Taiwan's environment, resource sustainability and green consumerism: perceptions of university students

It is argued that university students are the future elite members and decision-makers of a society, therefore the attitudes and behaviour of Taiwanese students will have a significant effect upon the future course of development of Taiwan. This article discusses university students' perceptions of the environment, resource sustainability, and green consumerism in Taiwan. A total of 345 students studying at the National Taiwan University completed the survey questionnaire in October 1996. It is encouraging to find that most students appear to be concerned with, and aware of, the environmental and resource sustainability issues of Taiwan. Furthermore, the paper reveals students' attitude toward priority of development options, their consumption patterns and their participation in environmental protection campaigns. Students advocate a fundamental change of the prevalent wasteful lifestyle to achieve the long-term sustainability of Taiwan.