scholarly journals Psychological and Demographic Predictors of Plastic Bag Consumption in Transaction Data

Author(s):  
Rosa Ellen Lavelle-Hill ◽  
Gavin Smith ◽  
Peter Bibby ◽  
David Clarke ◽  
James Goulding

Despite the success of plastic bag charges in the UK, there are still around a billion single-use plastic bags bought each year in England alone, and the government have made plans to increase the levy from 5 to 10 pence. Previous research has identified motivations for bringing personal bags to a supermarket, but little is known about the individuals who are continuing to frequently purchase single-use plastic bags after the levy. In this study, over a million loyalty card transaction records from a high-street health and beauty retailer were harnessed to study 12,968 individuals' bag buying behaviour (analysed using descriptive statistics). Statistical regional differences in plastic bag buying throughout the UK occurred. From the transaction data 2,326 frequent single-use plastic bag buyers were identified and matched randomly to infrequent buyers, creating a balanced sub-sample which was used for predictive modelling (N=4,652). For each individual in the modelling sample, their transaction data was matched to questionnaire responses measuring demographics, shopping motivations, and individual differences. Using this data, an exploratory machine learning approach was utilised to investigate the demographic and psychological predictors of frequent plastic bag consumption. It was found that frequent bag buyers spent more money in store, were younger, more likely to be male, less frugal, open to new experiences, and more displeased with their appearance (compared with infrequent bag buyers). Interestingly, environmental concerns did not predict plastic bag consumption, highlighting the disconnect between predicting pro-environmental attitudes and real world environmental behaviour.

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 290-305
Author(s):  
Ismi Rania Yolanda ◽  
Acwin Hendra Saputra

ABSTRACT: The increase in plastic consumption per capita in Indonesia by 17 kilograms per year and consumption growth reaching 6%-7% per year have re-ignited discussions about the plan to expand excisable goods on plastics. Previously in 2016 the government had discussed the imposition of excise on plastic consumption which had been approved by the House of Representatives. This study seeks to explore how the plastic excise tax collection scheme plan will be implemented in Indonesia and the extent to which the discussion process has been carried out. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach which is carried out by describing and interpreting the collected data and finds that the delay in implementing the plastic bag excise policy is caused by several factors, namely the misalignment of perspectives between internal government units and the unstable economic situation, especially due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, it is a challenge for the government to determine the right time and the next single-use plastic object that will be subject to excise. The government should also maintain accountability by continuously providing information on the amount of excise levy and its allocation, while still paying attention to the development of the national economic recovery and excise policies for plastic products to reduce the impact of negative externalities on single-use plastic consumption. Keywords: excisable goods, plastic excise, extensification, negative externalities, plastic bags ABSTRAK: Peningkatan konsumsi plastik per kapita di Indonesia sebesar 17 kilogram per tahun dan pertumbuhan konsumsi mencapai 6%-7% per tahun memantik kembali diskusi tentang rencana ekstensifikasi barang kena cukai atas plastik. Sebelumnya pada tahun 2016 pemerintah telah mewacanakan pengenaaan cukai konsumsi plastik yang telah disetujui oleh Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat. Penelitian ini berusaha menggali kembali bagaimana rencana skema pemungutan cukai plastik yang akan diterapkan di Indonesia dan sejauh mana proses pembahasan yang sudah dilakukan. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif yang dilakukan dengan penggambaran dan penginterpretasian atas data yang terkumpul dan mendapati bahwa penundaan penerapan kebijakan cukai kantong plastik disebabkan oleh beberapa hal, yaitu ketidakselarasan perspektif antarunit internal pemerintah dan keadaan ekonomi yang belum stabil terutama karena dampak pandemi Covid-19. Oleh karena itu, menjadi tantangan bagi pemerintah dalam menentukan waktu yang tepat dan objek plastik sekali pakai selanjutnya yang akan dikenakan cukai. Pemerintah juga harus menjaga akuntabilitas dengan terus memberikan informasi besaran pungutan cukai dan peruntukannya, dengan tetap memperhatikan perkembangan pemulihan ekonomi nasional dan kebijakan cukai produk plastik untuk mengurangi dampak eksternalitas negatif atas konsumsi plastik sekali pakai. Kata Kunci: barang kena cukai, cukai plastik, ekstensifikasi, eksternalitas negatif, kantong plastik


