Single-use Plastic Consumption and Environmental Awareness of College Students in Davao del Sur

Abstract

Plastics are an important material that is used by many, but when mismanaged, they become an environmental pollutant, causing a global issue of plastic pollution. This study explored the level of single-use plastic (SUP) consumption and the environmental awareness of college students in Davao del Sur. A quantitative descriptive correlational research design was utilized in this study using a structured survey questionnaire. A sample size of 359 using a sampling technique named the Slovin Formula through stratified random sampling was used. Findings revealed that there is a high level of consumption and frequency of SUP among college students in Davao del Sur, with a mean rating of 3.64, described as “Frequently” in level of consumption and a total mean score of 2.19, described as “Partially in Plastic” in terms of frequency. Additionally, a total mean score of 4.36, described as “Fully Aware,” described the level of students’ awareness of the environmental impacts of SUP. Furthermore, there was a significant relationship between the level of SUP consumption and awareness, with an r value of 0.253 supported by a p-value of <0.001, but no significant relationship between the level of frequency of SUP consumption and awareness, with an r value of 0.057 supported by a p-value of 0.282. Demographic profiles like age, gender, allowance, school type, and course have no significant relationship with the level of SUP consumption and environmental awareness. These results highlight the crucial role of every individual, as awareness alone isn’t sufficient to address the problem; thus, awareness must be backed by accessible alternatives and strengthened policies.