Current status of knowledge, awareness, attitudes and behaviors of high school students in Ho Chi Minh city on sustainable consumption

Abstract

The development of the economy has caused many negative impacts on the environment.  Environmental pollution is increasingly severe, the resources are gradually exhausted, and energy is increasingly scarce. These have become a global issue in which sustainable consumption is one of the best measures to solve that problem. The research has conducted a survey to assess the status quo (knowledge, awareness, attitudes, behaviours) of 1102 students from 24 high schools in urban and suburban areas in Ho Chi Minh city by multiple choice and self-centered questions about sustainable consumption. Assessment results showed that knowledge of high school students were limitations, the awareness, attitudes and behaviours of sustainable consumption of students were at a relatively good level with high results. Awareness of sustainable consumption of students in three areas was relatively good; meanwhile, the majority of students in urban areas who did not have a good awareness, accounted for a higher proportion than in suburban areas. Current students' knowledge and attitudes in urban areas about sustainable consumption were better than those in developed and suburban areas. However, the consumption behaviour of students in the suburban areas at a good level accounted for the highest rate among the three areas. In addition, the results of testing the consumption behaviour difference between sexes showed that students' gender did not affect consumption behaviour.