Ecological consciousness and behavior of modern students: a sociological analysis

Valeeva Marina Vladimirovna ORCID: 0000-0003-1623-8067 PhD in Sociology Associate Professor, Department of Personnel Management and Sociology, Ural State University of Railway Transport 620075, Russia, Sverdlovskaya oblast', g. Ekaterinburg, ul. Kuibysheva, 48, kab. 607 cherbakova_marina@mail.ru Other publications by this author

Modern scientists are increasingly paying attention to problems related to ecology. According to researchers Tikhomirov D. A. and Kistkina I. A., today the problem of ecology is one of the main ones in the modern world, the solution of which determines the future of modern society ^[1]. At the same time, there is an opinion that it is possible to change the situation in a positive way by forming people's knowledge and understanding about ecological culture, especially for young people, since young people are responsible for the prosperous future of the planet. The purpose of educating environmental awareness among young people is to form a responsible attitude to the environment and a willingness to deal with the consequences of consumer attitudes towards it by people today. Responsible attitude to nature is a personality trait that manifests itself in understanding the laws of nature that decide what a person's life will be, expressed in following the moral and legal principles of nature management, in active activity to create, study and protect the environment, promoting ideas of proper use of the natural environment, in the fight against everything that fatally affects it.

Thus, the formation of environmental awareness among young people is one of the most urgent tasks both for scientists engaged in research on this topic and for the public. The study of ecological consciousness and behavior is one of the important topics in sociology, because it helps to understand how people interact with the environment and how changes in the environmental sphere affect social relations.

It should be noted that the category "ecological consciousness" is interdisciplinary and is located at the junction of several sciences at once: philosophy, ecology, psychology, economics and sociology. Thus, E. Fromm in his works drew attention to the importance of ecological consciousness and behavior, as well as the need to change our way of thinking and values in relation to nature and the environment. ^{[2, 3]}. Beck W. believed that environmental awareness and behavior are key factors for achieving environmental sustainability and creating a more equitable and sustainable society ^[4]. In turn, Giddens E. called for the improvement of environmental awareness and behavior as an important aspect of social responsibility in the context of modern globalization and climate change ^[5].

Modern researchers are also engaged in the analysis of ecological consciousness. For example, according to Titarenko L. G., ecological consciousness is a set of eco–humanistic indicators that people who recognize the relevance of environmental problems and support environmental knowledge and attitudes are guided by ^[6]. Gagarin A.V. notes that ecological consciousness is a certain chain of judgments about relations in the "man – nature" system, existing attitudes of the individual and society in relation to nature, existing tactics and methods of interaction with it ^[7]. E. V. Girusov understands ecological consciousness as a set of views, concepts, feelings reflecting the problems of interaction of society with the environment in order to achieve an optimal combination corresponding to the laws of harmony of the biosphere ^[8]. In turn, Ulyanova N. V. compares ecological consciousness with the idea of nature protection and the consequences of unfair attitude to it ^[9]. Thus, we can say that ecological consciousness in a general sense is a sphere of social and personal consciousness associated with the representation of nature as part of human life.

It should be noted that the term "ecological consciousness" implies the presence of a certain level of knowledge, skills and abilities in such areas as biology, natural science, occupational safety and the study of the natural environment. Such knowledge can be both scientific and have an objective character, and subjective, formed as a result of direct human contact with nature, in the process of studying its characteristic features, while observing natural phenomena. In addition, contact with nature often causes a person different feelings: surprise, joy, as well as sadness and indifference. Emotions have a significant impact on the formation of ideas about the surrounding world in consciousness and the awakening of human activity in relation to environmental objects. As a rule, emotions determine the subjective meaning of all processes, events, phenomena and connections that a person encounters. Depending on the level of emotional understanding and relationship with nature, an individual develops value ideas about nature, views, principles and judgments that constitute the principles of the human worldview. Similarly, a person's mentality and moral values determine a significant part of his activities and behavior.

Ecological consciousness is closely related to ecological behavior, since it is the ecological consciousness formed in one way or another that influences the implementation of a particular model of ecological behavior and those environmental practices that individuals use in everyday life.

It should be noted that environmental behavior has been the object of sociological research since the 60s of the XX century, but even today interest in the study of this phenomenon is growing every day, as environmental risks are gaining momentum. People today have a need to reconsider their attitude in the "nature – society" system and form new models of social behavior.

Scientists such as R. Dunlap and R. Jones defined environmental behavior, in their understanding it is "the degree of concern of subjects with environmental problems and the manifestation of desire / assistance in solving environmental problems." And, for example, sociologist Ermolaeva P. O., considers ecological behavior in a broader sense - as a segment of ecological culture characterized by "a certain level of concern of the population about the state of the environment, the formation of ecological knowledge, the presence of a set of post-material values and attitudes in the subject" ^[10].

