Environmental Literacy of Generations X, Y, and Z in a Provincial Center in Turkey: A Descriptive-Comparative Study

Objective: This research was conducted to determine the environmental literacy and behaviors of Generations X, Y, and Z. Method: This descriptive-comparative study involved a total of 1,148 participants, comprising 376 from Generation X, 399 from Generation Y, and 373 from Generation Z. Data were collected using the Demographic Characteristics Form and the Environmental Literacy Scale for Adults. Results: It was found that 67.8% of participants had not received any education on environmental issues, 81.8% disposed of used cooking oil in the trash or sink, 43.6% discarded waste batteries in the trash, and 62.1% were unfamiliar with the concept of ecological footprint. The environmental literacy of Generation Z was significantly lower than that of Generations X and Y. Nuclear family type, perception of high income, lack of social security, willingness to receive environmental education, separate disposal of waste cooking oil, disposal of waste batteries in designated units, and use of recycling bins were identified as factors influencing environmental literacy for all participants. These variables explained 22.4% of the variance in environmental literacy. Conclusion: The results revealed insufficient environmental behaviors in the sample and lower environmental literacy in Generation Z compared to Generations X and Y. It is recommended to conduct informative and educational programs and prepare public service announcements in order to enhance community environmental awareness and promote appropriate environmental health behaviors