Attitudes and Behaviors of People about Environment in Adana Province, Turkey

The aim of this study is to measure the attitudes and behaviors of individuals living in the urban area of Adana province in order to create data and to contribute in the regulations to be made for the protection of the environment, to establish the relevant policies and to plan the necessary trainings. For this purpose, a face-to-face survey was conducted with individuals living in Adana. It is seen that individuals have knowledge about practices that may cause environmental problems. However, it is seen that their behaviors with respect to the environment are not regular and they act in a particular manner from time to time. It has been determined that they do not prefer to buy packaged products made of recycled materials. It has been determined that there are differences between the environmental attitudes, behaviors and sources of environmental problems according to the gender, age and education variables of the individuals. Considering all these results, in order to hand down a more livable environment for the next generations, education programs at all levels should be emphasized in order to raise awareness of the environment, to encourage governments to produce effective policies in order to raise awareness of individuals about the environment and to make their behaviors towards environmental protection permanent.


Introduction
Environment is a concept that embraces all living beings and non-living things. We meet all our needs for survival from these assets, which we call environmental resources. The rapidly increasing population, urbanization, economic activities and diversifying consumption habits increase the pressure on the environment and natural resources (Ministry of Environment and Urbanization, 2020). Globally, economic policies have focused on short-term use of natural resources with hardly a regard for sustainability, resulting in severe environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity through industrialisation, urbanisation, agriculture and ever-increasing energy demand (Ogunbode & Arnold, 2012). Environmental degradation caused by air and water pollution, noise, radiation, chemicals or biological factors, and the destruction of natural areas -forests in particular, have adverse impacts on human health (Ministry of Environment and Urbanization, 2020). An ignorant and uneducated society that is unaware of the environment does not know how to use the environment in which it lives, consumes natural resources rapidly and jeopardizes its future (Oktav et al., 2021). The fact that the environment must be protected and preserved in order to enable future life cannot be denied (Verma, 2016). The existence of environmental problems poses a great threat to the continuity of living things. Elimination of this threat will only be possible by raising awareness of people about this issue and acting more consciously.
Environmental problems have become a global element that concerns all people without borders (Ministry of Environment and Urbanization, 2020). Being aware of current problems and their causes raises anxiety but also encourages action (Korhonen & Lappalainen, 2004). People may be conscious and know what to do for the sake of the environment, but this does not necessarily mean that they intend to take action (Mei et al, 2016).
Assuredly, the most effective and permanent solution to eliminate and combat environmental problems is to raise environmentally conscious societies (Ateşoğlu & Erkal, 2018). It is thought that increasing environmental awareness will reverse the misuse of the environment and its resources (Omoogun et al., 2016). Environmental awareness is understanding the signi cance of not harming the environment and using it at a sustainable level (Yücel et al, 2006;Ateşoğlu & Erkal, 2018). Accordingly, an environmentally conscious person is an individual who has fundamental information about the environment, adopts positive attitudes towards the environment and shows positive behaviors towards the protection of the environment (Yoloğlu & Halisdemir, 2020). Environmental awareness basically requires being aware of the environment and behaving in harmony with it (Kurt Konakoğlu, 2020). Environmental awareness includes the perception and understanding of threats, changes, and available options, and values, attitudes, and preferences among con icting goals (Takala, 1991). Environmental awareness, which is a concept related to laying a claim on the environment and being sensitive to environmental problems, consists of elements such as seeing the mistakes in attitudes, sensitivity and behaviors towards the Considering that only what can be measured can actually be managed, measuring environmental awareness according to scienti c criteria becomes more and more interesting for scientists working in different disciplines (Ham et al., 2016). For this reason, many studies on the environment have been conducted in different countries (Takala, 1991;Palmer et al, 1998;Duroy, 2005 In order to solve environmental problems, to develop policies in this regard, and to create a livable environment that is sensitive to environmental problems, it is necessary to reveal the current situation in order to create a conscious society with a high level of awareness. Learning the attitudes and behaviors of individuals about the environment is an indicator of how aware we are of environmental problems and how consciously we act in the solution of these problems. In the light of this information, plans can be made for the necessary studies to develop and increase awareness and consciousness. The aim of this study is to measure the attitudes and behaviors of individuals living in the urban area of Adana province in order to create data and to contribute in the regulations to be made for the protection of the environment, to establish the relevant policies and to plan the necessary trainings.

