Do you need a bag? Analyzing the consumption behavior of plastic bags of households in Ecuador

Abstract

Disposable plastic bags are one of the most used items by families worldwide, however, their excessive use and lack of re-use culture, have made them one of the most polluting materials on the planet. Disposable plastic bags can take up to 200 years to degrade, and their impact on the environment is reflected in the destruction of nature (landscape), alteration of marine ecosystems, and effect on human health. Understanding the behavior of households regarding the use of this type of material is key to undertake actions that lead to a reduction in their use. Therefore, this research aims to analyze the sociodemographic, economic, housing, social participation, and environmental perception factors that influence the decisions of households in using disposable plastic bags or reusable items, when shopping. It was found that homes, where the head of the household are women, are more likely to use non-plastic bags when shopping. In addition, heads of households with more education are more likely to use cloth bags or reusable materials than less educated ones. Furthermore, when the head of the household willingly participates in social organizations, the probability of using plastic bags decreases. It was also found that the urban population is more likely to use plastic bags than the rural population. Furthermore, families from the Andean region show better pro-environment behavior. Finally, public policies are recommended according to the main findings.