Can environmental literacy and integrated behavioral factors encourage green practices at home? Evidence from Malaysia
Jing-Wei Law, Chun-Teck Lye, Tuan Hock Ng
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 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 few 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.