Abstract:
Abstract: As social culture and structure evolve, changes occur in individuals’ eating habits and
environmental awareness. This study assesses the relationship between sustainable eating behaviors
and environmental literacy across generations (Gens) from the same ancestry. The Sustainable and
Healthy Eating (SHE) Behavior Scale and the Environmental Literacy Scale for Adults (ELSA) was
administered to 381 individuals across three generations. Self-reported anthropometric data were
collected. The total scores of the SHE Behavior Scale of the participants from all three generations
were significantly different from each other. The “Quality Labels”, “Meat Reduction” and “Low Fat”
factor scores were similar in GenX and GenY. These factor scores were significantly lower in GenZ.
The “Animal Welfare” factor score was significantly higher in GenX. The “Avoiding Food Waste and
Seasonal Foods” and “Local Food” factor scores were significantly higher in GenX than in GenY and
GenZ. The “Healthy and Balanced Diet” factor score was significantly lower in GenZ. There was
no difference between the total ELSA scores. The “Environmental Consciousness” factor score was
significantly lower in GenX than in GenY. Generational disparities strongly influence perspectives on
sustainable and healthy eating. Focused initiatives are essential to educate future parents, who play a
pivotal role in shaping the next generation, about sustainable nutrition.
