The effect of Plastic Bags Reduction educational Program(PBRP) on plastic bag usage among Hadishahr inhabitants

Abstract

Introduction and Purpose of the Study: The wide usage of plastic bags has become a serious problem in the world. Limiting the usage of plastic bags, should be considered as a hygienic necessity, because of its irreparable damages to the environment and human health. This study was designed with the purpose of determining the effect of training programs about reducing the consumption of plastic bags on its consumption in Hadishahr. Materials and Methods: This study had an intervention in the control group. The sampling carried out through using multi-stage method and the data for this study was collected through the researcher-made questionnaire about the plastic bags by participation of 199 people and 199 sellers. Intervention for the whole area of intervention about the environmental impacts of plastic bags, ways of reducing the consumption and the introduction of alternatives was carried out for 8 weeks. For investigating the effects of program, an evaluation was done among the people (n = 193) and sellers (n = 168). Data analysis was performed by using SPSS software (version 22) and doing Statistical tests (chi-square test, sign test, independent T test, paired T test and Wilcoxon test). Results: The usage of plastic bags among sellers, reduced from 3.33 kg to 2.80 kg per a week. Among people, the usage of plastic bags which is more than 10 per week in groups, reduced from 58 to 27 per a week. The usage of alternatives for plastic bags such as (paper bags, cloth bags, purse or bag) before intervention was (6.5%) and after intervention increased to (19.3%) (P=0.002). For sellers, the average scores of knowledge before and after intervention were respectively: (56.70 ± 22.00), (68.50 ± 20.60) and for people, average scores of knowledge before and after intervention were respectively: (67.40 ± 22.60) and (82.50 ± 22.10). Knowledge was increased in the intervention group compared to pre-intervention (P=0.001). Sellers average scores of attitude before and after intervention were (65.20 ± 18.30) and (70.50 ± 16.30) respectively and the peopleaverage score of attitude before and after intervention were (61.30 ± 18.60) and (69.90 ± 19.60) respectively. Attitude in intervention group increased, compared with pre-intervention group. Conclusion and Discussion: Awareness about the destructive effects of plastic bags on environment was high and there was a good attitude towards the usage of alternatives for plastic bags, but due to the lack of access to alternatives and lack of familiarity with the alternatives, the consumption rate remained high. It should be noted that culturing the introduction of alternatives, the necessity of using them and encourage or support by sellers and people to use the alternative, can have an effective role in reducing the consumption of plastic bags.