Reuse Of Products Research Articles

How to Promote Women’s Shift Towards Reusable Feminine Hygiene Products: The Application of Push-Pull-Mooring Effect Model

The growing environmental concern has promoted the global shift towards sustainable consumption, leading to the focus on reusable products. While extant literature has delved into the purchase intention of feminine hygiene products, it has often disregard the intentions behind women switching to reusable alternatives. To address this gap, the present research explores the drivers addressing women's intention to switch from disposable products to reusable options like menstrual cups and cloth pads. By utilizing non-probability purposive sampling, the study applies the Push, Pull, and Mooring (PPM) model to a sample of 386 women aged 18 to menopause. Theoretical insights from this research inform women's predisposition towards adopting reusable feminine hygiene products. Empirical findings identify pricing benefits as a significant pull factor along with women's positive attitude to switch. It also indicates that push factors have a lower impact on switching intention than pull and mooring factors. The findings underscore the potential for marketers to plan for a green transition by improving the design of sales strategy. This also provides a reference for the execution of government policies to promote the adoption of reusable feminine hygiene products to lower environmental wastage.

Rethinking replacement, rebound and environmental impact in reuse practice

Despite the current emphasis on reuse as a primary strategy for realising more circular economic systems, researchers have questioned the assumed environmental benefits of the practice – arguing that reuse can result in unintended rebound effects that diminish or outweigh environmental gains. This article reviews studies focused on potential rebound effects in reuse practices – not as a means to re-adjudicate the environmental virtues of reuse – but rather to critically examine common assumptions about the people and practices that animate reuse markets. The article thus responds to calls for additional research on the behavioural dimensions of reuse in more circular economic systems – and the associated implications for modelling environmental impact. We draw on an in-depth study of 30 active participants in direct product reuse markets to theorise everyday circularity from a critical social science perspective. We argue, based on our observations, that environmental impact models of reuse should not assume that: (1) all forms of product reuse are the same; (2) buyers and sellers are driven primarily by price logics; and (3) new goods are the default preference. We find reuse markets to be much more fluid than imagined by environmental impact models and argue that these insights are particularly important to consider as we approach the end of cheap nature and the costs of overconsumption are increasingly clear.

Life Cycle Assessment of Banned Single-Use Plastic Products and Their Alternatives

Plastic and microplastic contamination continue to be growing problems across the globe for both ecosystems and human health. Canada has banned single-use plastic products such as bags, cutlery, and foodservice ware (containers) to address and mitigate plastics and microplastic contamination. This study evaluates the life cycle of banned plastic products and their alternatives to determine whether environmental impacts can be mitigated. The environmental impacts of bags (plastic, paper, cotton), cutlery (plastic, wooden, biodegradable), and containers (plastic, styrofoam, biodegradable) were determined considering both domestic and imported products. The bag study saw paper bags having the highest environmental impacts and cotton bags with the lowest due to their reusability. For the cutlery study, plastic cutlery was the most impactful across all categories except for eutrophication and ozone depletion, where biodegradable cutlery was the most impactful by 25% and 35%, respectively. In the case of foodservice ware (containers), styrofoam was found to be the least impactful. Similar to cutlery, the plastic containers had the greatest impact except where the biodegradable container contributed more to ozone depletion and eutrophication by 25% and 45%, respectively. Local production reduced impacts across all categories. Furthermore, on a local scale, biodegradable cutlery had a greater impact on the smog and respiratory effects categories than plastic by 10% and 30%, respectively. The results of this study indicate that future regulations should focus on promoting and educating consumers on the use of reusable products over single-use products, funding research to mitigate challenges associated with waste management, and consider an informed ban on all single-use products and not just those made of plastic material to mitigate environmental impacts.

Understanding menstrual factors associated with poor mental health among female secondary school students in Uganda: a cross-sectional analysis

