Relationships of Faith- and Culture-based Environmental Views and Plastic Pollution Mitigation Behaviors Among Malaysian Consumers

Abstract

This study examined the relationships between plastic pollution mitigation behaviors and environmental views based on faith and culture among Malaysian consumers through an online questionnaire survey (N = 1,093). Factor analysis of the questionnaire items measuring perceived connections between faith, culture, and environmental issues identified two latent constructs: faith-based and culture-based environmental views. These environmental view factors were used as exogenous variables in structural equation modeling (SEM) based on the extended theory of planned behavior. The SEM revealed that both faith-based and culture-based environmental views were positively associated with plastic pollution mitigation behaviors but through different paths. These findings suggest that strengthening the connections between individuals’ faith or cultural backgrounds and environmental conservation would enhance practices aimed at mitigating plastic pollution.