Materials And Method
The main material of the research is the primary data obtained as a result of the face-to-face survey with individuals living in the urban area of Adana. The survey questions prepared for the research were developed by taking into account the purpose of the research, the content of the subject and the characteristics of the main population to which the survey will be applied. Similar studies in the literature were also referred in this study. The sample size of this study was calculated according to the Simple Random Probability Sampling method. The formula of the method is as follows (Yamane, 2001 Information about the environmental behavior of individuals is demonstrated in Fig. 1. It is seen that individuals do not tend to buy packaged products made from recycled materials. It is seen that they sometimes do practices such as separating recyclable materials, using different transportation methods to reduce the use of personal cars, purchasing products made of durable materials to use them for a longer period of time, preferring products that can be used for longer periods of time, and avoiding purchasing disposable products. These results show that the behaviors of individuals regarding the protection of the environment are not of regular and systematic manner.
Individuals' opinions and considerations on what can be done about the environment are given in Fig. 2.
While the participants thought that certain things could be done about the emission of greenhouse gases and the increased greenhouse effect, the same individuals were concerned about the pollution of the environment as a result of the pollution of chemical wastes, the air pollution caused by the car exhaust, the water pollution caused by the factory wastes, the indoor air pollution and the solid wastes caused by the garbage disposal thus they argued that a lot of things can be done for these problems.
The views of individuals re ecting their lifestyles and attitudes towards the environment are shown in Fig. 3. While individuals state that they are not confused about what is good or bad for the environment, they are indeed undecided based on their statements saying that "New technologies will solve environmental problems before they further aggravate and I feel good when I do something bene cial for the environment". It is understood that they do not agree with the assumptions that the improvement of living conditions leads to environmental pollution, that they do not have time to consider the consequences of their behaviors on the environment, that they will be ashamed if their entourage learn that they do not recycle their garbage, that the recovery of the economy takes precedence of the environment, that commercial enterprises' obligations to spend a lot of money to protect the environment will prevent R&D investments, and that local governments are obliged to encourage people to contribute in recycling.
The thoughts of individuals about people and situations that may make them want to change their attitudes in order to protect the environment are given in Fig. 4. While all kinds of discourse and behavior on environmental issues are very effective on individuals to change their attitudes towards environmental protection, the encouragement of famous people is somewhat effective.
The opinions of the participants on practices that may cause environmental problems are given in Fig. 5.
Individuals consider issues such as the fact that factories cause pollution during manufacturing, the products used by enterprises cause environmental problems (pollution, recycling problems, etc.), the fact that states do not make a collaborative effort for matters that require international cooperation, as the Mann-Whitney U test results conducted to investigate whether there is a statistically signi cant difference between individuals' attitudes, behaviors, practices they may do for the environment, practices that cause environmental problems, and their thoughts on the person or situations they are affected by in order to protect the environment, according to gender, marital status and membership to an environmental organization are shown in Table 1. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that there was a statistically signi cant difference at the level of 0.05 between the environmental behaviors of individuals according to gender. Compared to men, women exhibit more positive behaviors in consideration of propositions such as "using different transportation methods to reduce the use of personal cars, purchasing products made of durable materials for long-term use, and avoiding disposable products and choosing products that can be used for many times". Compared to men, it is seen that women use more environmental protection practices in their daily lives on an individual basis. In the literature, it is seen that women use environmentally friendly practices more frequently than men. Ateşoğlu (2017) found that women are more sensitive than men about their cleaning supplies preferences and waste oil spilled in the sink in terms of their effects on the environment and human health. Wong and Wan (2008), in their study conducted to examine the development of environmental awareness and behavior in Hong Kong, state that women tend to engage in environmentally friendly practices more frequently. For individuals, the practice of environmental protection includes the need to make different sacri ces, such as giving up private cars and paying higher prices for environmentally friendly products, rather than shouting empty slogans (Wong & Wan, 2008). Yoloğlu and Halisdemir (2020), in their study conducted with Mersin University students, stated that there is a signi cant difference in environmental attitude/behavior scores of students according to gender, and that the attitudes and behaviors of women students are more environmentally friendly than men students. Öden et al, (2015), in their study conducted to measure the environmental awareness and environmental sensitivity of citizens living in the Sarayönü district of Konya province, found that women have higher environmental awareness than men. Altın et al, (2014), in their study conducted to determine secondary school students' awareness of environmental problems and their levels of active participation in environmental activities, revealed that women students have higher environmental awareness and active participation levels. Accordng to a limited number of studies, it has been determined that men are more sensitive about environmentally friendly practices. Acungil (2020), in a study conducted to determine the environmental attitudes, awareness, sensitivity and behavior perceptions of university students studying in the city center of Tokat, found that there is a gender oriented difference in environmental behavior and sensitivity, and that men students acquired more positive environmental behaviours and sensitivities than women students. According to a limited number of studies, it has been determined that there is no signi cant relationship between gender and exhibiting environmentally friendly behaviors. Karaismailoğlu (2018) determined that teachers' environmental friendly behaviors did not make a difference depending on gender, and that men and women teachers exhibited similar environmentally friendly behaviors.
