Examining the relationship between ecological literacy, recyclingbehavior and ecological footprint awareness

This study was conducted to determine the ecological literacy, recycling behavior and ecological footprint awareness of high school students and to statistically examine the relationship between these variables. Since a structural model will be created by using advanced analysis techniques in line with the research purpose, this scientific research was designed in the relational survey model. The sample of the study consisted of 962 voluntary high school students at all grade levels continuing their education in Ankara in the 2022-2023 academic year. The sample was determined according to the convenience sampling approach. The data collection tools used in the study were ecological literacy scale, recycling behavior scale and ecological footprint awareness scale. As a result of the research, it was determined that students' ecological literacy, recycling behavior and ecological footprint awareness were at a medium level. According to the structural model revealing the relationship between ecological literacy, recycling behavior and ecological footprint awareness, it was concluded that although students' ecological literacy levels and ecological footprint awareness levels were high, they did not exhibit recycling behavior. According to the results of the correlational scan, it was determined that as students' ecological footprint awareness and ecological literacy levels increase, their tendency towards recycling behavior does not increase at the same rate. Accordingly, it can be interpreted that students tend to behave in areas such as schools, shopping malls, government agencies, etc. that facilitate recycling such as recycling boxes, etc., but they do not show the same sensitivity in their individual lives.