The formation of ecological behavior of young people is necessary in accordance with a number of reasons: young people are often more open to new ideas and are ready to change their behavior if they have the necessary knowledge and understanding; young people are an active social group that can have a significant impact on public opinion and decisions in the field of ecology; young people will inherit environmental problems, therefore, it is important to form environmental awareness and behavior among young people so that they can better cope with these problems in the future.

Also, it is worth emphasizing that due to global trends, youth behavior is regulated and adjusted: "... the globalization of youth consciousness reflects the process of changes in the youth environment under the influence of the formation of a single global space. Its main features are: information openness; rapid technological renewal; communication convergence; internationalization of education. Affecting almost all aspects of modern human life, globalization is eventually reflected in culture, including youth" ^[9]. The changing social reality transforms the involved Russian youth into a consumer of global information trends affecting the environmental behavior of this group.

Note that according to the study of National projects of Russia, the numerical indicator of Russians involved in solving environmental problems is 19%, which indicates a low prevalence of environmental movements among citizens (the Environmental agenda as a strategic guideline of the Russian economy and society. URL: https://xn--80aapampemcchfmo7a3c9ehj.xn--p1ai/upload/Ecology/Doklad_Ecology_16.01.2023.pdf). At the same time, actions aimed at solving various environmental problems are gaining popularity in Russia, for example, the Ecopark campaign, in which activists handed over more than 21 types of secondary raw materials to volunteers: plastic caps, batteries, pill blisters, electronic cigarettes, old fabric items, toothbrushes, food packaging and household appliances chemistry. Also, citizens were offered to exchange books in order to support the comprehensive development of the population (More than 1 ton of recyclables were collected within the framework of the "Ecopark" on Revolution Square in Vologda. URL: https://vologda-news.net/society/2023/04/24/182529.html). In addition, there is and is successfully implemented the annual Earth Hour campaign, during which it is necessary to turn off the lights in apartments and city buildings for a while (the Earth Hour Environmental Campaign. URL: https://www.mnr.gov.ru/press/news/ekologicheskaya_aktsiya_chas_zemli_proydyet_25_marta/)

An "Ecological Week" is taking place in the Urals, during which various environmental events are held in cities, for example, "Eco-friendly Fuel", "Clean Coast", "March of Young Environmentalists", which contributes to the popularization of an eco-friendly lifestyle (An Ecological week has begun in the Urals. URL: https://podmoskovye.bezformata.com/listnews/urale-nachalas-ekologicheskaya-nedelya/117213183/).

It is worth paying attention to the obstacles to the development of environmental behavior among Russian youth, which are often associated with cultural values and lack of knowledge and education in the environmental field. For example, as E. Y. Gulko notes in his study, the main obstacles to an environmentally oriented lifestyle of students are the lack of their own initiative (56%) and the lack of support and concrete measures from the state (32%) ^[11]. Based on this, it can be assumed that the involvement of young people in environmental exhibitions and events can contribute to an increase in the level of environmental behavior among young people. These events may include screenings of nature films, excursions to nature reserves and parks, lectures and discussions about environmental problems and possible ways to solve them. By participating in such events, young people learn more about the problems associated with environmental pollution and their consequences, as well as about what actions can help preserve nature and make the environment cleaner and "healthier". Moreover, participation in environmental events can become a powerful incentive for the personal involvement of young people in environmental and nature protection activities.

Based on this, the study of ecological consciousness and behavior of students has relevance and significance, taking into account modern environmental challenges and the need for a conscious and responsible attitude to the environment.

To assess the level of formation of environmental consciousness and behavior among young people in 2023, we conducted a sociological study using two methods: a questionnaire survey and an expert interview. The object of research in the questionnaire was students from six universities in Yekaterinburg (Ural State Mining University, Russian State Vocational Pedagogical University, Ural State Pedagogical University, Ural State University of Economics, Ural Federal University, Ural State University of Railways), a total of 253 respondents were interviewed. 3 experts in the field of ecology acted as experts in the expert interview: the head of the expert community of the All-Russian public organization of environmental volunteers, the methodologist of the department of environmental education and the curator of an environmentally oriented project.

To begin with, it was important to identify the attitude of young people to the environment, as this is an indicator of the formation of ecological consciousness. Analysis of the data obtained allowed us to conclude that the majority of respondents (67%) are interested in environmental issues, while 33% of respondents do not show interest in this topic.

At the same time, it should be noted that in April 2020, the Lake Baikal Foundation conducted a sociological study, which resulted in conclusions concerning awareness of the environmental situation in the world. Despite the awareness of the importance of the problem of pollution and depletion of natural resources in our country, only 50% of respondents note that they receive enough information on this issue and only 19% of those who are aware of it take some action to solve it (Sociological study "Attitude of Russians to environmental problems. URL:https://baikalfoundation.ru/ourwork/partnerstvo-v-interesakh-ustoichivogo -razvitiia/otnoshenie-rossiyan-k-problemam-ekologii/).

