The Role of Place Attachment in Building Community-Based Solid Waste Management Practices in the Municipality of Calauan, Laguna

Abstract

Place attachment has been studied over the past years in the realm of environmental psychology and social sciences. The study explores the place attachment of the residents of Calauan, Laguna, a second-class municipality in the Philippines which faces a very challenging waste problem. Further, the study aims to characterize the degree of place attachment of the residents, determine residents’ environmentally responsible behavior in accordance with their place attachment, and explain the role of place attachment in building community-based solid waste management (SWM) practices in the locality. The study used a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire incorporating socio-demographic characteristics, three (3) parameters of place attachment (place identity, nature bonding, and community ties), and concept of environmentally responsible behavior. Findings revealed that place attachment of the residents, as determined by the three parameters used, were at a high level — a means in having a positive role in building SWM practices. Consequently, decision-making influenced by active citizenry and participatory planning will eventually trigger a holistic and ecologically sound intervention towards the environment.