ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CROATIAN RETAILING

Enterprises increasingly publish sustainability reports to address concerns about their environmental and social impact. However, the voluntary nature of these reports and the lack of independent auditing often lead to skepticism regarding their authenticity, with some perceiving them as mere marketing or greenwashing tools. This study aims to investigate whether the publishing of sustainability reports truly reflects transparency and responsible behavior. The relationship between the publishing of sustainability reports, environmental responsibility policies, and transparency policies is analyzed. The research was conducted in Uruguay. A quantitative methodology was used. The sample was made up of a group of companies that evaluate their social and environmental responsibility practices. This is a non-probabilistic sample, which includes companies that publish sustainability reports and companies that do not publish them. The environmental responsibility and transparency of both groups were compared. Thirteen indicators were used to measure environmental responsibility, and eight indicators were used to measure transparency. To evaluate the relationship between the variables, different statistical techniques were used: chi-square, difference of means test, and simple correlations. Our findings reveal that: (1) enterprises publishing sustainability reports tend to have more developed environmental responsibility policies and greater transparency compared to those that do not publish, and (2) interestingly, the choice of reporting standards, particularly the Global Reporting Initiative, does not significantly impact the observed outcomes. Furthermore, the relationship among report publication, environmental responsibility, and transparency is influenced by enterprise size but remains unaffected by public trading status or capital origin (local or international). Despite its methodological limitations, this work contributes to the debate on the sincerity of companies that publish sustainability reports. Its results contribute to reducing the skepticism and distrust that exists about these reports. Also, the work contributes to the study of the relationship between environmental responsibility and the publishing of reports because it included segments of companies that are not considered in most research: medium-sized companies and private companies that are not listed on the stock market.

The waste management strategy is expected to minimize the negative impact on the environment. In the capital city of Dili, the waste management strategy can be categorized as very concerned. Based on the data from the Ministry of State Administration shows that in 2020, people in the capital of Dili produce waste 250 tons per day. The reality of solid waste in the capital city of Dili shows a severe problem in the waste management process and strategy. This study aims to examine problems in waste management strategies and their impact in the capital city of Dili. Through a literature review approach, a scientific study will be carried out on several scientific articles related to the waste management system and the reality of solid waste in capital city of Dili. The results show that people in the capital of Dili, still use the classical system in managing solid waste. Weak government system and local regulations regarding to solid waste management, and the lack of the waste management industry based on R3 (reduce, reuse, recycle) are the main factors for the community still using the classical system. This reality harms the environment and people in the capital of Dili.

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the influence of eco-friendly packaging on consumers' responses. A research framework is examined to identify significant antecedents of eco-friendly packaging behaviour, namely environmental responsibility, knowledge, attitudes, and message framing, to determine their relative importance.Design/methodology/approachA set of hypotheses is tested across two studies.FindingsStudy 1 (n = 160) shows that attitude is an important mediator between consumers' environmental responsibility and environmental knowledge and intentions when adopting eco-friendly packaging. Furthermore, study 2 (n = 132) finds that where eco-friendly packaging is concerned, the advertised message has to be framed with a particular emotional appeal congruent to a specific psychographic trait to stimulate pro-environmental behavioural intention.Practical implicationsBased on the findings of this research, advertisers and environmental practitioners can utilise the correct type of message appeals to implement pro-environmental campaigns and programs for appropriate consumer segments effectively.Originality/valueAligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular, SDGs 12 on ensuring “responsible consumption and production”, the research findings have highlighted the importance of individual's environmental knowledge (eco-literacy) and responsibility as they act as precursors toward sustainable and responsible consumption.

One Size Fits All? An Assessment Tool for Solid Waste Management at Local and National Levels

One size fits all? An assessment tool for solid waste management at local and national levels

This study examines municipal solid waste (MSW) management systems in two cities in developing countries at different phases of development: Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana and Kocaeli, Turkey. The waste management strategies, including composition, from the two cities are compared, and the methods of MSW management in Kocaeli are discussed and options for waste management in Sekondi-Takoradi are considered as well as how lessons could be learnt from the development and operation of Kocaeli's system that will help implement integrated and sustainable waste management systems in Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana. The results of the study showed difference in waste composition and wide variations in waste management structure between the two municipalities. An average per capita waste generation of 0.92 and 0.70 kg/day, an organic fraction of 141 and 158 kg/year and 31 and 26% of recyclable waste are recorded for Kocaeli and Sekondi-Takoradi, respectively. The paper further highlights how the two distinct states of development of the two cities lead to different priorities in waste management strategies, techniques and technologies.

