Usage Of Plastic Bags Research Articles

Consumer Perception And Willingness To Pay For Plastic Bags In Somalia's Traditional Markets: Evaluating The Ban's Effectiveness

The policy prohibiting the use of disposable plastic bags in Somalia represents a governmental effort to mitigate plastic waste accumulation. The policy's effectiveness remains uncertain, as it is implemented solely in modern retail stores, whereas the primary source of plastic bag waste originates from traditional markets. This study seeks to assess consumer perceptions of government policies concerning the ban on disposable plastic bags in traditional markets, as well as their willingness to pay for each plastic bag utilised. Data were collected through a survey questionnaire administered to consumers of traditional markets. The study's results indicated that most consumers concurred with the policy's implementation in traditional markets, albeit with a recommendation for gradual application. The implementation of paid plastic bags was also agreed upon. Their argument relies on the belief that the policy may enhance public awareness and concern regarding the reduction of disposable plastic bag usage. The average value of consumers' willingness to pay for a plastic bag is variable, indicating that consumers remain inclined to pay higher amounts. To decrease the utilisation of plastic bags within the community, it is essential to either increase the cost of plastic bags significantly or to explore alternatives, such as shopping baskets, reusable bags, or environmentally friendly plastic options

Differential public support for disposable plastic bag charge in Singapore: Insights from latent class segmentation

Disposable plastic bag charge is a proposed strategy to mitigate their use, but it may significantly impact daily life due to their frequent use. Understanding the segmentation of public support for charge is crucial for informed policymaking. This study conducted a questionnaire survey among a Singaporean population, collecting data from 1953 respondents on their demographic profiles as well as their behaviour, attitudes, and willingness to pay for disposable plastic bags. The survey data suggest a supportive environment in Singapore for introducing charges on disposable plastic bags with most respondents preferred a charge of SGD 0.10 or below. By employing Cramér's V test and latent class analysis, we have affirmed the existence of differential policy support and willingness-to-pay, identifying five distinct classes of respondents: Non-supporters, Ideal supporters, Cost-sensitive supporters, Moderate Pricing Supporters, and High Pricing Supporters, with some classes showing distinct profiles in terms of age, education level, and monthly income. Further analysis of the effects of imposed charges revealed that a charge that is too low appears to have a limited impact on reducing the overall usage of disposable plastic bags, whereas a charge that is too high is likely to yield diminishing returns and could potentially lead to an increase in public complaints. These results could provide crucial policy implications for addressing plastic issues and highlight that charging for disposable plastic bags is not just an end goal but a means to promote reduced consumption.

Understanding Zillennials Consumer Green Behavior of Reducing Plastic Bag Use through the Theory of Planned and Interpersonal Behavior

Adopting cloth bags over single-use plastic bags is a significant consumer behavior. Employing the theory of of planned and interpersonal behavior, this study aimed to understand the relationship between customers' intentions to use cloth bags and their awareness of the environmental impact of plastic bags. Through purposive sampling, 277 individuals born after 1980 and making at least one to three in-person retail and Internet purchases each month were selected as participants. The data were processed using descriptive and quantitative analysis tools using SEM (Structural Equation Model) analysis. The findings reveal that creating the next generation of habit bags can significantly enhance social awareness of plastic bag usage and the environment. However, no evidence suggests that the EAPB increases the intention to use cloth bags. The more the SP and SBPB intervene, the more the IUCB contributes to changing consumer behavior to use fewer plastic bags. Therefore, Habit Bag Use can positively influence pro-environmental behavior, as this study combined the theory of Interpersonal Behavior and the theory of Planned Behavior. These results contribute to the theoretical framework for understanding how the millennial generation's interpersonal conduct, reflected in their bag-using behaviors, influences their behavior in minimizing plastic bag usage. These findings imply that the adoption of single-use or non-plastic bag habits can motivate people to reduce their usage of plastic bags, a behavior that is further encouraged by laws prohibiting the use of plastic bags.