According to the gender variable, it has been determined that there is no statistically signi cant difference between the attitudes of the individuals, the practices they can do for the environment, the practices that cause environmental problems, and the thoughts of the individuals about the people or situations they are affected by in order to protect the environment. Although there are studies in the literature that support that there is no difference in attitudes according to the gender variable, there are also studies that state that attitudes differ according to gender. Doğan and Purutçuoğlu (2017) determined that gender was not statistically effective on the attitudes of social workers towards the environment. Ateş and Öner (2020), in their study in which they examined the level of awareness of preservice teachers towards environmental problems, determined that the level of awareness of preservice teachers towards environmental problems did not differ signi cantly according to the gender variable. Oktav et al (2021), in their study conducted to determine the awareness levels of associate's degree students about environmental problems, stated that women university students were more numerous than men students, but no statistically signi cant result was obtained from the gender difference. Karaismailoğlu (2018), in his study conducted with teachers in the province of Ankara, revealed that women participants' attitudes towards the environment were higher than that of men. Ünver et al (2015) determined that the awareness and attitude scores of women were higher than men according to their study conducted to determine the awareness and attitude levels of nurses towards the environment. Yücel et al (2006), in their study conducted to investigate the views and attitudes of individuals in Adana province, on environmental problems, stated that women are more sensitive to the environment in terms of both environmental awareness and attitudes than men.
According to the study conducted by Özden (2008) with Adıyaman University students, as they examined the impact and in uence of gender on attitudes towards environmental problems, found that women teacher candidates had higher average scores in all dimensions than men teacher candidates. Boeve-de Pauw and Petegem (2010) stated that at the individual level, girls have more environmentally positive attitudes than boys. Budak et al (2005), according to the study in which they evaluated the attitudes and behaviors of Agricultural faculty students towards the environment, stated that women students were more reluctant to environmental issues than men students. Doğan and Purutçuoğlu (2017), in their study conducted with social workers, state that gender does not generally make a signi cant difference on the level of environmental awareness, but in the comprehension sub-dimension, women are more successful in being aware of environmental problems and comprehending their causes.
As a result of the Mann-Whitney U analysis, it was determined that there is a statistically signi cant difference at the level of 0.05 between the membership status of an environmental organization and the people and situations that individuals are affected by with respect to environmental behavior and environmental issues. It is observed that individuals who are not members of an environmental organization exhibit more positive behaviors towards the environment as veri ed by the suggestions "Separating recyclable materials, purchasing packaged products made from recycled materials" compared to members of environmental organizations. Although it is expected that individuals who are members of environmental organizations will exhibit more positive behaviors towards the environment, the results reveal the opposite. In the literature, there are ndings that support this result as well as ndings that do not. Karaismailoğlu (2018) stated that it has been observed that the behavior levels of the participants who are members of any environmental institution are lower than those who are not members. Budak et al (2005) stated that those who are members of environmental organizations have more positive attitudes towards environmental issues. Karahan (2017) determined that managers who are members of non-governmental organizations and who receive environmental education are more sensitive to the environment.
It has been determined that the difference between the membership status of individuals to an environmental organization and the people and situations that they are affected by environmental issues is based on the following propositions. "Seeing people around me doing something for the environment, People around me encouraging me to do something about the environment, Government o cials encouraging me to do something about the environment, Famous people I respect encouraging me to protect the environment, Non-pro t organizations encouraging me to protect the environment".
While there is no statistically signi cant difference between the marital status of individuals and their attitudes, behaviors, practices that cause environmental problems, and their thoughts on the person or situations they are affected by in order to protect the environment, there is a statistically signi cant difference at the level of 0.05 between their thoughts on the practices they can do for the environment. Married individuals think more positively about what can be done about "Solid wastes generated as a result of garbage disposal, greenhouse gas emissions and increased greenhouse effect" compared to single individuals.
