scholarly journals Investigating the Knowledge and Attitudes towards Plastic Pollution among the Youth in Nairobi, Kenya

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 408
Author(s):  
Nicholas Oguge ◽  
Francis Oremo ◽  
Salome Adhiambo
Keyword(s):  
Policy Development ◽  
Financial Incentives ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Plastic Recycling ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes ◽  
Single Use ◽  
Negative Impacts

Kenya has made many attempts to regulate the production of single-use plastics through partial bans and the imposition of hefty taxes. Whereas government initiatives are crucial to resolving single-use plastic pollution, commitments made by youths can be an important part of the solution. Yet, youths are habituated to using single-use plastics without understanding fully their negative impacts. Understanding the knowledge and attitudes of youths is of the utmost importance in the effort to turn the tide against plastic pollution. This study set out to investigate knowledge and attitudes towards single-use plastics among youths in Nairobi, Kenya. This was a mixed study approach, where both qualitative and quantitative data were derived. The results showed that youths perceive single-use plastics as a serious environmental and health issue. Most respondents expressed willingness to switch to reusable alternatives if provided with financial incentives. In addition, the results showed stronger support for enhanced awareness campaigns and plastic recycling infrastructure. Social media was the most preferred channel to disseminate plastic pollution messaging among the youth. These findings are important in policy development for intensifying awareness and targeting a range of communication and financial support to reduce single-use plastic pollution.

scholarly journals Bill Calls for Dramatically Cutting Plastic Pollution

Eos ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Randy Showstack
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
The United States ◽  
Plastic Waste ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Plastic Recycling ◽  
Single Use ◽  
Set Up

With just 8% of plastic waste in the United States currently being recycled, the bill aims to set up an effective plastic recycling program and limit single-use plastic.

scholarly journals Big Data-Enabled Solutions Framework to Overcoming the Barriers to Circular Economy Initiatives in Healthcare Sector

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 7513
Author(s):  
Yiğit Kazançoğlu ◽  
Muhittin Sağnak ◽  
Çisem Lafcı ◽  
Sunil Luthra ◽  
Anil Kumar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Big Data ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Current System ◽  
Big Data Analytics ◽  
Detailed Examination ◽  
Healthcare Sector ◽  
Single Use ◽  
Medical Materials ◽  
Negative Impacts

Ever-changing conditions and emerging new challenges affect the ability of the healthcare sector to survive with the current system, and to maintain its processes effectively. In the healthcare sector, the conservation of the natural resources is being obstructed by insufficient infrastructure for managing residual waste resulting from single-use medical materials, increased energy use, and its environmental burden. In this context, circularity and sustainability concepts have become essential in healthcare to meliorate the sector’s negative impacts on the environment. The main aim of this study is to identify the barriers related to circular economy (CE) in the healthcare sector, apply big data analytics in healthcare, and provide solutions to these barriers. The contribution of this research is the detailed examination of the current healthcare literature about CE adaptation, and a proposal for a big data-enabled solutions framework to barriers to circularity, using fuzzy best-worst Method (BWM) and fuzzy VIKOR. Based on the findings, managerial, policy, and theoretical implementations are recommended to support sustainable development initiatives in the healthcare sector.

scholarly journals Decision-making process for introduction of maternal vaccines in Kenya, 2017–2018

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy A. Otieno ◽  
Fauzia A. Malik ◽  
Stacy W. Nganga ◽  
Winnie N. Wairimu ◽  
Dominic O. Ouma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Implementation Process ◽  
Policy Formulation ◽  
Advisory Group ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Maternal Immunization ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
High Level

