Sustainable Development Knowledge and Sustainable Consumption Practices Among Students: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

In an era of pressing global sustainability concerns, promoting sustainable development knowledge and practices among students is vital. Sustainability addresses environmental degradation, climate change, and socio-economic disparities, securing our future. Education stands as a cornerstone in moulding the future generation towards responsible leadership and citizenship. This systematic literature review assesses the current state of sustainable knowledge and behaviours among students, synthesizing diverse scholarly works. The study aims to investigate the student’s level of awareness regarding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and investigate the most common sustainable consumption practices students frequently engage in. This systematic review used strict criteria, considering empirical articles aligned with our research questions. Out of 403 articles, 30 studies, published between 2017 and 2023, were selected from sources like Web of Science (WOS) and SCOPUS. Findings revealed that students possess a high level of knowledge regarding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Moreover, students actively engage in sustainable practices, such as purchasing green products, conserving water and electrical energy, reusing and recycling materials, responsible waste management and using public transportation. In conclusion, institutions, parents, and businesses should promote eco-friendly practices, emphasizing role models and affordability while fostering sustainability through community collaboration. We also offer recommendations for further research.