Further, during our survey, respondents were asked to choose up to three of the most important, in their opinion, environmental problems, as a result, among the most significant problems were named: water and air pollution - 66% of respondents chose this problem as the most significant; destruction of ecosystems and climate change, which are considered the most important by 54% and 52% the respondents, respectively. Environmental issues such as waste disposal, the threat of species extinction, soil pollution, land use change received a smaller number of elections – 16%. Thus, these problems, according to the student youth, are among the priorities and require active solutions.

Interestingly, despite the fact that most of the students are concerned about existing environmental problems, 51% of respondents who took part in our study believe that they rather do not care about the environment, and 29% of respondents unequivocally stated that they do not care about the environment. As one of the experts rightly noted: "not everyone is serious about this [environmental problems], and they think that I alone will not change anything ... there is a problem that people are simply not interested, they believe that ecology and environmental problems are not an urgent topic right now."

According to VTSIOM data for September 2021, only 27% of Russians believe that the majority of people fully help the country in solving environmental problems, 68% believe that the majority rather does nothing for this. At the same time, 58% of our fellow citizens said that over the past year they or their relatives, relatives, friends have taken some measures to solve environmental problems (38% did not do this) (Eco-activism: involvement, motivation, potential. URL:https://wciom.ru/analytical-reviews/analiticheskii-obzor/ehkoaktivizm-vovlechennost-motivacija-potencial).

Next, we analyzed the real practices that students implement while taking care of the environment: 79% of respondents said that they do not throw garbage near natural places such as forests and reservoirs, 58% of respondents said that they save water, 47% of respondents said that they try not to use plastic bags, 42% respondents said they sort garbage, 37% of respondents said they save electricity, 29% of respondents said they reduce the use of paper, 13% of respondents said they purchase clothes and things made from recycled materials, 58% of respondents said they use reusable tableware such as glasses bottles, etc., 32% of respondents said that they participate in clean-up or garbage collection activities. As the expert who took part in our study noted: "... we are organizing a project aimed at cleaning protected areas and, accordingly, with such visits we draw attention to the problem of pollution, cleaning, as well as, in principle, to the topic of protection of protected areas."

In turn, the ResearchMe analytical center conducted a study in April 2022 and found out that 20% of Russians consider the use of plastic a serious environmental problem. Interestingly, the male part of the population is somewhat more concerned about this (24%) than women (19%). 82% of respondents use plastic dishes at home, and only 18% of citizens choose more environmentally friendly paper dishes. It is noted that people aged 18 to 24 years show a slightly more conscious attitude to the environment: for example, 23% of respondents of this age choose paper dishes. (Research and surveys. Ecology. URL:https://www.b-soc.ru/io/71-rossiyan-gotov-otkazatsya-ot-plastikovoj-posudy/). Also, according to TASS, in 2021 the share of Russians sorting household waste increased by 40% compared to last year (Sorting of household waste in Russia in 2021 reached 40%. tass. URL:https://xn--80aapampemcchfmo7a3c9ehj.xn--p1ai/news/sortirovka-bytovykh-otkhodov-v-rossii-v-2021-godu-dostigla-40).

A significant indicator of environmental behavior is participation in environmental and/or environmental events and actions: according to our survey, slightly more than a third (35%) of respondents did not participate in such events and actions. However, 19% of respondents took part once, 21% - two or three times, and 17% - four or five times. There are also 13% of respondents who have participated five or more times. These results indicate the presence of a certain part of the student youth who are actively involved in environmental and environmental initiatives. However, there is a potential for greater involvement of people in such events and actions.

In turn, the VTSIOM survey conducted in June 2023 revealed the level of awareness of citizens about key environmental events and actions. The survey participants were asked to choose from a list of familiar environmental actions. The results showed that the most recognizable was the All-Russian campaign "Take care of our forests" (46%). The next most recognizable action was Earth Day (28%). Russians are almost equally aware of the ecopatriotic action "Garden of Memory" (18%) and the action "Water of Russia" (14%) on wastewater treatment.  At the same time, 30% of respondents do not know about any environmental actions taking place in Russia. This answer was more common among Russians who have done nothing to reduce environmental problems over the past year (40%, compared with 20% of those who have faced similar events) (Eco-activism: involvement, motivation, potential. URL:https://wciom.ru/analytical-reviews/analiticheskii-obzor/ehkoaktivizm-vovlechennost-motivacija-potencial).

I would like to note that the universities also hold events aimed at protecting the environment. As researcher Pankina M.V. notes, the concept of a "Green University" is gaining popularity in universities around the world, which is based on the introduction of various environmental practices at the university in order to increase the level of environmental culture of both students, teachers, and university staff. These practices include new ways to involve students and staff in environmental projects and activities ^[12].