Purpose This paper aims to develop and validate a strategy for reducing construction waste (CW) generated during the design process (DP) in architectural design firms (ADFs) in Egypt. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative and quantitative research methodology was designed to accomplish four objectives. The literature review investigated DP, CW, waste management (WM) and WM strategies (WMS). Three case studies were analysed to investigate the role of WMS towards reducing CW during DP. A survey questionnaire was conducted with a representative sample of ADFs in Egypt to assess their perception and application of WMS during DP. Lastly, a strategy was developed and validated to reduce CW generated during DP. Findings Through literature review, the research identified the highest 40 causes of CW during the DP and classified them into 13 categories. Despite early promotion of WMS to reduce CW at its source, Egypt and other countries with similar construction market characteristics lack laws and regulations to address CW during the DP, with current codes primarily focusing on post-occurrence issues. In addition, analysis of three case studies showed that CW was reduced by adopting WMS during the DP. Findings of data analysis revealed that ADFs have an average knowledge of WMS and a low awareness of Egyptian laws and WMS during DP. “Prefabrication” was the highest-ranked strategy for CW reduction during DP. Several challenges hamper the implementation of WMS. The “preparation and briefing” was ranked the most common design stage where CW causes occur, while “waiting” was ranked the most common form of CW. These findings informed the research outcome and helped in the development of the proposed strategy. Research limitations/implications The proposed strategy was developed taking into account the results of the survey questionnaire which was conducted in ADFs in Egypt where the authors reside, and such a strategy is needed. However, it could be applied in other countries that share the same characteristics of the architectural DP as well as the causes of CW and WMS implementation challenges. Practical implications This research presents a practical strategy to reduce CW generated during the DP. It was based on the findings of literature review, case studies and survey questionnaire. The strategy was explained in a workable way to include the required activities; tools and techniques; involved personnel and needed resources. The strategy was validated by a representative sample of ADFs in Egypt to ensure its practicability and viability for implementation towards developing a sustainable built environment. The practical application of the strategy will have long-term and short-term benefits. The long-term benefits include improving the social, economic and environmental aspects of sustainability during the design and construction phases in Egypt. In the short term, application of the strategy will improve the cooperation between design and construction teams, reduce the negative impact of CW production and enhance the quality of construction projects in Egypt. Originality/value Despite the need to reduce CW during DP, a practical strategy is lacking in Egypt, where laws are focused on dealing with CW after its existence. This research studied a topic that received scant attention in construction literature. It developed and validated a strategy to reduce CW during DP, which represents a synthesis that is novel and creative in thought and adds value in a manner that has not been previously explored.

In the modern world, environmental issues are quite acute. Global environmental problems are also relevant for Russia today. It should be recognized that our country is one of the most polluted countries in the world, which negatively affects the quality of life and health of the population. The emergence of environmental problems is associated with the ever-growing man-made impact on the natural environment. Currently, about 55–60 million tons of solid municipal waste is generated in Russia every year, 90 % of which is sent to landfills and unauthorized landfills. The recycling rate in Russia is no more than 10 %, while in the European Union countries up to 100 % of household waste is processed. Europe has been implementing a targeted environmental policy for working with solid municipal waste for many years. Back in December 2005, the European Commission published a report on the development of a strategy for the prevention of waste generation and recycling. its goal is to reduce the negative impact on the environment associated with the disposal of household waste. Waste policies and targets established at the European Union level include minimum requirements for the management of certain types of waste. The subject of research in the article is the system of solid municipal waste management, waste management strategies. The purpose of the article is to study the current state of the waste management system in the world and in Russia, analyze the features and prospects, and develop recommendations based on foreign experience. Research methodology: comparative and comparative analyses. The article presents analytical data that characterize the current situation, analyzes the forecast values of solid municipal waste generation and disposal in different regions of the world. A detailed analysis of the situation in Russia is given, conclusions on the current situation with regard to waste are given, and recommendations are made. Based on the analysis of statistical data that characterize the state of the solid municipal waste management system in the world and in Russia, conclusions were made about the problems of its development. One of the main reasons is the lack of attention on the part of state bodies, as well as the lack of funding for the implementation of state programs and the inefficient use of allocated funds. The analysis of foreign experience in waste management allowed us to develop recommendations for the application of management strategies. This article is part of the author's research in the field of choosing optimal strategies for managing the development of a "Smart city", including strategies for managing the disposal of solid municipal waste of the housing and communal complex. the author has analyzed and collected interesting material on this topical issue, and plans to publish a monograph.

