49% of the individuals participating in the study are women, 51% are men and 55.2% are married individuals. Individuals are between the ages of 17–78, and the average age is 35. Approximately 80% of the individuals participating in the research consist of individuals under the age of 45 in the active population. 20% of individuals are educated people with high school degree, and about 60% have undergraduate and graduate degrees. While the number of individuals in the household varies between 1–10, they are families of about 4 people. 16.1% of individuals have a monthly income of less than 1500 TL, 35.3% have a monthly income of 1501–3000 TL, about 50% of them have a monthly income above 3000 TL. In addition, 9.4% of individuals stated that they were members of an environmental organization, while 90.6% stated that they were not members of any environmental organizations. 18.2% of individuals work in the public sector, 21.6% work in the private sector, and 13.0% are housewives and 18.5% are students. 37.2% of individuals do not know where to file a complaint about environmental pollution. Individuals make their complaints about environmental pollution mostly to institutions and organizations such as the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization, Municipality, Prime Ministry Communication Center (BİMER), Governor's Office and Turkish Foundation for Combating Erosion, Afforestation and Conservation of Natural Assets (TEMA).
Information about the environmental behavior of individuals is demonstrated in Fig. 1. It is seen that individuals do not tend to buy packaged products made from recycled materials. It is seen that they sometimes do practices such as separating recyclable materials, using different transportation methods to reduce the use of personal cars, purchasing products made of durable materials to use them for a longer period of time, preferring products that can be used for longer periods of time, and avoiding purchasing disposable products. These results show that the behaviors of individuals regarding the protection of the environment are not of regular and systematic manner.
Individuals' opinions and considerations on what can be done about the environment are given in Fig. 2. While the participants thought that certain things could be done about the emission of greenhouse gases and the increased greenhouse effect, the same individuals were concerned about the pollution of the environment as a result of the pollution of chemical wastes, the air pollution caused by the car exhaust, the water pollution caused by the factory wastes, the indoor air pollution and the solid wastes caused by the garbage disposal thus they argued that a lot of things can be done for these problems.
The views of individuals reflecting their lifestyles and attitudes towards the environment are shown in Fig. 3. While individuals state that they are not confused about what is good or bad for the environment, they are indeed undecided based on their statements saying that "New technologies will solve environmental problems before they further aggravate and I feel good when I do something beneficial for the environment". It is understood that they do not agree with the assumptions that the improvement of living conditions leads to environmental pollution, that they do not have time to consider the consequences of their behaviors on the environment, that they will be ashamed if their entourage learn that they do not recycle their garbage, that the recovery of the economy takes precedence of the environment, that commercial enterprises’ obligations to spend a lot of money to protect the environment will prevent R&D investments, and that local governments are obliged to encourage people to contribute in recycling.
The thoughts of individuals about people and situations that may make them want to change their attitudes in order to protect the environment are given in Fig. 4. While all kinds of discourse and behavior on environmental issues are very effective on individuals to change their attitudes towards environmental protection, the encouragement of famous people is somewhat effective.
The opinions of the participants on practices that may cause environmental problems are given in Fig. 5. Individuals consider issues such as the fact that factories cause pollution during manufacturing, the products used by enterprises cause environmental problems (pollution, recycling problems, etc.), the fact that states do not make a collaborative effort for matters that require international cooperation, as the main causes of pollution. On the other hand, they state that other expressşons may partially cause environmental problems. This situation demonstrates that the individuals participating in the research have sufficient knowledge about the sources of environmental problems. According to the study conducted by Morrison & Beer (2017) on consumption and environmental awareness, it is stated that approximately half of the population (0.545) is aware of the environmental impact of the products they buy and use.
Mann-Whitney U test results conducted to investigate whether there is a statistically significant difference between individuals' attitudes, behaviors, practices they may do for the environment, practices that cause environmental problems, and their thoughts on the person or situations they are affected by in order to protect the environment, according to gender, marital status and membership to an environmental organization are shown in Table 1.
