Examination of the Impact of Zero Waste Project Training on Young People's Perceptions and Behaviors

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine the impact of zero-waste training on young people's perceptions and behaviors. METHODS: It is a quasi-experimental design with repeated measures in a single group. One week after the pre-test, participants received information on waste management and the zero-waste project, including waste types, sorting, risks, and current approaches. Data were collected one month and six months after the training. RESULTS: The results indicated that the training and zero-waste posters positively impacted young people's knowledge, perceptions, and behaviors. In addition to promoting environmental sustainability, zero-waste education plays a critical role in protecting public health. Despite the six-month gap, the training led to lasting awareness of zero-waste. CONCLUSION: Zero waste training programs should be integrated into national environmental and health policies. Environmental awareness raised through education can contribute to more effective implementation of waste management strategies across the country and protect public health. The findings also highlight the important role of public health nurses in promoting environmental health awareness and sustainable waste management behaviors through community-based educational interventions.