BackgroundThere is growing global concern about poor mental health among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. In particular, adolescent girls face multiple challenges in managing menstruation which can impact both their health and wellbeing. In this study we address an evidence gap on the association of a broad range of menstrual-related factors with mental health problems amongst secondary school female adolescents in Uganda.MethodsWe used baseline data from a cluster-randomised menstrual health intervention trial conducted in 60 secondary schools in two districts in Uganda. Baseline data were collected between March and July 2022, including socio-demographic characteristics, menstrual knowledge and attitudes, menstrual practices and self-efficacy, and mental health problems measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire Total Difficulties score (SDQ-25). We used random-effects linear regression to estimate the adjusted mean difference (aMD) for the association between mental health problems (SDQ Total Difficulties Score) and menstrual-related factors, including the Menstrual Practice Needs Scale (MPNS) and the Self-Efficacy in Addressing Menstrual Needs scale (SAMNS)), accounting for school-level clustering and adjusting for prior confounders.ResultsAmong the 3841 female participants, there was strong and consistent evidence of associations between mental health problems and menstrual-related factors. Mental health problems were associated with poor knowledge about menstruation (aMD = 1.17, 95%CI 0.50, 1.84 <0.001), using disposable and reusable menstrual products compared to using just disposable products (aMD = 1.42, 95%CI 0.92, 1.92, p <0.001), and experiencing menstrual pain even when using an effective management method at last menstrual period (LMP) compared to those experiencing no pain (aMD = 1.60, 95%CI 1.19, 2.01, p <0.001). Mental health problems were also associated with greater unmet menstrual needs according to the MPNS (aMD = 4.40 95%CI 3.96, 4.84, p <0.001), and with lower menstrual self-efficacy measured by the SAMNS (aMD = 0.94 95% CI 0.51, 1.37, p <0.001).ConclusionThis study shows strong evidence that mental health problems reported by adolescent girls in Uganda are associated with poor menstrual health. The association between menstrual health and mental health provides evidence as to why menstrual health should be a public health priority.Trial registrationTrial registration: ISRCTN 45461276. Registered on 16 September 2021.

8Rs for circular water and sanitation systems: Leveraging circular economy thinking for safe, resilient and inclusive services

To achieve their normative health, environmental and social objectives, water and sanitation services must be safely managed, inclusive and climate resilient. Meeting these imperatives presents a need and opportunity for innovative thinking about water and sanitation service systems. Circular economy concepts are being applied across a multitude of product and service sectors with the aim to facilitate regenerative flows of resources. Given the dependence on water resources, associated climate risks, and the generation of reusable waste products in water and sanitation service delivery, circular economy concepts can be usefully leveraged to drive sustainability outcomes. This article contributes a heuristic in the form of a conceptual framework for applying circular economy concepts in the design and delivery of water and sanitation services in diverse Global South contexts. The framework seeks to drive multiple outcomes relevant to water and sanitation initiatives: safely managed services, social inclusion, and climate resilience. Co-developed by an international research team applying a theoretical multiplicity approach and collaborative sensemaking, the heuristic takes the form of a suite of eight adapted circular economy ‘R strategies’ for water and sanitation. The R strategies were selected and articulated to reflect theory-based principles of circular economy, climate resilience and inclusion. They are intended to prompt thinking and action in pursuit of safely managed, climate resilient, inclusive water and sanitation services that align with the broader sustainability directions that circular economy narratives aspire to. The heuristic offers a conceptually rigorous, practical tool that can support collaborative, deliberative processes to realise the potential benefits of circularity in water and sanitation service systems.

Empirical Study on the Usage and Promotion of Sustainable Feminine Hygiene Products†

Compared with disposable equivalents, sustainable feminine hygiene products are promising for reducing pollution and could lead to the amelioration of the menstrual cycle, with overall health benefits for women. Through empirical research and online promotion, this study aimed to examine the efficiency and comfort of reusable menstrual products and address the SDGs that target climate change and a healthy lifestyle for global citizens. The data were collected by distributing products to 26 women aged 18--28 years and collecting responses through curated questionnaires before, during and after usage for 2 months. Our main findings showed that women reported a better sensory experience with reusable products with improved comfort and positive changes in their perception, which led them to continue using the pads in the future. Thus, we can conclude that sustainable feminine hygiene products may garner positive reviews from their users; with adequate promotion and support, we can work toward the goal of prospective benefits both for women and the environment.

Assessing semantic interoperability in environmental sciences: variety of approaches and semantic artefacts

The integration and reuse of digital research products can be only ensured through the adoption of machine-actionable (meta)data standards enriched with semantic artefacts. This study compiles 540 semantic artefacts in environmental sciences to: i. examine their coverage in scientific domains and topics; ii. assess key aspects of their FAIRness; and iii. evaluate management and governance concerns. The analyses showed that the majority of semantic artefacts concern the terrestrial biosphere domain, and that a small portion of the total failed to meet the FAIR principles. For example, 5.5% of semantic artefacts were not available in semantic catalogues, 8% were not built with standard model languages and formats, 24.6% were published without usage licences and 22.4% without version information or with divergent versions across catalogues in which they were available. This investigation discusses common semantic practices, outlines existing gaps and suggests potential solutions to address semantic interoperability challenges in some of the resources originally designed to guarantee it.