Communication Strategy In Achieving Sustainable Environmental Development: Case Study Of The Ban On The Use Of Plastic Bags In Familymart Retail Stores

This study explores the communication strategies utilized by FamilyMart retail stores to enforce the ban on plastics bags, aiming to support sustainable environmental development. As environmental concerns become increasingly significant, retail businesses are at the forefront of promoting sustainable practices. This research investigates how FamilyMart conveys its environmental policies to customers and the broader community to encourage behavior change towards eco-friendly alternatives. Using qualitative methods, the research involves in-depth interviews with store managers, content analysis of promotional materials, and observations of in-store communication efforts. According to the research, FamilyMart has a thorough communication strategy that consists of educational initiatives for customers, conspicuous signage, and active participation on social media. These tactics aim to encourage consumers to use reusable bags by raising awareness of the negative environmental effects of plastic bag usage. Effective communication strategies make use of visual aids, customer incentives for program involvement, and compelling and informative messaging. The report also emphasizes how crucial it is to use consistent messages throughout a range of communication channels and how important employee involvement is to achieve the initiative's goals. The findings show that establishing a sustainable culture and obtaining consumer compliance depend heavily on efficient communication. The report ends with actionable suggestions for retailers looking to put similar environmental policies into place. These suggestions emphasize the importance of using multifaceted, transparent, and engaging communication tactics to support long-term, sustainable change.

Assessment Of Awareness Level and Perception In Usage Of Plastic Bags And Its Hazards Among Secondary School Students

Objective: The objectives of the study were to determine the frequency of plastic bag usage among secondary school students of Islamabad and to assess their knowledge about plastic bag-associated pollution, its disposal and legislation. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from December 2020 to December 2021 in high schools in Islamabad. A sample size of 377 was calculated through Raosoftware comprising 53.6% male and 46.4% female students. Ethical approval was taken with the number ERC/ID/47. A consecutive non-probability sampling technique was used. Inclusion criteria were students of the 8th to 10th class and those who gave consent and filled out the questionnaire. A properly structured questionnaire was used. SPSS version 25 was used for data analysis. Frequencies and percentages were calculated. A chi-square test of significance was applied for categorical variables. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: About 97.6 % of the participants considered plastic as a contributory factor to environmental pollution and 67.6% used plastic bags as carrying materials. Awareness about alternatives like clothed bags was observed in about 85.9% of students. Regarding legislation, half of the study population opined that the community is responsible for banning plastic bags while the other half suggested that it’s the responsibility of the Government. Significant p-value was observed between gender (0.036), age (0.000), education (0.000), knowledge about plastic hazards (0.01), health hazards (0.029) and usage of plastic bags. Conclusion: The usage of plastic bags was high among the students. Although they were well aware of the hazardous effects of plastic bags, most of them were routinely using plastic bags for daily activities. Different factors that were responsible for the higher usage of plastic bags included a lack of alternatives to plastic bags, easy availability, low cost and lightweight. Keywords: Awareness, plastic bags, legislation, hazards.

Plastic packaging regulations in Padang: Bridging the gap between policy intentions and real-world implementation

The issue of plastic waste, particularly stemming from packaging materials, has emerged as a global concern across various regions. This issue has also gained prominence in Indonesia, exemplified by the city of Padang. Despite the enactment of Regulation No. 36 of 2018 by the Mayor of Padang, aimed at curtailing plastic bag usage, the practical implementation of this measure has proven to be less than satisfactory. Therefore, this study seeks to examine the implementation of this regulation in Padang using literature review and descriptive methods. This study aims to unravel the intricacies of the implementation of the regulation, and to shed light on the challenges and obstacles encountered. By conducting a comprehensive examination, this research aspires to provide valuable insights into devising pragmatic solutions to enhance the efficacy of plastic packaging reduction initiatives in Padang. Ultimately, this study seeks to contribute constructively towards surmounting extant challenges and formulating more potent strategies to mitigate the deleterious repercussions of plastic waste in the city of Padang.

