Contrary to traditional theories, behavioral research reveals that stricter legal regulations do not necessarily enhance environmental ethics. This chapter explores the complex relationship between regulatory frameworks, transaction costs, and opportunistic behaviors driven by short-term gains. It delves into the conditions under which high transaction costs can unintentionally foster actions that undermine ethical environmental practices. The chapter argues that education represents a more effective and less costly alternative to strict regulation. By fostering long-term awareness and responsibility, education can yield benefits that surpass the immediate advantages sought by opportunistic agents. This approach not only transforms individual behavior but also enhances collective environmental ethics, promoting sustainable development. The chapter addresses several objectives explained as follows: to analyze the interplay between regulation, costs, and ethics; to evaluate the limitations of regulatory frameworks in fostering ethical behavior; and to propose education as a sustainable lever for cultivating environmental ethics and transforming societal attitudes toward sustainability.