Development and validation of a survey instrument for reusable sanitary products toward sustainable menstrual hygiene.

The predominant use of disposable, non-organic menstrual products has significant environmental impacts due to waste and resource depletion. Concerns over the environmental, economic, and health implications of menstrual hygiene management (MHM) have highlighted the need to explore sustainable options like reusable sanitary pads (RSPs). Despite their benefits, the adoption of RSPs is limited by a lack of awareness, availability, cost, and research. This study emphasizes the need for the development of an instrument that can capture the effectiveness, safety, and user satisfaction of RSPs, addressing a significant gap in the literature. Using a convenient sampling method, data were collected through a structured offline survey and the sample comprised 446 South Asian women of reproductive age. The instrument included 15 items designed to measure factors such as comfort, hygiene, convenience, and environmental consciousness. The instrument's reliability and validity are thoroughly assessed using reliability and factor analysis to ensure its effectiveness in capturing the multifaceted dimensions of MHM product choices. The study revealed that the overwhelming majority of women would prefer the option of RSPs that are comfortable, accessible, and easy to use and dispose of. The findings aim to provide a validated tool for manufacturers, policymakers, and researchers to evaluate reusable pads, promoting their broader acceptance and adoption of a sustainable and equitable approach to menstrual hygiene.

Life cycle sustainability assessment of kerbside glass recycling: Separate vs. mixed bin collection and its reuse in asphalt and glass container production

This paper pilots a Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) to scrutinize the sustainability performance of kerbside waste glass recycling alternatives in a local municipality, where three major innovations are underlined. First, the study utilizes the LCSA method to evaluate the sustainability impact of street collection methods on waste glass recycling, which examines both open-loop and closed-loop recycling processes. Second, the study overcomes a common difficulty in sustainability assessment, where environmental and economic impacts are more accessible to quantify, but social impact often lacks a clear functional unit for assessment. This research addressed this gap, ensuring a holistic evaluation. Third, the study introduces an innovative way to visualize the findings from the LCSA. This visualization technique makes the results easily understandable to all stakeholders, enhancing the comprehensibility of multifaceted data. Two street collection methods (separate and mixed bin collection) are combined with two production methods (asphalt and glass container) to form four kerbside waste glass recycling scenarios. It also employs two functional units, weights of annually collected glass waste and 1 ton of produced asphalt or glass container, to demonstrate the LCSA-generated results under different perspectives. Evaluating the annual waste glass collection in the mixed bins implies better environmental, economic, and social outcomes than separate bins. In 1 ton of products, asphalt production is more sustainable environmentally and economically than glass container production. Separate bins enhance glass container production's environmental and economic sustainability by greater than 80%, but they have a minimal 5–6% improvement on asphalt production. A similar trend in social sustainability is indicated for asphalt and glass container production. However, a significant decline in social sustainability is observed when transitioning to separate bins from mixed bins methods. Sensitivity and uncertainty analyses show that a 50% increase in transportation distance results in minor impacts: CO2 emissions increase by 7% for separate bin-asphalt and 4% for mixed bin-asphalt, and by 0.8% for separate bin-glass container and 0.7% for mixed bin-glass container. Equipment costs also increase slightly: 3.6% for separate bin-asphalt, 4.7% for mixed bin-asphalt, 3.4% for separate bin-glass containers, and 1% for mixed bin-glass containers. These results underscore the robustness of the LCSA findings.

“It became a cycle I was not able to break” towards menstrual justice: addressing human rights violation at Indian workplaces