By interviewing students, we found out which thematic events are held at Yekaterinburg universities and in which of them students take part: 61% of respondents took part in garbage collection. This suggests that cleaning public places from garbage is one of the most popular and accessible activities to maintain cleanliness and order, 42% of respondents participated in activities related to waste and garbage recycling, 25% of respondents participated in activities aimed at energy conservation and the use of renewable energy sources, 25% of respondents participated in activities aimed at protecting natural ecosystems, for example, carried out tree planting, participated in a program for the conservation of forests, cleaning rivers and lakes from pollution, 14% of respondents participated in activities related to the protection of wildlife habitats, this may include participation in projects for the protection and restoration of habitats, in support of reserves and nature parks, 11% of respondents took part in events aimed at using environmentally friendly cars and technologies in industry.

Another popular topic related to solving environmental problems is the use of environmentally friendly food, among the surveyed students 17% constantly use environmentally friendly food, 14% of respondents said that they rarely use environmentally friendly food, 21% of respondents said that they do not use environmentally friendly food, 15% respondents stated that they do not know about the existence of environmentally friendly food. It should be noted that according to the results of a study conducted in 2017 among residents of Yekaterinburg, it was revealed that 81% of respondents strive to consume environmentally friendly food, as they take care of their health and the health of their family members, but despite this desire, 73% of respondents refuse to buy environmentally friendly food from-because of their high prices (73%) ^[13].

Studying the data of the Union of Organic Farming, we found out that the number of Russians willing to pay more for environmentally friendly products by 2021 has risen to 43%. There is also evidence that the number of buyers who pay attention to the composition of products has increased – 76% and shelf life — 83% (43% of Russians are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly products. URL: https://soz.bio/43-rossiyan-gotovy-bolshe-platit-za-yekol/).

Next, it is worth paying attention to the use of eco-friendly things by students in order to take care of nature and the environment. 46% of respondents stated that they use eco-friendly things in order to take care of nature and the environment. This indicates that almost half of the respondents take an active part in a sustainable lifestyle and prefer to use environmentally friendly alternatives, 42% of respondents said that they do not use eco-friendly things, 12% of respondents said that they do not know about the existence of eco-friendly things. This may indicate that these respondents were not familiar with environmental alternatives or were not provided with enough information on this topic. As one of the experts of our research noted: "There is a recycling workshop where we recycle plastic, there is a "second life for paper", where we recycle paper and make various ecological paper postcards, crafts."

In October 2021, VTsIOM conducted a study on eco-friendly consumption by Russians. It turned out that 55% of Russians take into account environmental considerations when buying goods, 64% will prefer an expensive product to a cheaper one if a more expensive product is more environmentally friendly. Meat (85%), paper (73%) and batteries (70%) are the most frequently mentioned products that Russians are not ready to give up, among those that are not environmentally friendly (Eco–friendly consumption. URL:https://wciom.ru/analytical-reviews/analiticheskii-obzor/ehkologichnoe-potreblenie).

Considering the issue of using environmentally friendly things, in our study it was revealed that 96% of respondents use reusable shopping bags. This indicates the widespread practice of replacing disposable plastic bags with reusable alternatives, which helps to reduce the use of plastic and reduce waste. Also, 68% of respondents use reusable glasses or water bottles. This indicates the popularity and prevalence of the practice of abandoning disposable plastic cups and bottles in favor of reusable options, which helps to reduce the use of plastic and reduce garbage. In turn, 36% of respondents use LED light bulbs. This indicates that a significant part of respondents adhere to energy-efficient lighting solutions, since LED light bulbs consume less energy compared to traditional light bulbs and have greater durability. According to one of the experts of our study: "we organize plastic collections ... collecting caps, processing them in flex, and from this we make tablets, phone stands, badges," another expert also stressed: "We popularize environmental habits, promote buying less packaging, or eco-friendly packaging, throw out all wrappers from life, replace everything disposable with reusable – bags, dishes, get away from plastic. Travel more often by eco-friendly transport, on foot, by bike. Preserve natural resources."

It was also revealed that the majority of men (80%) do not use eco-friendly things in order to take care of nature and the environment, and 20% do not know about the existence of such things. 48% of the women who answered also do not use eco-friendly things, but 44% do. Only 8% of women do not know about the existence of such things.

Thus, young people show interest and awareness about environmental problems, but in reality their environmental behavior may be uneven and limited. The influence of the social environment, information sources, educational programs and other factors has a different impact on the environmental behavior of young people.

Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that although there is interest in environmental problems among students, it is necessary to increase the number of young people involved in environmental initiatives and activities. This will increase the level of environmental awareness and activity among students, which in turn contributes to a more sustainable and responsible attitude to the environment.