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Ida Bagus Komang Surya Werdiyasa

On the first day of 2019, Government of Denpasar City, Bali, published a new regulation, namely Mayor Regulation No. 36/2018 (Perwali No. 36 Tahun 2018) to minimize the usage of plastic, as single used shopping Bags in Denpasar City. The regulation has been active since January 1, 2019. Plastic has become part of modern days civilization. Various industries apply the usage of plastic, due to its durability, lightweight and easy to afford. However, beyond all the convenience it offers, turns out a terrible fact awaits; a hazardous plastic waste that impossible to decompose naturally. Plastic is classified into seven types according to its composition, they are Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS) and the ‘O.’ Plastic is recyclable, nevertheless, it mostly ended in the ocean, due to the finite availability of plastic recycler in Indonesia, as well as low social awareness in keeping the environment clean. Mayor Regulation No.36/2018 is an effort of Denpasar city to minimize single-use plastic bag. The Government through the local regulation suggests shopping centers and modern stores provide environmental-friendly alternative bags with biodegradable standard or permanent bags that can be used repeatedly, to reduce society’s dependence on using single-use plastic bags when shopping. The regulation is a clear example of Denpasar City in preserving the environment based on the philosophical foundation of the concept of Tri Hita Karana. It is a Balinese concept to maintain harmonious relationships between humans to God, among humankind, as well as human and their environment.


Single use plastic bags have been banned by many countries, states and cities globally in an attempt to curb the massive impact of plastics on the environment. Plastic bag litter can clog drainage systems and result in those systems failing and flooding breaking out, which can result in damage. This litter is also a serious threat to animals and their habitats. Tamil Nadu, on January 1, 2019, became the fourth state in India to implement a ban on single-use plastics. Maharashtra was the first do it on March 23, 2018, Telangana followed the feat in June and Himachal Pradesh in July. This paper tries to bring the opinion of 150 sample respondents from Tirunelveli District on the awareness and response of Plastic usage and avoidance. The researcher used Trend analysis, t test, means, ANOVA, Rotated Factor Analysis, transformation matrix and Confirmatory Factor Analysis after the completion of suitable reliability test. This study brings to light the steps taken by the Government of Tamilnadu to reduce the usage of plastics and the opinion of the sample respondents regarding the ban of plastics. The study reveals that there is considerable improvement in the steps taken in the reduction of plastics in different zones. The opinion of the sample respondents in respect to the ban of plastics is highly significant in different dimensions such as personal, awareness, environmental and the availability of substitutes. The model framed is fit as per confirmatory factor analysis. Hence it is concluded that wider spread of awareness on environmental protection along with the introduction of proper substitutes for the plastics will wipe away the usage of plastics among the public and thereby the environment will be protected for a better tomorrow.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gbadebo Collins Adeyanju ◽  
Teslin Maria Augustine ◽  
Stefan Volkmann ◽  
Usman Adetunji Oyebamiji ◽  
Sonia Ran ◽  
...  