Abstract Background Maternal immunization is a key strategy for reducing morbidity and mortality associated with infectious diseases in mothers and their newborns. Recent developments in the science and safety of maternal vaccinations have made possible development of new maternal vaccines ready for introduction in low- and middle-income countries. Decisions at the policy level remain the entry point for maternal immunization programs. We describe the policy and decision-making process in Kenya for the introduction of new vaccines, with particular emphasis on maternal vaccines, and identify opportunities to improve vaccine policy formulation and implementation process. Methods We conducted 29 formal interviews with government officials and policy makers, including high-level officials at the Kenya National Immunization Technical Advisory Group, and Ministry of Health officials at national and county levels. All interviews were recorded and transcribed. We analyzed the qualitative data using NVivo 11.0 software. Results All key informants understood the vaccine policy formulation and implementation processes, although national officials appeared more informed compared to county officials. County officials reported feeling left out of policy development. The recent health system decentralization had both positive and negative impacts on the policy process; however, the negative impacts outweighed the positive impacts. Other factors outside vaccine policy environment such as rumours, sociocultural practices, and anti-vaccine campaigns influenced the policy development and implementation process. Conclusions Public policy development process is complex and multifaceted by its nature. As Kenya prepares for introduction of other maternal vaccines, it is important that the identified policy gaps and challenges are addressed.

scholarly journals Attitudinal and behavioural segments on single-use plastics in Ghana: Implications for reducing marine plastic pollution

2021 ◽  
pp. 100185
Author(s):  
Dr Issahaku Adam ◽  
Dr Tony R. Walker ◽  
Dr Andrea Clayton ◽  
Dr Joana Carlos Bezerra
Keyword(s):  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Single Use

Dynamics of grazing rights and their impact on mobile cattle herders in Bhutan

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kuenga Namgay ◽  
Joanne E. Millar ◽  
Rosemary S. Black
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Labour Force ◽  
Socioeconomic Impacts ◽  
Land Use Policies ◽  
Land Holdings ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Future Policy ◽  
Downstream Communities ◽  
The Impact

Seasonal cattle movements have been an important part of the living cultural heritage in Bhutan for centuries. Herders migrate south every winter to graze their cattle on subtropical pastures and to work in orange orchards. They return north to their villages in spring to grow summer crops. However, the practice of transhumant agropastoralism is under increasing pressure on account of changes in land-use policies, climate change and a declining labour force as youth seek alternative livelihoods. This research investigated the impact of changes in land-use policy, with emphasis on the Land Act 2007, on current and future livelihoods of transhumant herders in Bhutan. During in-depth interviews with 24 transhumant herders and nine livestock advisors, and seven focus-group discussions with 64 participants including herders, downstream residents and development agency personnel, perspectives on this issue were gathered. Findings revealed a lack of herder awareness of changes in land-use policies and minimal consultation of herders during policy development. Confusion and uncertainty about the proposed redistribution of grazing rights and restrictions on herd movements have resulted in confusion and resentment and have created conflicts between upstream and downstream communities. Herders with no current alternatives are concerned about their future livelihoods, whereas others are leaving it to their children to decide their future. It is concluded that the motive behind nationalisation of rangeland is noble and timely, but there are flaws in the redistribution plan. Transhumant agropastoralism is already in decline and there is no need to push towards its end through legislation. Transhumant practices could be left to evolve towards what may be their natural end. Sudden stoppage of inter-district transhumance without offering meaningful alternatives to herders could result in negative environmental and socioeconomic impacts. In future, policy development needs to increasingly embrace science and be based on evidence. A genuine participatory process with citizen engagement could avoid the unintended negative impacts likely to be faced by transhumant herders with marginal land holdings, who depend on this production system for their livelihoods.

scholarly journals Fluorescent Tagging of Polymer Particles with PBN for the Detection of Microplastics in Personal Care Goods

2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (8) ◽  
pp. 567-577
Author(s):  
Eun-Hee Lee ◽  
Sangwon Lee ◽  
Seung-Woo Lee
Keyword(s):  
Primary Source ◽  
Ethylene Vinyl Acetate ◽  
Attenuated Total Reflection ◽  
Personal Care ◽  
Polymer Particles ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Irregular Shapes ◽  
Detection And Identification ◽  
Single Use ◽  
Fluorescent Tagging

