Domestic Plastic Consumption Patterns: A Data-Informed Sociological Analysis of Education and Behaviour Among Homemakers

Abstract

In the contemporary landscape characterized by escalating plastic usage, this study embarked on an in-depth exploration of the relationship between demographic characteristics and behaviors regarding domestic plastic consumption, focusing on homemakers. Homemakers are integral to the dynamics of single-use plastic proliferation within households, impacting both environmental and health spheres. The research utilized a quantitative methodological approach, administering a structured survey to a sample size of 188 randomly selected households in Sector 1, Mohallah Chaudhrian Bhara Kahu. Key areas of household consumption, such as the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom, were investigated to ascertain prevalent types of plastic products. Findings revealed a significant presence of plastic bottles and bags in 60% of households, with plastic baskets and bins employed by 53% and 61% of homemakers in bedrooms and kitchens respectively. A notable 55% of respondents reported using plastic toiletries and cleaners in their bathrooms. Additionally, the study discovered a positive correlation between family income levels and plastic usage, alongside a discernible connection between educational attainment and awareness of plastic consumption. This research not only casts light on the pervasive role of plastic in everyday domestic life but uncovers nuanced behavioral patterns and socio-economic variables shaping these practices. It ultimately calls for an urgent, informed shift towards sustainable practices among homemakers, emphasizing recycling, reusing, and preventive measures to mitigate the transmission of diseases through plastic products and reduce plastic waste generation, contributing to a more responsible and conscious living paradigm.