Awareness of health and environmental effects of plastic bags in bakeries in Al-Laity district, Benghazi

This study assessed public awareness of health and environmental risks associated with plastic bags and available alternatives. A questionnaire-based CT survey was conducted in Benghazi bakeries in the Al-Lathy area specifically over a study period from 6/3/2023 to 22/3/2023. The survey included the pioneers of Al-Laity Bakeries who were permanent residents of the study population. The data were analyzed using SPSS software. The relationship between the sociodemographic characteristics of respondents and awareness of the harmful effects of plastic bags was determined using the Chi-square test. The study involved 200 respondents aged 20 years and over, as proven by the results. Most of the respondents (56.5%; 113/200) had a university education level and above. Additionally, 41.0% (82/200) of the respondents were state employees. Furthermore, a majority of the respondents (91.5%; 183/200) reported purchasing bread in plastic bags on a daily basis. The largest percentage of respondents (66.5%; 133/200) reported throwing away plastic bags after a single use. In contrast, 30.5% (61/200) indicated that they would keep and reuse the bags, while a small percentage of 3.0% (6/200) reported burning them. It is noteworthy that most respondents demonstrated awareness of health and environmental risks associated with plastic bags and the availability of alternatives. Promoting the reuse of plastic bags and the utilization of available alternatives can help mitigate the increased risk posed by plastic bag usage.

Waste Classifications Contribution to Sustainable Development: A Case Study on Shanghai

This paper explores Shanghais comprehensive waste classification policy, highlighting its impact on waste reduction, recycling, and the economy. The policy engages citizens in waste sorting at the source and leverages a combination of regulations, incentives, and penalties. This study examines the policys outcomes, including increased recyclable recovery, reduced hazardous waste, and conversion of waste to valuable resources. Economic benefits such as job creation and a recycling-driven economy are discussed as government investment has boosted the recyclable sector. Growing customer demand under the new policy also creates more jobs. However, challenges such as economic strain and impacts on informal waste collectors should also be acknowledged. Environmental and social concerns, such as plastic bag usage and public dissatisfaction are also addressed. Drawing lessons from waste classification policies in Tokyo and Germany, potential solutions are suggested, including regulatory enhancements, charging mechanisms, stakeholder cooperation, and expanded recycling channels. The abstract underscores the need for continuous evaluation, adaptation, and collaboration to ensure the policys success in fostering a sustainable urban environment.

Transformation of banana peel into biodegradable film added with starch and carboxymethyl cellulose and its characterization

Synthetic polymers are non-biodegradable in nature and lead to serious environmental as well as health problems. A biodegradable material can be a good replacer for commercial Synthetic plastics. The development of banana peel-based biodegradable film is a good source to utilize food processing waste. The biodegradable film was prepared using banana peel paste (BPP), corn starch (0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0% w/w of BPP), carboxymethyl cellulose sodium salt (15% of corn starch) and glycerol as a plasticizer. The films were developed by casting the suspension on petri dishes fallowed by drying. The mechanical, thermal, and barrier characteristics of dried films were characterized. The films moisture content, thickness, WVP, solubility, tensile strength, elongation, and biodegradability were in the range of 31.807–33.241%, 0.211–0.318 mm, 1.668–2.948 g mm/d/m2/kPa, 31.269–36.105 %, 0.825–1.158 MPa, 18.976–25.516 %, 65.034–70.002 % respectively. The film with 0.5 % of starch has been found to enhance the tensile strength (1.158 MPa). With an increase in starch content, the film becomes more permeable to water vapor and more soluble. The film was successfully developed and has good biodegradability and acceptable properties. Banana peel-based films might become a significant player in the food packaging industry in the future, helping to reduce the usage of paper and plastic bags.

Investigating key factors influencing consumer plastic bag use reduction in Nanjing, China: A comprehensive SEM-ANN analysis

The widespread use of plastic bags has had negative impacts on society, economy, environment, and health. Understanding consumers' awareness and behavioral intention (BI) to reduce the use of plastic bags is crucial. This study aims to expand the Theory of Planned Behavior（TPB）model and comprehensively analyze the public's attitude and intentions toward reducing the use of plastic bags. The study involved an in-depth analysis of data collected from 317 respondents, employed a Structural Equation Model (SEM) to establish linear relationships among the factors in the theoretical model, and an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) to assess the predictive accuracy of the significant factors identified by the SEM. The results indicated that convenience(C), perceived behavioral control (PBC), and policy promotion (PP) are key factors influencing consumers' willingness to reduce the use of plastic bags. By introducing new variables, this study has made a contribution to the research in the field of reducing plastic bag usage.

