Awareness of health and environmental effects of plastic bags in bakeries in Al-Laity district, Benghazi

Abstract

This study assessed public awareness of health and environmental risks associated with plastic bags and available alternatives. A questionnaire-based CT survey was conducted in Benghazi bakeries in the Al-Lathy area specifically over a study period from 6/3/2023 to 22/3/2023. The survey included the pioneers of Al-Laity Bakeries who were permanent residents of the study population. The data were analyzed using SPSS software. The relationship between the sociodemographic characteristics of respondents and awareness of the harmful effects of plastic bags was determined using the Chi-square test. The study involved 200 respondents aged 20 years and over, as proven by the results. Most of the respondents (56.5%; 113/200) had a university education level and above. Additionally, 41.0% (82/200) of the respondents were state employees. Furthermore, a majority of the respondents (91.5%; 183/200) reported purchasing bread in plastic bags on a daily basis. The largest percentage of respondents (66.5%; 133/200) reported throwing away plastic bags after a single use. In contrast, 30.5% (61/200) indicated that they would keep and reuse the bags, while a small percentage of 3.0% (6/200) reported burning them. It is noteworthy that most respondents demonstrated awareness of health and environmental risks associated with plastic bags and the availability of alternatives. Promoting the reuse of plastic bags and the utilization of available alternatives can help mitigate the increased risk posed by plastic bag usage.