The Impact of Mothers' Sustainable Consumption Habits on Children's Environmental Awareness

Enhancing sensitivity to the climate crisis requires the early introduction of sustainable consumption habits within the family. This study examines the influence of mothers’ sustainable consumption practices on children’s environmental awareness. Data obtained through in-depth interviews were analyzed using the descriptive analysis. During the interview, mothers were asked questions regarding environmental awareness, non-essential purchasing, saving, reusability, and their children's sustainable consumption behaviors. The findings reveal that mothers act as role models in behaviors such as recycling, energy conservation, and water saving; however, they face challenges in fully practicing sustainable consumption due to economic constraints and a lack of information. While environmental activities organized in private schools are found to be supportive in raising awareness among children, the consumerist influence of popular culture and advertising weakens families’ efforts. The study highlights the importance of economically accessible products, media literacy education, robust recycling infrastructure, and family-oriented environmental activities in promoting sustainable consumption. In conclusion, mothers’ role modeling plays a key role in the dissemination of sustainability awareness within the family. This critical role of mothers contributes not only to the enhancement of environmental awareness but also to the upbringing of future generations who are more environmentally conscious.