Prevalence of Plastic Usage and the Factors Associated With It Among Adults in Perambalur District of South India: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background People extensively use and dispose of plastic products because of their durability, affordability, and lightweight. The excessive production and consumption of plastics has led to pollution that has negative effects on both society and the environment. Nearly all Indian states and union territories have prohibited the usage of plastic bags, with Tamil Nadu being the fourth state in the country to implement such a prohibition. The study aims to determine the prevalence of plastic usage, its associated factors, and awareness regarding the laws related to the plastic ban. Methodology We conducted a cross-sectional study on 1200 adults above 18 years of age using multistage sampling. We undertook the study for three months in the district of Perambalur, in South India. The semi-structured questionnaire was used as a research tool, which contained information on socio-demographics, plastic utilization, understanding of plastic prohibition, its need, and views on bisphenol A (BPA). We entered the gathered data in Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA) and analyzed using SPSS version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). If the P-value was less than 0.05, we deemed it statistically significant. Results The mean age of the study participants was 44.47 ± 15.09 years. Plastic is being used by most of the study participants because of its wide availability and convenience of usage. Approximately 42.43% (n=471) of the participants adhere to non-segregation waste disposal practices in public bins. Approximately 1100 (92.5%) of the participants incorporate plastic into their daily routine. Among the participants, approximately 15.7% (188) were knowledgeable about bisphenol A (BPA), while about 92.6% (1111) of them were knowledgeable about plastic substitutes. Individuals belonging to the younger age group, male gender, higher education background, living in urban areas, living in joint families, and not engaged in agriculture were the primary users of plastic, and this trend was statistically significant (p <0.001). Conclusion In the study, the prevalence of plastic usage was higher among the participants who followed unsanitary methods of disposal. Despite the awareness of the hazards of plastic and the regulations against its use, its consumption remains high. Plastic consumption is higher in the urbanized area across residential, educational, occupational, and young age demographics. The mere act of raising awareness is insufficient; it is necessary to convert awareness into action to protect both the environment and humanity.

Plastic warriors: a study on self-help group’s contribution to economic, social value creation and sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Tamil Nadu, India

Purpose Solid, liquid and e-waste pose serious health hazards, environmental pollution and contribute to climate change. To address these issues of solid waste management (SWM), amidst many policy decisions, the Government of India roped in several institutions, including self-help groups (SHGs), into the Swachh Bharat Movement (Clean India Mission). This study aims to illustrate the significant contributions of SHG’s in tackling SWM, particularly the plastic waste menace in India, while fostering socio-economic values and sustainable development goals (SDGs). Design/methodology/approach Using a from-the-field approach, qualitative data were collected from 30 members of three SHGs to understand their significant contributions in mitigating plastic waste. Findings This research identifies three major themes: economic value creation, social value creation and SDGs via collection and reduction of plastic waste landfills. Furthermore, several related subthemes are identified. Practical implications This study offers pragmatic solutions to deal with plastic waste at personal, community, institutional and governmental levels. Moreover, it recommends engaging SHGs to promote sustainable waste management practices such as segregating wastes at source, regulating plastic bag usage, advocating behavioural change towards waste generation and protecting the environment. Originality/value The authors consider a proven case of SHG’s contribution to protect the environment and emphasize the need to involve more such groups in waste management practices.

Optimistic narrative future visions: a communication tool for promoting sustainable (plastic) behavior.

Plastic pollution is a pressing global issue, necessitating a focus on consumer behavior to curb this problem at its source. To effectively promote sustainable practices, communication strategies that employ future visions have gained attention. This study examines the effects of a narrative video intervention depicting an optimistic future vision concerning single-use plastic bag consumption in South Africa, compared to a representation of the prevailing status quo. Using a preregistered within-subject design, we assess the psychological and emotional responses to two scenarios of which one is illustrating adaptive behaviors toward reduced plastic bag usage, and the other showcasing current consumption patterns. Parametric analyses revealed a shift in emotional states, characterized by a greater experience of positive emotions and a reduced experience of negative emotions following the exposure to the optimistic future scenario video, as compared to the status quo video. Moreover, engagement with the optimistic future scenario was associated with higher levels of perceived behavioral control and behavioral intentions. No significant changes were found regarding sense of responsibility. These findings point to the potential of optimistic future visions to influence individuals at psychological and emotional levels. This renders optimistic future vision communication as an effective tool for sustainable behavior change, particularly in relation to the sustainable use of plastic shopping bags.