Purpose This paper aims to advance the concept of “menstrual justice” by building on the comprehensive framework developed by Margaret E. Johnson (2019), which integrates legal rights, social justice and intersectional analysis. By applying Johnson’s insights and human rights frameworks to menstrual health management, the study advocates for state interventions to safeguard women labourers from exploitative practices that endanger their reproductive health and to uphold their menstrual rights. Design/methodology/approach A case study methodology is used to scrutinize menstrual injustices experienced by women labourers in precarious employment conditions. Specifically, it examines two cases, the mass hysterectomies in Beed, Maharashtra and the administration of unidentified pharmaceuticals to women in Tamil Nadu factories to mitigate menstrual pain and maximize productivity. Findings The findings reveal severe violations pertaining to menstrual justice, with practices deeply rooted in socioeconomic deprivation and systemic neglect. These issues subject female workers to various forms of gender-based violence that goes beyond physical abuse, raising critical concerns about menstrual justice and human rights violations. Research limitations/implications The study’s findings have limited generalizability due to the specific contexts of the case study. Furthermore, the absence of insights from managers/supervisors, and factory owners limits a comprehensive understanding of the policies and factors leading to neglect of menstrual management practices. Practical implications The findings of the study will prompt the medical industry to initiate research into medications that can effectively alleviate period pain while minimizing harmful side effects. Current treatments often come with significant drawbacks, highlighting the need for safer and more effective alternatives. Addressing this research gap is vital for achieving menstrual equity, as it ensures that individuals suffering from menstrual pain have access to relief that does not jeopardize their overall health. Advancing research in this area will not only enhance the quality of life for menstruators but also contribute to a more equitable and inclusive approach to menstrual health care. Social implications The findings support reframing menstrual friendly labour policies including comprehensive sexual and reproductive health information to everyone, regardless of gender, to reduce misinformation and stigma associated with menstruation at workplaces. Additionally, the study proposes the introduction of reusable menstrual products like menstrual cups to overcome period poverty. Thus, ensuring access to these resources is crucial for enabling informed decision-making, promoting gender equality, addressing health disparities and fostering the development of menstrual-friendly workplace policies. Originality/value This study, by using a case study-based approach, has thoroughly examined the issues and challenges faced by female labourers in fields and factories. It uniquely identifies the inadequacies in menstrual management provisions for female workers in India and advocates for a human rights-based approach to ensure that menstruators can manage their menstrual health safely. Unlike most existing studies, which primarily focus on product usage and the stigma or myths surrounding menstruation, this study advances menstrual justice by calling for labour policy reforms and medical research to lessen menstrual pain without compromising menstruators’ health. These reforms aim to provide working women with adequate rest and necessary provisions during menstruation. Addressing these gaps is essential and has been largely overlooked in global health policies.

Innovating Sustainability: Digital Marketplaces as Catalysts for Circular Economy in Electronic Device Reuse

This study delves into the synergy between innovation management, the circular economy, and the development of digital marketplaces, with a particular focus on the reuse of electronic devices. It highlights how digitalisation within the circular economy can spur innovation in managing the reuse of electronic gadgets through digital platforms. Drawing on a robust quantitative analysis of data from over 400 Finnish and Baltic companies, this research is pioneering in its holistic integration of these sectors, addressing the critical need for insights into the operational and managerial dynamics of circular economy digital marketplaces. Employing a comprehensive quantitative approach, our investigation uncovered significant insights regarding the perceived opportunities, challenges, and value-added features of these marketplaces for electronic device reuse. Environmental protection, cost savings, and enhanced recycling opportunities were identified as major advantages by participants. However, the study also pointed out significant barriers to effective marketplace operation, including IT system integration, organisational culture challenges, and resource limitations. A noteworthy contribution of this research is its elucidation of the influence of company size on engagement in the circular economy, pinpointing large and micro-enterprises as potential pioneers in this domain. It also sheds light on the business-to-business (B2B) dynamics within digital marketplaces, exploring the interactions among sellers, buyers, and service providers. Our findings underscore digital marketplaces as pivotal enablers for sustainable practices in electronic device reuse, whereas digital platforms may expedite the transition towards a circular economy. This aligns with principles of innovation management by promoting collaboration, minimising waste, and fostering new business models. The conclusion emphasises the digital marketplace not just as a platform for transactions but as a vital ecosystem enabler, providing a wide array of value-added services. It underscores the importance for businesses, especially in the electronics sector, to integrate circular economy principles strategically, leveraging digital marketplaces to achieve sustainability goals while gaining competitive advantages. The research has directly influenced the launch of a pilot digital marketplace for electronic product reuse, showcasing the practical application of its findings. This emphasises the study’s role in advancing innovation management practices by demonstrating the transformative potential of digital marketplaces in promoting circular economy practices.

Study on three-dimensional porous carbon fiber-MWCNTs-PEG phase change materials and its photo/electricity-thermal conversion performance

Solar energy, as a crucial green energy source, attracted significant attention. Phase change materials (PCMs) addressed the intermittency issue by storing and releasing latent heat. This study innovatively combined carbon fibers (CFs), phenolic resin, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to create high-loading (>86 %) and high-enthalpy composite CF-based phase change materials (CFPCMs), with melting and freezing enthalpies of 156.6 J/g and 148.6 J/g. CFPCMs demonstrated excellent photothermal and electrothermal properties. The lightweight, porous CFs structure stabilized the PCMs matrix, enhancing its performance while facilitating the reuse of waste CFs products, thus contributing to environmental protection.

