Circular Economy: Behaviours, attitudes and knowledge of university students in Portugal [comunicação oral]

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to assess behaviours, attitudes, and knowledge about circular economy (CE) by university students, since younger and highly skilled generations are one of the major driving forces of a successful CE transformation. The study focuses specifically on Portuguese students. Data collection from the target audience was made using an online questionnaire, and 377 answers were obtained. The results show that students engage several CE behaviours and have positive attitudes. However, these include mostly actions such as reducing food waste, recycling practices, or purchasing energy efficient products. Remanufactured products, second-hand purchases, sharing economy and product-as-a-service systems (PSSs) are circular consumption habits that still need further implementation. Results additionally indicate the level of knowledge tends to be satisfactory and goes beyond the conventional recycling premise. Based on a probit model, we also study the relation between behaviours, attitudes and knowledge and find knowledge positively influences several students’ behaviours and attitudes. Other variables influencing effective actions, and attitudes are also identified. Finally, policy implications are drawn.