Public Attitude Towards Ecology of Visitors of Ecological Spaces and The Role of Such Spaces in The Formation of Environmentally Responsible Attitudes

¹ Center for Applied Sociology, Saint Petersburg State University, 199034, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
² Sociological Clinic, Saint Petersburg State University, 199034, Saint-Petersburg, Russia

^* Corresponding author: sergey@ngostellit.ru

Abstract

The main scope of the study was to identify the public attitudes of visitors of ecology- friendly spaces towards ecology and the role of such public spaces in the formation of these attitudes and environmentally oriented practices. The data collection method used was an offline questionnaire and an online survey, in which 342 people took part. For the analysis, the construction of a least squares regression model was used. The main theoretical model was the theoretical approach of humanistic realism of J.-P. Sartre and the grassroots theory of change as interpreted by Chetkovich C. A., Kunreuther F. The results show that about half of the respondents strive for an environmentally friendly lifestyle, sometimes visit organizations, but rarely support their activities financially. Just over a third have some environmental habits, but do not visit or support organizations financially, and a quarter of respondents are frequent visitors to environmental organizations and support their activities financially. It can also be concluded that respondents visit the eco-center because they try to lead an environmentally friendly lifestyle. The findings allow us to formulate a number of recommendations for city authorities in organizing an environmentally oriented policy that would take into account existing ties in the community.