Table 1
Mann-Whitney U Test results
Mann-Whitney U Testi | Attitude | Behaviour | Influencing person and situation | What individuals may do | Sources of environmental problems |
Gender | Chi-Square | 1,262 | 4,547 | 0,059 | 0,975 | 1,267 |
df | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Asymp. Sig. | 0,261 | 0,033 | 0,808 | 0,323 | 0,260 |
Marital status | Chi-Square | 0,146 | 0,002 | 1,009 | 7,389 | 0,020 |
df | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Asymp. Sig. | 0,702 | 0,962 | 0,315 | 0,007 | 0,887 |
Membership of an environmental organization | Chi-Square | 0,018 | 8,283 | 4,916 | 1,442 | 0,069 |
df | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Asymp. Sig. | 0,894 | 0,004 | 0,027 | 0,230 | 0,793 |
As a result of the analysis, it was determined that there was a statistically significant difference at the level of 0.05 between the environmental behaviors of individuals according to gender. Compared to men, women exhibit more positive behaviors in consideration of propositions such as "using different transportation methods to reduce the use of personal cars, purchasing products made of durable materials for long-term use, and avoiding disposable products and choosing products that can be used for many times". Compared to men, it is seen that women use more environmental protection practices in their daily lives on an individual basis. In the literature, it is seen that women use environmentally friendly practices more frequently than men. Ateşoğlu & Erkal (2018) concluded in their research that women have higher positive attitudes towards the environment than men. Çiftçi & Şakacı (2015, in their study conducted with university students determined that women consumers attach more importance to environmentally conscious consumption compared to men consumers. Özbebek Tunç et al. (2012), in their study conducted with university students, determined that the gender variable had a positive effect on the relationship between environmental awareness and personal measures to protect the environment. Kiper et al (2017) found that women are more sensitive than men about their cleaning supplies preferences and waste oil spilled in the sink in terms of their effects on the environment and human health. Wong and Wan (2008), in their study conducted to examine the development of environmental awareness and behavior in Hong Kong, state that women tend to engage in environmentally friendly practices more frequently. For individuals, the practice of environmental protection includes the need to make different sacrifices, such as giving up private cars and paying higher prices for environmentally friendly products, rather than shouting empty slogans (Wong & Wan, 2008). Yoloğlu and Halisdemir (2020), in their study conducted with Mersin University students, stated that there is a significant difference in environmental attitude/behavior scores of students according to gender, and that the attitudes and behaviors of women students are more environmentally friendly than men students. Öden et al, (2015), in their study conducted to measure the environmental awareness and environmental sensitivity of citizens living in the Sarayönü district of Konya province, found that women have higher environmental awareness than men. Altın et al, (2014), in their study conducted to determine secondary school students' awareness of environmental problems and their levels of active participation in environmental activities, revealed that women students have higher environmental awareness and active participation levels. Accordng to a limited number of studies, it has been determined that men are more sensitive about environmentally friendly practices. Acungil (2020), in a study conducted to determine the environmental attitudes, awareness, sensitivity and behavior perceptions of university students studying in the city center of Tokat, found that there is a gender oriented difference in environmental behavior and sensitivity, and that men students acquired more positive environmental behaviours and sensitivities than women students. According to a limited number of studies, it has been determined that there is no significant relationship between gender and exhibiting environmentally friendly behaviors. Karaismailoğlu (2018) determined that teachers' environmental friendly behaviors did not make a difference depending on gender, and that men and women teachers exhibited similar environmentally friendly behaviors.
