Can environmental literacy and integrated behavioral factors encourage green practices at home? Evidence from Malaysia

Abstract

This study integrates environmental literacy and integrated behavioral model to address the reduce, reuse, and recycle (3Rs) issues of households in Malaysia. A total of 166 questionnaires were collected from the top five states with the highest number of households and analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling approach. The results show that personal agency and attitude are important factors in motivating intentions to practice the 3Rs, while environmental literacy, intention, knowledge and skills, habit, and having no or minimal environmental constraints can encourage the 3Rs behavior. The result also shows that environmental literacy can be a moderator that strengthens 3Rs intention and behavior through attitude and perceived norms. The finding not only corroborates the significant role of behavioral factors and environmental education but also shows how environmental literacy is associated with behavioral factors in improving green practices at home. The finding highlights the need for a more comprehensive environmental education curriculum, along with increased awareness campaigns, support, and facilities for the promotion of the 3Rs behavior.

Keywords

• Environmental literacy
• Environmental sustainability
• Integrated behavioral model
• Partial least square
• Pro-environmental behavior
• Structural equation modelling