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Is Awareness on Plastic Pollution Being Raised in Schools? Understanding Perceptions of Primary and Secondary School Educators

Author

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  • Mwazvita T. B. Dalu

    (Department of Geography, University of South Africa, Johannesburg 1709, South Africa)

  • Ross N. Cuthbert

    (GEOMAR, Helmholtz-Zentrum für Ozeanforschung Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany)

  • Hulisani Muhali

    (Aquatic Systems Research Group, Department of Ecology and Resource Management, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa)

  • Lenin D. Chari

    (Centre for Biological Control, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Makhanda 6140, South Africa)

  • Amanda Manyani

    (Centre for Complex Systems in Transition, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa)

  • Current Masunungure

    (Sustainability Research Unit, Nelson Mandela University, George Campus, George 6035, South Africa)

  • Tatenda Dalu

    (Aquatic Systems Research Group, Department of Ecology and Resource Management, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
    Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa)

Abstract

Plastic pollution is a major global issue and its impacts on ecosystems and socioeconomic sectors lack comprehensive understanding. The integration of plastics issues into the educational system of both primary and secondary schools has often been overlooked, especially in Africa, presenting a major challenge to environmental awareness. Owing to the importance of early age awareness, this study aims to investigate whether plastic pollution issues are being integrated into South African primary and secondary education school curriculums. Using face-to-face interviews with senior educators, we address this research problem by investigating (i) the extent to which teachers cover components of plastic pollution, and (ii) educator understandings of plastic pollution within terrestrial and aquatic environments. The results indicate that plastic pollution has been integrated into the school curriculum in technology, natural science, geography, life science, life skills and life orientation subjects. However, there was a lack of integration of management practices for plastics littering, especially in secondary schools, and understanding of dangers among different habitat types. This highlights the need for better educational awareness on the plastic pollution problem at both primary and secondary school level, with increased environmental programs needed to educate schools on management practices and impacts.

Suggested Citation

  • Mwazvita T. B. Dalu & Ross N. Cuthbert & Hulisani Muhali & Lenin D. Chari & Amanda Manyani & Current Masunungure & Tatenda Dalu, 2020. "Is Awareness on Plastic Pollution Being Raised in Schools? Understanding Perceptions of Primary and Secondary School Educators," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-17, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:17:p:6775-:d:401926
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rodrigo Lozano, 2007. "Collaboration as a pathway for sustainability," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 15(6), pages 370-381.
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    Cited by:

    1. Boyu Wang & Ronggang Yang & Peiyuan Bai & Qinhua Fang & Xiaoyan Jiang, 2024. "The Plastic-Reduction Behavior of Chinese Residents: Survey, Model, and Impact Factors," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-24, July.
    2. Edith Dube & Grace Emily Okuthe, 2024. "Plastic and Micro/Nanoplastic Pollution in Sub-Saharan Africa: Challenges, Impacts, and Solutions," World, MDPI, vol. 5(2), pages 1-21, May.
    3. Gratiela Dana Boca & Sinan Saraçli, 2023. "Effects of Romanian Student’s Awareness and Needs Regarding Plastic Waste Management," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-21, April.
    4. Akrivi Krouska & Katerina Kabassi & Christos Troussas & Cleo Sgouropoulou, 2022. "Personalizing Environmental Awareness through Smartphones Using AHP and PROMETHEE II," Future Internet, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-16, February.
    5. Daming Li & Canyao Liu & Yu Shi & Jiaming Song & Yiliang Zhang, 2022. "Trade Flow Optimization Model for Plastic Pollution Reduction," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-18, November.
    6. Mwazvita T. B. Dalu & Bonginkosi S. Ngobeni & Tatenda Dalu, 2023. "Assessing Pro-Environmental Behaviour towards Plastics among Staff and Students at a South African University," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(24), pages 1-13, December.

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