According to the gender variable, it has been determined that there is no statistically significant difference between the attitudes of the individuals, the practices they can do for the environment, the practices that cause environmental problems, and the thoughts of the individuals about the people or situations they are affected by in order to protect the environment. Although there are studies in the literature that support that there is no difference in attitudes according to the gender variable, there are also studies that state that attitudes differ according to gender. Doğan and Purutçuoğlu (2017) determined that gender was not statistically effective on the attitudes of social workers towards the environment. Ateş and Öner (2020), in their study in which they examined the level of awareness of preservice teachers towards environmental problems, determined that the level of awareness of preservice teachers towards environmental problems did not differ significantly according to the gender variable. Oktav et al (2021), in their study conducted to determine the awareness levels of associate’s degree students about environmental problems, stated that women university students were more numerous than men students, but no statistically significant result was obtained from the gender difference. Karaismailoğlu (2018), in his study conducted with teachers in the province of Ankara, revealed that women participants' attitudes towards the environment were higher than that of men. Ünver et al (2015) determined that the awareness and attitude scores of women were higher than men according to their study conducted to determine the awareness and attitude levels of nurses towards the environment. Yücel et al (2006), in their study conducted to investigate the views and attitudes of individuals in Adana province, on environmental problems, stated that women are more sensitive to the environment in terms of both environmental awareness and attitudes than men. According to the study conducted by Özden (2008) with Adıyaman University students, as they examined the impact and influence of gender on attitudes towards environmental problems, found that women teacher candidates had higher average scores in all dimensions than men teacher candidates. Boeve-de Pauw and Petegem (2010) stated that at the individual level, girls have more environmentally positive attitudes than boys. Budak et al (2005), according to the study in which they evaluated the attitudes and behaviors of Agricultural faculty students towards the environment, stated that women students were more reluctant to environmental issues than men students. Doğan and Purutçuoğlu (2017), in their study conducted with social workers, state that gender does not generally make a significant difference on the level of environmental awareness, but in the comprehension sub-dimension, women are more successful in being aware of environmental problems and comprehending their causes.
As a result of the Mann-Whitney U analysis, it was determined that there is a statistically significant difference at the level of 0.05 between the membership status of an environmental organization and the people and situations that individuals are affected by with respect to environmental behavior and environmental issues. It is observed that individuals who are not members of an environmental organization exhibit more positive behaviors towards the environment as verified by the suggestions "Separating recyclable materials, purchasing packaged products made from recycled materials" compared to members of environmental organizations. Although it is expected that individuals who are members of environmental organizations will exhibit more positive behaviors towards the environment, the results reveal the opposite. In the literature, there are findings that support this result as well as findings that do not. Karaismailoğlu (2018) stated that it has been observed that the behavior levels of the participants who are members of any environmental institution are lower than those who are not members. Budak et al (2005) stated that those who are members of environmental organizations have more positive attitudes towards environmental issues. Karahan (2017) determined that managers who are members of non-governmental organizations and who receive environmental education are more sensitive to the environment.
It has been determined that the difference between the membership status of individuals to an environmental organization and the people and situations that they are affected by environmental issues is based on the following propositions. “Seeing people around me doing something for the environment, People around me encouraging me to do something about the environment, Government officials encouraging me to do something about the environment, Famous people I respect encouraging me to protect the environment, Non-profit organizations encouraging me to protect the environment”.
While there is no statistically significant difference between the marital status of individuals and their attitudes, behaviors, practices that cause environmental problems, and their thoughts on the person or situations they are affected by in order to protect the environment, there is a statistically significant difference at the level of 0.05 between their thoughts on the practices they can do for the environment. Married individuals think more positively about what can be done about "Solid wastes generated as a result of garbage disposal, greenhouse gas emissions and increased greenhouse effect" compared to single individuals.
As a result of the Kruskal Wallis H Test, there is no statistically significant difference between the attitudes, behaviors, practices that cause environmental problems, the practices that cause environmental problems, the people or situations that individuals are affected by, and the practices they can do for the environment according to the households and working conditions in which they live (Table 2). It has been determined that there is a statistically significant difference of 0.05 between the ages of the individuals and their environmental behaviors, the practices they can do, the people and situations they are affected by. It has been determined that individuals under the age of 25, namely young people, are more sensitive to purchasing packaged products made from recycled materials compared to other individuals. On the subject of what individuals can do for the environment, on the "emission of greenhouse gases and the increasing greenhouse effect", individuals over the age of 35 think more positively than young people. Individuals over the age of 45 state that when they see their friends and acquaintances doing something about the environment, and when civil servants encourage them to do something, they are more affected by the environment than younger individuals. Karahan (2017), in his study conducted in Elazığ in order to determine the environmental sensitivity and awareness levels of business managers and to determine the problems encountered in the field of environment, stated that the environmental awareness of the managers increases as the age and work experience of the managers increase.
