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Gaps between Attitudes and Behavior in the Use of Disposable Plastic Tableware (DPT) and Factors Influencing Sustainable DPT Consumption: A Study of Hong Kong Undergraduates

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  • Kyle T. H. Ho

    (Department of Social Sciences, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China)

  • Patrick W. H. Kwok

    (Department of Social Sciences, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China)

  • Stephen S. Y. Chang

    (Department of Social Sciences, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China)

  • Amanda M. Y. Chu

    (Department of Social Sciences, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China)

Abstract

Total waste from human activities, including waste plastics, is huge in Hong Kong. In particular, as a result of the prevention and control measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, take-away meals increased tremendously in Hong Kong, generating disposable plastic tableware (DPT). Although Hong Kong has a charging scheme for plastic bags, it does not have a scheme for plastic tableware. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the attitudes and behavior of people in Hong Kong toward DPT. Our study focused on undergraduate students in Hong Kong, given that they will play a significant role in the future of environmental sustainability. The attitudes and behavior of Hong Kong undergraduate students toward DPT were examined through an online survey with 385 respondents. A multiple stepwise regression was conducted to investigate whether cognitive attitude formation factors could explain the sustainable attitudes formed by undergraduate students in Hong Kong. The survey results revealed that most undergraduates considered DPT to be one of the major causes of environmental damage in Hong Kong; however, many of them, particularly those who strongly agreed with this statement, said that the problem of DPT did not affect their quality of life. The regression analysis showed that imposing a DPT charge would be the most significant driver to reduce its use. The research findings identified gaps between attitudes and behavior regarding the use of DPT and the factors influencing sustainable DPT consumption.

Suggested Citation

  • Kyle T. H. Ho & Patrick W. H. Kwok & Stephen S. Y. Chang & Amanda M. Y. Chu, 2023. "Gaps between Attitudes and Behavior in the Use of Disposable Plastic Tableware (DPT) and Factors Influencing Sustainable DPT Consumption: A Study of Hong Kong Undergraduates," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-16, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:11:p:8958-:d:1162217
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Marko M. Skoric & Nan Zhang & Juma Kasadha & Chun Hong Tse & Jing Liu, 2022. "Reducing the Use of Disposable Plastics through Public Engagement Campaigns: An Experimental Study of the Effectiveness of Message Appeals, Modalities, and Sources," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(14), pages 1-20, July.
    2. Rospita Odorlina P. Situmorang & Ta-Ching Liang & Shu-Chun Chang, 2020. "The Difference of Knowledge and Behavior of College Students on Plastic Waste Problems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(19), pages 1-11, September.
    3. Lewis T. O. Cheung & Ching Yee Lui & Lincoln Fok, 2018. "Microplastic Contamination of Wild and Captive Flathead Grey Mullet ( Mugil cephalus )," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-11, March.
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