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Abstract
This research addresses the problem of low environmental awareness among university students in the La Maná canton, which manifests itself in indifferent attitudes and restricted practices regarding the circular economy. The objective was to analyze the relationship between awareness and attitudes and behaviors toward participating in circular practices. A quantitative approach with correlational scope was used, employing a non-experimental and cross-sectional design. The selected sample consisted of 120 students from the National University of Cotopaxi, who responded to a structured survey. The results showed moderate attitudes and positive behaviors in fundamental sustainability measures. The factorial study corroborated the presence of two internal factors with an explained variability of 73.9%. It is deduced that awareness has a considerable impact on the implementation of circular practices and is essential to strengthen it within the university context. This level of awareness largely establishes both individual and group commitment to reuse, recycling, and responsible consumption.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Brenda Elizabeth Oña Sinchiguano, Ketty Del Rocío Hurtado García, Fabian Medardo Moran Marmolejo, Gilson Orlando Cardenas Icasa