Table 2
Kruskal Wallis H Test Results
Kruskal Wallis H Test | Attitude | Behaviour | Influencing person and situation | Whay individuals may do | Sources of environmental problems |
Age | Mann-Whitney U | 3388,000 | 3047,500 | 3696,000 | 3042,500 | 2989,000 |
Wilcoxon W | 8338,000 | 5897,500 | 6546,000 | 7992,500 | 7939,000 |
Z | -0,991 | -2,037 | -0,050 | -2,050 | -2,214 |
Asymp. Sig. (2-tailed) | 0,321 | 0,042 | 0,960 | 0,040 | 0,027 |
Education | Mann-Whitney U | 948,500 | 826,000 | 956,000 | 612,000 | 574,500 |
Wilcoxon W | 1938,500 | 1816,000 | 1946,000 | 1602,000 | 1564,500 |
Z | -0,342 | -1,357 | -0,282 | -3,112 | -3,440 |
Asymp. Sig. (2-tailed) | 0,732 | 0,175 | 0,778 | 0,002 | 0,001 |
Monthly income | Mann-Whitney U | 1206,000 | 1313,000 | 1342,500 | 1290,000 | 1045,500 |
Wilcoxon W | 2241,000 | 3266,000 | 3295,500 | 2325,000 | 2080,500 |
Z | -1,199 | -0,521 | -0,335 | -0,667 | -2,233 |
Asymp. Sig. (2-tailed) | 0,230 | 0,602 | 0,738 | 0,505 | 0,026 |
While there was no statistically significant difference at the 0.05 significance level between the education level of individuals and their attitudes, behaviors and what they could do, it was determined that there was a difference between environmental problems and the people and situations they were affected by. In other words, regardless of the education level of individuals, it has been concluded that there is no positive or negative difference in attitudes, behaviors and what individuals can do for the environment. There are findings in the literature that environmental behaviors differ according to education level. Wong and Wan (2008) stated that participants with higher education levels tend to use environmentally friendly practices more frequently. Duroy (2005) stated that education is significantly related to environmental behavior. Yücel et al (2006) shows that the level of consciousness, attitude and sensitivity increases depending on the level of education. Ogunbode and Arnold (2012), in their study conducted in Nigeria, stated that education has significant effects on environmental knowledge and attitudes, with participants with tertiary education displaying significantly more "measured" knowledge than other categories. In addition, it has been revealed that there is a relationship between education levels and environmental concerns, with those with higher education levels having the highest concern and those with only vocational or primary education are the least concerned individuals. Altın et al, (2014) states that as the family education level increases, the environmental awareness and active participation level of the students also increase. Ateşoğlu and Erkal (2018) determined that as the education level of the adults participating in the research increases, their negative behaviors towards the environment decrease.
Individuals' thoughts on issues that cause environmental problems differ according to their education level. Primary, secondary and high school graduates predominantly support the view that consumers do not want to pay more for environmentally friendly products. Individuals with secondary and post-graduate education confirm that consumers are not interested in how products affect the environment, but in the benefits they provide.
The people and situations that the individuals participating in the research are affected by concerning environmental issues differ according to their education levels. Although there is no difference according to education level for the proposition "I will not be fined if I am insensitive about environmental pollution", it has been determined that those with a lower education level are more affected by the people and situations around them than university and graduate graduates with respect to environmental issues.
While there was no statistically significant difference at the 0.05 importance level between the income level of individuals and their attitudes, behaviors, what they could do and environmental problems, it was determined that there was a difference between the people and situations they were affected by. The differentiation of the income level of individuals does not make a difference in their views on the environment, and the influencing people and situations differ with respect to the income level. Individuals with low income levels are more affected by the incentives and practices of the people around them than individuals with high income.