Factors driving plastic-related behaviours: Towards reducing marine plastic waste in Hoi An, Vietnam

Abstract

Single-use plastic (SUP) waste is one of the world's major problems, particularly if it continues to escape into the ocean unchecked; it will become the leading contributor to ocean pollution. Preventing plastic waste at its source has proven to be the most effective solution to the problem. This study explores a variety of factors that may contribute to SUP consumption and reduction behaviour in a convenient sample of residents living in Hoi An, a tourist coastal city in Vietnam. Using a cross-sectional design, the study reached 150 Vietnamese respondents between June and September 2022. The results revealed that subjective knowledge about plastics and plastic wastes (b = 0.391) and perceived strictness of legal consequences of inappropriate plastic disposal (b = -0.642) were two significant predictors of SUP reduction, while perceived cost advantage of plastics (b = 0.390) was the only predictor of SUP consumption. This study also found that the mean reported level of plastic consumption varied across three different parts of Hoi An City, with the residents of Cham Island (an area with active environmental action programmes) consuming significantly fewer SUP products compared to those living in urban and suburban areas. A model of motivation to reduce plastic waste was finally discussed. In conclusion, besides the traditional approach of raising public knowledge on the plastic problem, it is suggested that imposing strict penalties for inappropriate disposal and increasing the price of SUP plastics may be the most effective ways to reduce SUP plastic waste at its sources.