Prolificacy of Green Consumption Orientation and Environmental Knowledge to Slash Plastic Bag Consumption: The Moderating Role of Consumer Attitudes and the Demarketing Efforts

The use of plastic bags has long been a global concern due to its hazardous contributions to the environment. Firms, governments, and special interest groups (like Greenpeace) have always earnestly ventured, through their individual or collaborative initiatives, strategies and/or (demarketing) campaigns, to discourage the use of plastic bags to ensure a healthy and sustainable planet. However, such initiatives are least likely to produce desired results if the most important stakeholder i.e., consumers do not perceive greater value from such a reduction in usage of plastic bags. Considering the same an important precondition for building positive intentions and consequent behaviors to reduce plastic bag usage and a complementor of demarketing efforts of the stakeholders, the primary purpose of this study has been to investigate the role of consumers’ green orientation, environmental knowledge, and perceived instrumentality of demarketing efforts in enhancing the perceived value of plastic usage curtailment. Based on PLS-based structural equation modelling performed on a data set comprising 977 consumers, it has been found that the three antecedents namely green consumption orientation, recycling attitudes and demarketing efforts have direct positive effects on the outcome construct. Besides, the study also found that the effect of green consumption orientation on perceived value of plastic usage reduction is significantly and positively moderated by consumers’ recycling attitudes and their perceived effectiveness of demarketing efforts. The findings offer some useful insights and implications to the theory, practice and the policy making for boosting pro-environmental behaviors.

Creating a shared vision by uniting local stakeholders to tackle plastic bag consumption

Single-use plastic bags contribute significantly to the plastic pollution in South Africa posing a serious environmental challenge. Hence, there is a need for comprehensive strategies to reduce plastic bag consumption. We report the results of an online workshop aimed to create a positive, shared future vision. The workshop was attended by 12 invited participants from diverse backgrounds and disciplines and utilized a collaborative approach to propose a framework for reducing plastic bag usage during grocery shopping in South Africa. The findings suggest that a combination of economic, structural and behavioral interventions is necessary to promote lasting behavior change, including financial incentives, a broad introduction of more environmentally friendly alternatives, and promoting bag reuse. Additionally, the vision underscored the importance of using social channels such as education and social norms. The invited stakeholders did not endorse conventional approaches such as increasing an already existing levy or implementing a complete ban on plastic bags. They also questioned the introduction of fully recycled plastic bags. Instead, the proposed vision encourages an integrated approach to reducing plastic bag usage involving individual behavior change and community engagement. The development of a creative product such as a video to showcase a future vision offers a powerful tool for communication with further stakeholders and political authorities, to engage with the community and broader population and for inspiring collective action. Overall, the findings have implications for policymakers, business leaders, environmental educators, and individuals committed to reducing plastic pollution and promoting sustainable practices in South Africa.

The implementation effects of different plastic bag ban policies in China: the role of consumers’ involvement

This study selects three cities in China that implement plastic bag ban policies with different levels of consumer involvement to compare the effects of policy implementation. In general, consumer plastic bag usage behaviour becomes more environmentally friendly when plastic bag ban policies became more stringent. High consumer involvement policies induces changes in pro-environmental bag use; however, their plastic-reducing effects are uncertain and compounded. In contrast, low-consumer-involvement policies could reduce plastic waste damage but could not make consumers’ more environmentally conscious with regard to bag usage. Moreover, this study confirms robust bag usage differences across different groups of consumers. These findings provide valuable insights into the patterns of influence of different types of plastic bag bans. Based on these insights, plastic crisis managers can create more effective and targeted policies to combat the growing plastic crisis.

Machine learning approach to uncover customer plastic bag usage patterns in a grocery store

Plastic bags are used by many people because they are inexpensive, lightweight, durable, and waterproof. Plastic bags, on the other hand, do not break down and can pollute the environment if not handled properly. Indonesia produces a lot of plastic waste and is one of the top ten countries that has a problem with plastic waste. In this study, we used three months of data of real transactions from a grocery store. This study shows how the decision tree can identify patterns on plastic bag usage at a small grocery store by using demography and products purchase. The attribute weights showed that in the hometown, the total of several products bought were the factors that affected the use of plastic bags.

