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Assessing Pro-Environmental Behaviour towards Plastics among Staff and Students at a South African University

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  • Mwazvita T. B. Dalu

    (School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit 1200, South Africa)

  • Bonginkosi S. Ngobeni

    (School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit 1200, South Africa)

  • Tatenda Dalu

    (School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit 1200, South Africa
    Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS), Wallenberg Research Centre at Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa)

Abstract

Plastic pollution is a global issue of concern, with all environmental realms contaminated by plastics. Human consumption as well as management of daily plastics use can play a significant role to control this global environmental problem. Thus, understanding public perceptions about plastic consumption and pollution is vital to engage society in solutions to reduce the associated environmental impact. This study explores the perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs of a university community towards plastic consumption and pollution. We employed online questionnaires, which had 248 respondents in the end, and data was analysed using a combination of Chi-Squared and Spearman correlation tests. We observed that staff members (i.e., lecturers) had a greater awareness of long-term plastic waste impacts and were more likely to take steps to reduce their plastic use in their daily routines. About 50% of staff members and 14.8% of students indicated that their main source of information was scientific publications, followed by Google (8.3% of staff members, 24% of students). Furthermore, they were also more likely to implement policies and procedures that promote sustainability and reduce waste. Approximately 54.5% of staff members and 56.4% of students highlighted that they did not know of any tools to help reduce plastic pollution, with 36.4% of staff members and 20.5% of students indicating that they did not know of any intervention methods. In comparison, students were more focused on convenience and did not have the same level of understanding or concern about the environmental impact of plastics as they were more likely to use single-use plastics, without considering the potential environmental harm. Hence, to bridge this gap in perception, educational institutions should take proactive steps to educate both staff and students about the importance of reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability through the provision of educational materials, organising awareness campaigns and events, and implementing policies that encourage responsible plastic use.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:24:p:16904-:d:1301466
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. Szymkowiak, Andrzej & Melović, Boban & Dabić, Marina & Jeganathan, Kishokanth & Kundi, Gagandeep Singh, 2021. "Information technology and Gen Z: The role of teachers, the internet, and technology in the education of young people," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 65(C).
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