A qualitative analysis on waste management attributes of university students in India

For over 50 years, humanity has exceeded Earth's ecological limits, extracting more resources than nature can replenish and generating unsustainable levels of waste. Addressing this crisis requires behavioural change, particularly among younger generations. This study examines whether knowledge about waste and its management influences university students' attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours. Using a questionnaire, we assess the waste-related knowledge and attitudes of Indian university students. Drawing parallels with successful hygiene behaviour shifts during the COVID-19 awareness campaigns, we argue that education can effectively drive behavioural change. Our findings suggest that sustainability challenges can be met through mass mobilisation and cooperation, with education playing a central role. We emphasise the need for universities to embed education for sustainable development (ESD) in their curricula, equipping students with the knowledge and tools to act as responsible citizens in a sustainable economy.