Reusable vs Single Use: what Are the Device Trade-Offs in Improving Sustainability.

As autoinjector requirements become increasingly diverse and pharma companies look for quicker routes to market, with lower costs and improved sustainability, there is an increasing trend towards devices with a reusable element. The flexibility in reusable elements can be beneficial for pharma companies with access to these platforms, allowing a relatively rapid transition between different drug combinations. However, it can also lead to devices designed to cover a wide range of requirements which are over designed for their actual more limited end use. The challenge of creating both a cost and sustainability optimised platform device is significantly harder than if developing a single use device with a specific purpose in mind. This paper looks at the range of reusable products on the market, examining some of the assertions around the cost and sustainability benefits of these devices as well as where there are trade-offs relative to current single use format devices.

Sale of second-hand goods by consumers: mediating role of satisfaction between perceived value and behavioural intentions

ABSTRACT Sustainable retail strategies are promoting product reuse and recycling, and the current trend of shifting retail environment in a socially and ecologically conscious market requires understanding second-hand merchandise transactions. The present study on second-hand product sellers examines perceived value and their effects on satisfaction (mediator) and behavioural intentions. The results show that economic, social, emotional, relational, and moral/ethical values are unrelated to satisfaction and behavioural intentions. While popular and well-regarded Expectancy-Disconfirmation theory underpinning hypotheses contradict the findings, thus, concluded that differential consumers-to-consumer behaviour intentions exists while selling or purchasing second-hands goods vs. new products. The research contributes by empirically testing additional theoretical linkages of perceived value with satisfaction and behavioural intentions relationship in the context of the second-hand goods market.

Ecofeminism and menstruation: menstrual practices with reusable menstrual products among Israeli women

Menstruators perceive and experience their menstruation in diverse ways, influencing their choice of menstrual products and impacting both body literacy and the environment. This article investigates Israeli menstruators who use reusable menstrual products (RMPs), a practice viewed through the lens of ecofeminism, within the context of menstrual concealment culture and its role in perpetuating oppression. This article's objective is to reveal the extent of this ecofeminist practice and to understand the motivations and choices behind it as well as the meaning of menstruation for Israeli RMP users. An analysis of forty semi-structured interviews revealed that the participants exercise cognitive, emotional and sociocultural agency. Environmental and physical factors strongly motivated participants to use RMPs, producing predominantly positive experiences. The use of RMPs promotes novel perceptions and management strategies for menstruation, facilitating acceptance of menstrual blood and challenging prevalent narratives of shame and pollution. Finally, many participants expressed a desire to engage in legitimised conversations about menstruation and to resist the dominant discourse. This highlights the transformative potential of the ecofeminist practice of using RMPs, which can disrupt capitalist-consumer culture, challenge menstrual stigma and foster sustainable alternatives. The present study promotes knowledge and equality in education about menstrual management, concealment, products, stigma and environmental factors.

Synthesis of the acidic/magnetic catalyst x-MoO3/Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 by combustion reaction and evaluation of its catalytic potential/reuse in biodiesel production

The objective of this work was to synthesize a new catalyst x-MoO3/Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 using the combustion reaction method and to evaluate its catalytic potential and reuse in biodiesel production from waste oil, optimizing the process through experimental design. The catalysts were characterized in terms of structure by X-ray diffraction and phase quantification by Rietveld refinement, surface area by the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller technique, experimental density by helium pycnometry, acidity tests by ammonia desorption at programmed temperature, chemical analysis by X-ray fluorescence, morphology by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and catalytic properties. The products of the simultaneous transesterification and esterification reactions were characterized by gas chromatography and acidity index. The results indicate the formation of catalysts with surface area ranging from 1.5 to 1.7 m2/g and density ranging from 4.5 to 5.1 g/cm3, composed of major crystalline phases of MoO3 in the orthorhombic configuration and cubic Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 ferrite, with total acidity ranging from 70 to 182 μmol/g of NH3. Morphological characterization revealed that the catalyst comprises irregular plates of various sizes and shapes with a wide range of cluster sizes. In the simultaneous transesterification and esterification reactions of residual oil, the catalysts were active under all conditions tested, with emphasis on the catalyst containing 50 % Mo ions and 50 % Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 presenting the best catalytic performance with a conversion of 95 % in ethyl esters and a reduction of 71 % in acidity, with a service life of 6 cycles, an average conversion of 90 % and good thermal and structural stability after use. The experimental design was significant and predictive, with a confidence level of 95 %. Statistical analysis identified that all input variables (temperature, time, and amount of catalyst) were significant for the adopted design. The new catalyst composed of molybdenum, iron, nickel, and zinc has a positive impact on biodiesel synthesis from frying oil and ethanol.

