City Science National High School were administered an online survey. The survey was made available to all students for a period of 4 weeks with multiple participation reminders. At the conclusion of the four weeks, the data were tabulated and evaluated to address the principal question of what are the attitudes and behaviors of high school students relative to recycling.

RESULTS

Based on the results of this study, it would appear that the high school student attitudes and behaviors relative to recycling are positive. The data does give a clear indication of the respondents' attitudes and behaviors relative to recycling. This study is an excellent starting point for future studies of college student attitudes about recycling. It provides a framework on which more in-depth examinations of factors influencing positive behaviors and attitudes can build.

DISCUSSIONS

The high school student demographic remains an important subject of recycling behavior and attitude research. By expanding on this study to ensure better response rates as well as applying the study to other geographic regions, a clearer picture of high school student attitudes and behavior can be obtained and recycling programs and the associated educational components can be improved upon.