Younger consumers are important in addressing environmental problems caused by consumption activities. It is mediated through green behavior, which is influenced by Internal factors. Thus, this study examines how young Indonesian consumers’ environmental attitudes, knowledge, and responsibility relate to their green consumption habits. Using the voluntary sampling approach, 328 respondents were chosen, and data were examined using SEM and descriptive analysis. The findings demonstrated that views about the environment and green consumer behavior were significantly influenced by environmental knowledge. A person’s attitude greatly influences their green consumption habits. These findings support the cognitive-affective-behavioral (CAB) hypothesis, which can be applied to similar study subjects or topics. An important factor influencing perceptions is environmental responsibility. It follows the Norm Activation Theory (NAM). In contrast to green consumption behavior, the effect of environmental responsibility was not significant. It is not in line with the NAM, so it is recommended that the theory be modified or other theories be used to examine similar variables. Environmental responsibility is significantly impacted by environmental knowledge. While attitudes were in the high category, knowledge, responsibility, and green consumption behavior were in the medium category. The study suggests marketers offer and promote eco-friendly products to provide more choices to consumers. These results also provide good insights for policymakers to achieve sustainable consumption targets by considering knowledge enhancement through environmental campaigns on social media.

The issue of plastic bags continues to be a significant topic globally in waste management. Their relatively low cost, ease of use, and accessibility have made plastic bags an integral part of human life. With increasing plastic bag usage, inevitably comes an increase in plastic waste. Moreover, the rapid usage cycle of plastic bags, as they are typically single-use items used only temporarily, exacerbates the problem. If plastic waste is not optimally managed, it will have negative environmental impacts. To address this, the retail company Alfamart has begun employing green marketing strategies to promote the "Plastic Bag Diet" by offering environmentally friendly shopping bag products (Eco Bags). This aims to raise awareness and concern among the public for environmental sustainability by reducing plastic bag usage during shopping. Apart from Alfamart, other competing retail companies have also adopted similar strategies and offer eco-friendly bag products. The intensifying competition among retail companies forces managers to reconsider their strategies to win market share. The issuance of the Bali Provincial Regulation on Limiting Single-Use Plastic Waste is based on Article 12 paragraph (3) and Article 13 paragraph (2) of Bali Provincial Regulation Number 5 Year 2011 concerning Waste Management. This reflects the negative impacts that can arise if waste is not properly managed. The enactment of local regulations prohibiting the use of single-use plastic indicates a legal policy direction towards environmental conservation. The research method used in this study is a juridical normative method with a literature review approach, focusing on legal norms including principles, norms, rules, regulations, agreements, and doctrines. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the effects of green marketing on attracting purchasing interest and persuading the public to make purchasing decisions on Eco Bag products at Alfamart as alternatives to plastic bags.

This paper delivers an overview of green waste management (recycling and reuse) strategies that can be integrated into a waste management program during emergency response events. Although each emergency response event is unique in location, size, scale, material released, and situational logistics, this paper is intended to provide individuals involved in preplanning and preparedness with ideas for incorporating green alternatives into effective waste management strategies. The "Green Alternatives" Program that was implemented as part of the waste management strategy during the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) response in the Gulf of Mexico is used as a case study. The DWH Green Alternatives Program was designed to minimize waste generation and to develop a comprehensive recycling, reuse, and recovery approach. A variety of potential waste materials were generated during the response, many of which can be recycled, reclaimed, or reused. Each potential material stream generated during an emergency response event needs to undergo a comprehensive permitting and regulatory review. In addition, each potential material stream must be evaluated by a field- or full- scale proof-of-concept pilot test to validate the proposed "green" process and determine whether it will be an effective part of the response and the overall waste management strategy. Because an emergency response event could occur anywhere, international and regional considerations—such as governing regulations, available infrastructure and transportation, local culture, and customs—must also be taken into account. As demonstrated by the DWH response, incorporating green alternatives into a response can make a positive contribution to the environment and local communities by preserving critical landfill space, creating new products, and generating energy.