Unintended food safety impacts of agricultural circular economies, with case studies in arsenic and mycotoxins

For millennia, food systems worldwide have employed practices befitting a circular economy: recycling of agricultural and food waste or byproducts, environmentally sustainable production methods, and food preservation to reduce waste. Many modern-day agricultural practices may also contribute to a circular economy through the reuse of waste products and/or reducing agricultural inputs. There are, however, food safety impacts. This paper describes two sustainable agricultural practices that have unintended positive and negative impacts on food safety: alternative rice cultivation practices and no-till agriculture. We highlight how alternative rice cultivation practices have intended benefits of water conservation and economic savings, yet also unintended effects on food safety by reducing foodborne arsenic levels while increasing cadmium levels. No-till agriculture reduces soil erosion and repurposes crop residues, but can lead to increased foodborne mycotoxin levels. Trade-offs, future research, and policy recommendations are discussed as we explore the duality of sustainable agricultural practices and food safety.

Progressive Formalisation of Household Solid Waste Source-Segregation in Khulna City, Bangladesh

Integrating circular economy into solid waste management is challenging for the local government authorities in Bangladesh, though its necessity is well recognised. The absence of household waste segregation in overcrowded urban areas is an obstacle for achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of reduced waste generation by 2030. This research in Khulna city found that recyclable and reusable products are separated informally by grassroots people in seven stages, instead of a source. Relevant stakeholders and grassroots people working at different level of solid waste governance were interviewed to find out the current status. The thematic analysis reveals that policy gaps, limited budgets, inadequate facilities, social constraints, behavioural inertia, non-engagement of private organisations and insufficient community participation are significant challenges to circular economy transition. Stakeholders have proposed a series of actions, beginning with proper policy formulation, followed by facility provision, awareness building and enforcement in the event of excessive public ignorance.

Exploring the Potential of Weld Slag as Aggregate Replacement in Concrete for Sustainable Construction: A Review Paper

Concrete is the most globally used material in the construction industry, with over ten billion tons produced annually, and its aggregates making 70 to 80% of its quantity. The aggregates production leads the natural sources of these aggregates to deplete in a high rate and with a significant carbon footprint. Consequently, industries are generating waste output in a large quantity which is posing problems to the environment and leading to economic challenges. This review explores the potential of using industrial waste such as weld slags, steel slags, and glass powder as substitutes to traditional concrete aggregates. The integration of these wastes solves the problems of waste disposal, resource depletion and environmental pollution. The review is to also to encourage the reuse, recycling and reduction of waste production to reduce pollution. This practice will help ensure resource conservation, environmental protection and enhanced sustainability. Furthermore it underscores the importance of further research on the durability and practical applications of concrete containing industrial slags such as steel slags, weld slags, glass powder etc. to establish effective and sustainable construction practices.

Responsible Ecological Behavior in Participation, Resource Saving, Recycling and Reuse in Peruvian University Students

This paper analyzes, within the framework of responsible ecological behavior (REB), participation and environmental concern, resources saving, recycling and reuse of products in students from a Peruvian private university. Data for this study was obtained by completing self-administered questionnaires from a sample of 523 undergraduate students attending a university based in Lima and Ica, Peru. REB was segmented into three dimensions: Participation and Environmental Concern (PEC), Resources Saving (RS) and Recycling and Reuse (RR). A medium positive correlation was found between REB and PEC, while REB showed a positive correlation between the RS and RR dimensions at a significance level of 99%. A weak negative correlation was identified between REB and student gender; no correlation was found with age and region of origin. More than half of the students frequently practice habits that contribute to the protection of the environment; especially actions related to RS. RR behaviors reported less frequency in their usual practice, specifically reuse activities of aluminum cans and plastic containers, while PEC was the least common factor in pro-environmental practices. The apathy for externalization of environmental interest and lack of commitment in ecological campaigns demonstrate the low level of internalization of environmental culture in Peruvian university students.