Nexus between Environmental Literacy and Anti-littering Behavior: A Study on University Students in Khulna City

Abstract
Littering has been recognized as a significant problem in Bangladesh that negatively hampers the environment and public health. It is regarded as a socially accepted bad habit. It can lead to the pollution of soil, water and air, which can harm wildlife and deteriorating the aesthetic view of an area. Thus, this study aims to examine the impact of environmental literacy on anti-littering behavior. It is a cross-sectional study that uses primary data collected from four colleges and universities in Khulna City. Specifically, 209 samples from honors and master’s level students are collected using a systematic random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics, hierarchical regression model, logistic regression, Instrumental Variable (IV) Tobit, and Two-stage Least Squares (2SLS) analysis have been used to attain the objective and answer the research questions. Study findings report that students have a moderate level of environmental literacy and an anti-littering attitude. The study finds that environmental literacy significantly and positively influences anti-littering behavior in all models. In addition, the impact of environmental literacy on anti-littering is heterogeneous among different groups of students. Specifically, the effect is higher among male students; students coming from joint families & rural areas, and students from pure science & engineering backgrounds. Fathers’ education, income, the number of highly educated family members, and siblings at school are also positively related to anti-littering behavior. These findings provide insight that properly disseminating environmental knowledge can help ensure a litter-free environment. Thus, this study suggests arranging an environmental campaign program, training on pro-environmental issues, and sharing knowledge via social media, newspapers, and other electronic sources. The findings might help develop effective strategies for promoting environmental literacy and anti-littering behavior in Bangladesh and other countries.

Keywords: Environmental Literacy, Anti-littering, Behavior, Students, Bangladesh

JEL: C31, C36, Q53, Q58

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