El cuidado medioambiental en familias del cantón Cuenca, Ecuador

The critical environmental situation facing the planet requires families to prioritize the education of ecological behaviors in their children, with an emphasis on the 3R practices (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) within the framework of SDG 12. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between pro-sustainability behaviors in families from Cuenca canton with children aged 6 and 7, based on the sociodemographic variables of the parents. The research was conducted using a quantitative approach, with a cross-sectional design and a descriptive-correlational scope. The sample consisted of 511 parents from 13 educational institutions in the canton of Cuenca, selected through stratified two-stage sampling. The Scale of Habits and Values on Environment and Sustainability was used as the research instrument. The results reveal a low level of parental knowledge regarding the concept of sustainability, although the adoption of sustainable habits linked to the 3Rs was observed. It is concluded that the family represents a key agent of change for sustainability, and the implementation of educational programs is proposed to strengthen the role of parents. These findings reinforce the need to promote educational initiatives in the family environment to encourage behaviors aligned with SDG 12.