AbstractThe devastating impacts that bio-degradable products such as plastic bags are having on human health, wildlife, and the environment is enormous, especially single-use once. Single-use plastics are non-biodegradable products and does not undergo biological decomposition nor degenerate. This review examines various government regulations targeted at changing behaviour against plastic bags consumption and their effectiveness. Following a rigorous search in 13 databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, Springer Nature, etc. only 17 peer-reviewed journal articles that are published between 2000 and 2019 and met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Each study’s methodological quality was assessed using the GRADE system, and data were extracted using a uniquely designed form. The results revealed that regulations based solely on the thickness of plastic bags does not reduce plastic bags consumption. However, regulations focused on banning ‘single-use’ plastic bag usage, imposing higher taxes and levies on consumers, significantly reduce plastic bags consumption. Overall, the latter is considered the most effective. Also, the results show that attitude, perception and behaviour change toward bio-degradable products or climate-friendly behaviour can be significantly influenced by public policy or regulations. Although the behaviour seems short-lived in some countries, therefore further studies need to probe on why. Also, the absence of a national regulatory strategy in North America reduced the inclusion of studies from the region, hence need for more research focusing on sub-national regulations.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 190-207
Author(s):  
Cheryl Pricilla Bensa

The plastic bag diet campaign has been carried out by many parties including government agencies, but the campaign is feared to only reach the cognitive stage, not a meaningful change in attitude. Many campaigns on the problem of plastic waste have been carried out from NGOs, the private sector, and the government, but what is wrong so as to the problem of plastic waste continues to occur? Why does the problem of plastic waste still stop at the campaign without a comprehensive behavior implementation of the community? The research method was a survey using quota sampling and descriptive. The population people in Balikpapan, Jakarta and Surabaya. The campaign to limit plastic bags can be successful if there is a synergy of the regulators; the government and NGOs, the private sector such as retailers, and the community. The related parties are expected to design a campaign in accordance with the social marketing model. Moreover, the related parties must also conduct formative research of the target behavior: the community about plastic waste and the extent to which the related parties must endeavor so that it can be known what audience benefits are most appropriate in formulating a campaign. In the implementation of social marketing, related parties have to clearly formulate the target behavior that exists so that people are not confused and have one voice. In addition, policies must also be upheld to support and maintain the results of social marketing to be sustainable. Moreover, educational and outreach programs that can change behavior about the environment will also help future generations to reduce pollution of plastic waste.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 346-352
Author(s):  
Gede Putu Oka Brahma Adhi ◽  
I Wayan Rideng ◽  
Ida Ayu Putu Widiati

The community and the Government of Denpasar City took the initiative to save Bali Island, which is known as the last paradise island, "The Last Island Paradise" with the hope of having an impact on preserving the universe. Public reactions to the issuance of Regional Regulation Number 97 of 2018 are very diverse. There are those who agree and then provide support with the real action not to use plastic-based containers. The purpose of this study is to reveal the inhibiting factors for the implementation of Bali Governor Regulation Number 97 of 2018 against the restriction of single-use plastic bags in Denpasar City and the impact of implementing Bali Governor Regulation Number 97 of 2018 on Tourism Development in Denpasar City. The type of research used in this research is empirical law research. Based on the research that has been done, it is an inhibiting factor for the implementation of Governor Regulation Number 97 of 2018 concerning Reducing the Use of Plastic Bags, among others: lack of public awareness, lack of facilities to manage waste, the culture of the community using plastic bags is still high, law enforcement of Denpasar Mayor Regulation Number 36 of 2018 is still weak.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
GAURI CHANDRA

Abstract The over-utilization of plastic bags has pushed governments to implement a mix of policy measures ranging from banning the bags altogether to charging a fee for them. However, these policies are often accompanied by unintended consequences. Paying for plastic bags, in particular, may crowd out the negative emotions tied to their harmful impact on the environment, and may be subject to a ‘rebound effect’. In a randomized controlled experiment, I tested four different treatments aimed at nudging or encouraging consumers to carry their own bag to the stores. Specifically, I tested the effects of changing the framing of the question regarding carrier bags at the checkout till in stores using a yes/no response format, in which the yes option corresponds to the desired behaviour. The treatment with the yes/no framing format was found to have as strong and significant an effect as a charge of 5 pence per bag on discouraging single-use plastic bag consumption.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 128
Author(s):  
Maria Ardianti Kurnia Sari