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of construction and demolition waste (C&D waste) management in European Union (EU) Member States. The study utilizes official data and reports to assess the current C&D waste management status, revealing substantial disparities in recycling rates across countries, ranging from 100% to 24%. These variations emphasize the importance of knowledge sharing and collaborative efforts to improve C&D waste practices. The paper explores the complex factors influencing C&D waste management performance, offering a nuanced discussion of these dynamics. It provides a comprehensive set of practical strategies to address existing challenges, with a focus on reducing C&D waste sent to landfills or incineration. These recommendations align with the EU’s commitment to sustainable resource management and the transition to a circular economy. The research’s informed measures, driven by environmental responsibility and economic prudence, can significantly diminish C&D waste’s environmental impact. Policymakers, environmentalists, and industry stakeholders can utilize these findings to develop and implement improved C&D waste management practices, promoting sustainability and resource efficiency across the EU. This research contributes valuable insights to the field of C&D waste management, offering a road map for improvement and highlighting the need for collaboration among EU Member States to create a more sustainable and resilient future.

Plastic pollution and infectious diseases

This research examines waste management in Sleman Regency. This problem is interesting to research because due to the lack of waste management carried out by the government. The task of the Sleman Regency government is to invite the community to participate in incentive and disincentive programs. Providing incentives and disincentives according to the needs of the community is expected to influence waste management in Sleman Regency by using the participation of the community itself. Therefore, this research is intended to determine the effectiveness of the incentive and disincentive program of the local government of Sleman Regency as a waste management strategy. To examine these problems, researchers used the theory of program effectiveness according to Van Meter and Van Horn. This study uses descriptive qualitative methods through observation, interviews, and documentation studies. The results of the study show that the incentive and disincentive program is a waste management strategy in Sleman Regency, because it meets the existing criteria and implementers and other waste management parties say that this program helps in waste management. From this research, it was found that the driving factors in the success of this program include this program being accepted by many parties and flexible program implementation. There are also inhibiting factors in running this program including this program has not been structured in detail and has not been well socialized to the community, and there is also no special unit tasked with incentives and disincentives as a waste management strategy in Sleman Regency.

Waste management has emerged as a critical challenge in Malaysia, driven by rapid urbanization, industrialization and changing consumption patterns. In response to these challenges, logispreneurs, a new breed of entrepreneurs with expertise in logistics and supply chain management, have emerged as key players in transforming waste management practices in the country. This research explores the vital roles and contributions of logispreneurs in the context of waste management in Malaysia, focusing on their efforts to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and environmental responsibility. Through a simple literature analysis, this study highlights the multifaceted roles that logispreneurs play in shaping the waste management landscape. They pioneer integrated waste collection and transportation systems, leveraging advanced technologies and data analytics to optimize routes and reduce carbon footprints. Moreover, logispreneurs lead the way in establishing reverse logistics networks for recyclable materials, fostering excellent recycling rates and diverting substantial waste from landfills. Logispreneurs specialize in managing hazardous waste materials, and ensuring safe transportation and disposal while complying with environmental regulations. They also contribute to public awareness and education campaigns, raising consciousness about sustainable waste management practices nationwide. This study elucidates the pivotal role logispreneurs play in revolutionizing waste management practices in Malaysia. Their logistics expertise and environmental consciousness amalgam present a promising pathway toward a sustainable future. By optimizing supply chain efficiencies, driving innovation and embracing social and environmental responsibility, logispreneurs are instrumental in building a resilient waste management ecosystem that ensures preservation of Malaysia's natural resources and safeguards the well-being of its citizens for generations to come.