Sustainability is maintaining the health of eco-social systems. It is the procedure and process to preserve the value of both natural and social capital. To fully understand the concept of sustainability, three main areas of influence must be considered — the so-called three pillars of sustainability, the social, the economic, and the environmental. This study published in Springer Nature explored Greek citizens’ perceptions and readiness to replace their daily practices with more sustainable ones.

According to the survey, less than 30% of consumers were considered sustainability-conscious in 2021. Most respondents (57.6%) are considered in a transition phase, while 13% fell into the category of nonconscious. The analysis provides insights into the Greeks’ perceptions of sustainability, especially those with a university education.

Sustainable development is a learning process

Sustainable development is a continuous learning process. It involves education systems helping people and groups make better choices for a sustainable future. Education can change how people think, making the world safer, healthier, and wealthier. Knowledge plays a big role in encouraging eco-friendly actions and supporting sustainability. Changing individual behaviours is important for a better future with limited resources. However, efforts to achieve sustainable development have not been enough and need improvement.

To turn theories of sustainability into actions

To speed up sustainable development, it’s crucial to turn theories into actions, both individually and across society, politics, and production. We need actions that safeguard natural and social resources. Understanding sustainability involves three key areas: social, economic, and environmental aspects, known as the pillars of sustainability. If these are combined effectively, they can create a strong foundation for a sustainable world. Preserving the natural environment means always considering its impact when making decisions. True sustainability isn’t just about economic growth or profit-focused decisions; it involves considering social and environmental factors alongside financial gain. Shifting from the traditional profit-focused approach in business decisions to integrating social and environmental concerns is essential for a sustainable world.

Awareness and Consciousness for Sustainability

In our daily lives, it’s important to make choices that support sustainability. People should understand what sustainability means, be aware of their actions, and actively contribute to environmentally friendly practices. Studies have investigated environmental awareness for years, even in business and marketing. Research has shown that companies focusing on the environment tend to earn more profits. Over time, specific criteria have been created to identify these environmentally conscious companies.

Ecological consciousness goes beyond just knowing about the environment and making eco-friendly purchases. It involves understanding how our actions affect nature and being mindful of our impact on ecosystems. It’s like a mindset that connects us to both nature and the way we interact with technology. It’s also linked to our sense of self-awareness.

The scope of this study is to conduct a survey to explore sustainability perceptions and actions of Greek people with a university education via a questionnaire and assess consumers’ attitudes towards sustainable living and green citizenship.

Awareness and shift toward green citizenship

The study concluded that University-educated Greeks are well-informed about environmental issues and are interested in tackling their city’s environmental problems. They acknowledge climate change and its risks and have a positive view of sustainability. “They value companies’ sustainability policies when purchasing goods and services. They believe in collective action and are open to changing their behaviours for sustainable living, like spending more on organic products and using food-sharing apps. However, fewer support second-hand shopping for clothes. Recycling and donating clothes are reasonably practiced, but there’s less involvement in using bikes or car-sharing. Many recognize the need to reduce plastic use but participation in plastic recycling is low,” concluded the study.

“Their actions don’t always align with their attitudes, highlighting a need for greater awareness and a shift towards green citizenship. They lack trust in policymakers and see a challenge in spreading knowledge and awareness about sustainability’s possibilities,” added the authors in the conclusion of the study.

While these findings focus on university-educated Greeks, they offer insights into their perceptions of sustainability in the country.

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/