An Analysis of the Implementation of Eco-friendly Shopping Bags in the Retail Sector

Purpose: Major threats to human survival include climate change, pollution, global warming, and ozone layer depletion. In addition to having less of an impact on the environment than traditional products, green products can offer greater environmental advantages. Most plastic waste is generated by retail businesses, traditional markets, and street stalls. Utilizing eco-friendly shopping bags is a great strategy to cut down on plastic bag usage. This may be seen as one of the responsible environmental actions that have a little environmental impact. Design/Methodology/Approach: The information for this qualitative research was obtained from secondary sources. Research data has been collected from published reputable magazines, books, journals, research articles, market reports, newspapers, and internet websites. Findings/Result: The study discovered that using green products has a positive influence on the environment. The best strategy to encourage sustainable economic growth is possible to educate customers about the environmental advantages of using eco-friendly shopping bags. Manufacturers must concentrate on quality concerns if they want to expand the adoption of eco bags. Retailers should employ renewable energy sources, recycled packaging, waste management, and limited natural resources to increase sustainability by avoiding the sale of plastic products. Originality/Value: The extreme negative effects of plastics on the environment. Pressure was required to assure a cleaner biological system because there was an increasing desire for eco-friendly products. The largest plastic waste producers are retailers. Green shopping bags is a great strategy to reduce utilize of plastic bags. The study focused on the use of eco-friendly shopping bags, public acceptance, benefits and downsides of eco-friendly shopping bags and retail sector CSR practice. Paper Type: Research case study

Environmental motivation or economic motivation? Explaining individuals' intention to carry reusable bags for shopping in China.

To achieve satisfying effects of plastic ban policies, it is important to promote people's intention to use green bags. Many studies have examined the antecedents of reducing plastic bag usage, but research regarding the influential factors of reusable bag usage is limited. Based on a survey of 532 respondents in China, a multiple linear regression model is constructed in this study to examine the determinants of individuals' intention to carry reusable bags for shopping. Results show that plastic ban awareness, social responsibility, environmental motivation, and economic motivation significantly and positively affect consumers' intention to use reusable bags for shopping. Of the two motivation factors, environmental motivation has a greater impact. More importantly, economic motivation positively moderates the relationship between environmental motivation and the intention to use reusable bags. This finding suggests a motivation "crowding-in" effect in predicting consumers' intention to carry reusable bags for shopping. Results of this study also indicate that female, older, and richer people are more inclined to carry reusable bags for shopping. Implications for plastic crisis management are discussed.

Survey on usage of single use plastic bags in Nepal

The rapid urbanization and economic growth have caused increase of plastic products globally. The least developed countries (LDCs) have been facing severe problems with solid waste due to lack of people’s awareness, lack of skilled manpower to handle waste and necessary equipment to manage in sustainable manner. Nepal, a LDC in South Asia, lacks source segregation leading the maximum plastic items reaching to the landfill site. It is even difficult for the planning authorities to make effective plans for sustainable management of plastic waste due to lack of waste generation data. Nepal has made many rules and directives to ban plastic bags till date but has failed in its implementation. This study is the first of its kind to capture the perception of youths towards single use bags in Nepal. This study was conducted among 569 Nepalese youths of age between 18-40 years. A closed ended self-administered questionnaire was distributed among the respondents and responses were collected for three weeks. The questionnaire was prepared using google form and distributed via Facebook. A snowball method was used where the respondents were asked to share the questionnaire in their network. It was found that majority of Nepalese youths have been practicing the source segregation at their houses. The use of single use plastic is very common in Nepal with an individual using at least 208 plastic bags in a year. The gender and source segregation of waste was statistically significant with p-value of 0.02 (<0.05). The main reason of using plastic bags was its easy availability. There is lack of alterative to the plastic bags in Nepal. However, the youths are ready to support the government plastic ban policy and have asked the alternatives to the plastic bags. The result has shown that the Nepalese people have negative perception towards single use plastics and are in search of alternatives. The government need to implement heavy penalty for producing plastic bags greater than 30 micron and deploy tax with shop keepers and customer if found using it.