As a result of the Kruskal Wallis H Test, there is no statistically signi cant difference between the attitudes, behaviors, practices that cause environmental problems, the practices that cause environmental problems, the people or situations that individuals are affected by, and the practices they can do for the environment according to the households and working conditions in which they live (Table 2). It has been determined that there is a statistically signi cant difference of 0.05 between the ages of the individuals and their environmental behaviors, the practices they can do, the people and situations they are affected by. It has been determined that individuals under the age of 25, namely young people, are more sensitive to purchasing packaged products made from recycled materials compared to other individuals. On the subject of what individuals can do for the environment, on the "emission of greenhouse gases and the increasing greenhouse effect", individuals over the age of 35 think more positively than young people.
Individuals over the age of 45 state that when they see their friends and acquaintances doing something about the environment, and when civil servants encourage them to do something, they are more affected by the environment than younger individuals. Karahan (2017), in his study conducted in Elazığ in order to determine the environmental sensitivity and awareness levels of business managers and to determine the problems encountered in the eld of environment, stated that the environmental awareness of the managers increases as the age and work experience of the managers increase. with tertiary education displaying signi cantly more "measured" knowledge than other categories. In addition, it has been revealed that there is a relationship between education levels and environmental concerns, with those with higher education levels having the highest concern and those with only vocational or primary education are the least concerned individuals. Altın et al, (2014) states that as the family education level increases, the environmental awareness and active participation level of the students also increase. Ateşoğlu and Erkal (2018) determined that as the education level of the adults participating in the research increases, their negative behaviors towards the environment decrease.
Individuals' thoughts on issues that cause environmental problems differ according to their education level. Primary, secondary and high school graduates predominantly support the view that consumers do not want to pay more for environmentally friendly products. Individuals with secondary and post-graduate education con rm that consumers are not interested in how products affect the environment, but in the bene ts they provide.
The people and situations that the individuals participating in the research are affected by concerning environmental issues differ according to their education levels. Although there is no difference according to education level for the proposition "I will not be ned if I am insensitive about environmental pollution", it has been determined that those with a lower education level are more affected by the people and situations around them than university and graduate graduates with respect to environmental issues.
While there was no statistically signi cant difference at the 0.05 importance level between the income level of individuals and their attitudes, behaviors, what they could do and environmental problems, it was determined that there was a difference between the people and situations they were affected by. The differentiation of the income level of individuals does not make a difference in their views on the environment, and the in uencing people and situations differ with respect to the income level. Individuals with low income levels are more affected by the incentives and practices of the people around them than individuals with high income.

Conclusion And Suggestions
In parallel with the developments in economic, technological and social elds worldwide and the increase in population, the aggravation of pressure on natural resources increases the interest in the environment and environmental problems. In the study conducted to determine the attitudes and behaviors of individuals living in the urban area of Adana province, it has been determined that individuals have su cient knowledge about the sources of environmental problems and that many things can be done by individuals in order to prevent environmental problems. It has been determined that the environmental behaviors of individuals are not continuous, and that they occasionally exhibit environmentally friendly behaviors. In addition, it is seen that all kinds of discourse and behavior on environmental issues are effective on individuals' changing their attitudes towards environmental protection. In particular, it is seen that the variables of gender and age make a difference in individuals' environmentally friendly behaviors.
It can be stated that the most important factor in women's displaying more environmentally friendly practices is the fact that women are the decision-makers as they are responsible for purchasing the needs of the family. Furthermore, it can be stated that young people tend to use environmentally friendly practices more frequently partially due to their future anxiety. In order to solve environmental problems, it is necessary to increase the environmental awareness of individuals and exhibit more conscientious behavior. Education programs, public service announcements, etc. should be created and developed by considering the differences between individuals' knowledge levels, environmental attitudes and behaviors in terms of variables such as gender, age, education level in order to achieve awareness-raising activities.
In order to leave a more livable environment for future generations, it is important to exhibit behaviors aimed at protecting the environment both during production processes and in terms of individual consumption. At this juncture of time, governments should focus on policies aimed at creating pressure on companies regarding environmental protection measures to be applied during their production processes and ensuring the widespread use of environmentally friendly products and packaging.  Individuals' lifestyles and their attitudes towards the environment Figure 4 Persons and situations that can persuade individuals want to change their attitudes to protect the environment Figure 5 Thoughts and considerations on practices that may cause environmental problems