Understanding the Current State of Consumer Behaviours for Preventing Single-Use Plastics: Nationwide Realities and Acceptability through Awareness Campaign

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the nationwide realities of consumer behaviors regarding the reduction of single-use plastics and to assess their acceptability through awareness campaigns. An online survey was conducted to achieve this objective. The results revealed that approximately 50% of respondents rarely used disposable containers for drinking tea, water, or coffee at home, while about 70% can avoid them to some extent. As for sports drinks, about 10% rarely use them, and 40% will be able to avoide to some extent. Similarly, approximately 30% of individuals utilized personal water bottles at their workplaces or schools, and about 10% refilling them exclusively from water dispensers or taps. However, nearly 60% of respondents are able to use personal water bottles to some extent, and approximately 40% can engage in refilling them. Concerning plastic bags, around 20% of participants rarely use them for waste bins outside the kitchen or restroom, while 50-60% were able to reduce their usage to some degree. Furthermore, 10-30% of respondents consistently refused straws, disposable cutlery during take-out, and toothbrush sets at accommodations, while more than 60% were capable of refusing them to a certain extent.