Plastic has become a massive problem globally since there is a large portion of the ocean contaminated with plastic waste. Plastic becomes a material that cannot be broken down by soil and takes years to be broken. Therefore, many people try to influence each other to adoptthe zero waste lifestyle as a concern to the Earth. Zero waste has become a global activity that always encourages the society to reduce single-use plastics. Using single-use plastics can be found in everyday life, such as when going shopping to the market, sometimes the sellers will give plastic bag to the buyers. Most of the time, the plastic bag is only used once tobe throwninto the trash can. This research uses qualitative method. The researcher analyzes through zero waste lifestyle videos and books as the primary sources of this analysis. The results of this research are first, the step to get started to become a “zero-waste lifestyler”, second, how to be the “zero waste lifestyler”, and third, how zero waste can give the global lifestyle movement in Bali, Indonesia as their primary program, Bye Bye Plastic Bags, as in June 2019, Bali becomes the first province in Indonesia to ban in using single-use plastics.Keywords: bye bye plastic bags, single-use plastic; zero waste lifestyle


Author(s):  
Amira Elnokaly ◽  
Benjamin A.J. Martin

Purpose – In October 2011 the Government brought in measures to reduce the revenue provided by the Feed in Tariff (FIT) system. This change came under a lot of opposition due to the potential affects that it would have upon the industry. The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential benefits of the FIT and the impact that the Governments Comprehensive Spending Review had upon the industry and its uptake by the householders. Design/methodology/approach – For the study and to calculate the benefits of the FIT, a predictive modelling tool was built that could calculate the potential income and savings for a household. A photovoltaic (PV) installation was then monitored for over a year and the results of the predictive modelling tool were compared to actual results produced from the system to show how accurate the modelling tool was. The impacts of the Governments comprehensive spending review and the potential impacts in the industry were then calculated and discussed. Findings – The FIT is still a good incentive for people investing in PV. However, the reduction in the FIT may impact the “Rent a Roof” system and this in turn will impact most heavily on lower income families. The research also concluded that the changes in the political agenda have had a major impact on the FIT for both the industry and the community. Thus, the solar FITs will continue to be an attractive incentive in place to pay for heating through renewable means and thus ensuring reducing the own carbon footprint. Concomitantly, well-developed ownership schemes need to be put in place. Originality/value – The reduction in the FIT was the right move by the Government as it should prevent the increase in energy bill prices which will affect the people without PV at this point in time. It also has been set so that it is still generous enough to encourage the industry and stimulate installation as there is still profit but not in a way that should put people off. The UK may just have to take time to realise that the FITs are still a good deal after the very generous tariff that preceded them.


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 15
Author(s):  
Dwimei Ayudewandari Pranatami

At the beginning of its life, breast milk is the best food for babies because breast milk contains all the nutrients that can be used for optimal growth and development of the baby. Therefore, the government has promoted exclusive breastfeeding programs for infants 0-4 months or up to 6 months if possible. However, the current phenomenon especially among working mothers, there are regulatory difficulties in giving milk to children. Breast milk can still be given by a working mother the pumping method and stored first. To facilitate the storage of breast milk, three types of containers are widely used, namely plastic clips, plastic bottles, and glass bottles. In the period of storage, it must be ensured that breast milk can be maintained with good quality and integrity. This study aims to compare the total number of bacteria that can grow in breast milk after being stored in three different types of containers. The sampling technique used in this study is total sampling. The treatment in this study was by placing breast milk in three different containers, namely plastic bottles (A), glass bottles (B), and plastic bags for storing breast milk (C) stored at room temperature (16-26<sup>0</sup>C) with three replications. Breast milk is obtained from volunteers who have been predetermined and then accommodated in sterile containers. Statistical test results showed that the variation of the container did not affect the total bacterial colony with a p-value of 0.246 (P&gt; 0.05) with the highest number of bacteria in plastic bag storage with an average of 5.4x10<sup>3</sup> CFU/ml.


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