Objectives : Plastic pollution has been aggravated due to the massive use of disposable products and single-use face masks since the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. There is growing interest regarding detection and identification of plastic pollution in daily life. The aim of this study is (1) to investigate suitability of a fluorescent labelling method for the detection of polymers, (2) to detect microplastics in personal care goods, and (3) to identify the detected plastic particles.Methods : In order to detect plastic particles in real samples, a 1-pyrenebutyric acid N-hydroxysuccinimidyl ester (PBN) fluorophore was used as a dye for staining plastic particles. First, the capability of PBN was evaluated by staining a model polymer of polyethylene (PE) particles, and its desorption and photobleaching was also investigated. Using the optimum staining condition, microplastics were detected in a laboratory-controlled sample and commercially available products, specifically in cleansers, scrubs, and toothpastes. Finally, the detected microplastics were identified using an attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR FT-IR) analysis.Results and Discussion : The PE particles fluoresced blue light after being stained with PBN at a concentration of 100 μg/mL for 3-5 min without post treatments (e.g., fixation and drying), but the particles should be detected within 24 h due to the photobleaching of PBN. The desorption of PBN fluorophore occurred when the stained PE particles were washed with 25% acetone rather than rinse-off with deionized (DI) water. All of the tested personal care goods contained plastic particles and various sizes and shapes (e.g., spherical, rounded, and irregular shapes) of particles were found in different types and brands of products. The detected particles were identified as PE, polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymers.Conclusions : The PBN was shown to effectively stain polymer particles and it allowed visual identification of microplastics in personal care goods. Various types and sizes of polymers were included into the commercially available products as ingredients, indicating a primary source of plastic pollution in aquatic environment.

scholarly journals Waste generation as a side impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: Communication on correct disposal of single-use face masks

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Débora Tomaszewski
Keyword(s):  
Face Mask ◽  
Side Impact ◽  
Waste Generation ◽  
Visual Aids ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Environmental Consequences ◽  
Global Spread ◽  
Single Use ◽  
Regional Authorities ◽  
Primary Measure

The rapid global spread of SARS-CoV-2 and the resulting Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has led to urgent efforts to contain and mitigate transmission. The useof face masks became a primary measure to limit the spread, which increased the production and consequentwaste generation. It is estimated that globally 129 billion single-use face masks are discharged into the environment every month. Besides to add to already great concerns over plastic pollution, contaminated face masks not properly handled also poses a health risk. The health and environmental consequences caused by the inadequate disposal of single-use face masks are treated in this study as an eminent risk to be properly communicated. This study framed the waste generation as a side impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and analysed how the communication has been made regarding the correct disposal of single-use masks, with focus in users of public transport in Stockholm region. National and regional authorities are recognized as the main responsibles for the communication about correct disposal, together with manufacturers and suppliers of single-use face masks. Disclosure and informative material of four government authorities and instruction manuals of eight brands of single-use face masks are analysed according to: i) presence / absence of information (about the disposal); ii) type of communication (visual or written); iii) message transmitted and; ix) availability in other languages.It was found guidance about correct disposal of face mask in two thirds of the existing communication, that is mainly written and with few visual aids. Half of communication is made only in Swedish and with no sufficient focus on the importance of correct disposal neither with reference to trash bins with lid. It suggests that the current communication about how to disposesingle-use masks safelymay not be enough, which is affecting the perception of risk by the population and worsening the health and environmental consequencescaused by the inadequate disposal.

scholarly journals Design of a serious game for children to raise awareness on plastic pollution and promoting pro-environmental behaviors

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-27
Author(s):  
Loukia Panagiotopoulou ◽  
Nora Cía Gayarre ◽  
Giulia Wally Scurati ◽  
Roberta Etzi ◽  
Gemma Massetti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Waste Management ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Marine Environment ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Environmental Behaviors ◽  
Production And Consumption ◽  
Great Production ◽  
Single Use ◽  
Global Concern ◽  
Definition Of

Abstract The massive presence of plastic in the oceans, both in form of large debris and micro-plastic, is raising global concern due to its serious effects on the marine environment and fauna, causing loss of biodiversity and potentially threatening human health. Even though this is due to poor waste management, the great production and consumption of single-use plastic is a significant exacerbating factor. Despite policies and bans can be effective measures, there is also the need to raise consumers' awareness, so they can make more sustainable choices when purchasing, using and, dismissing products. In particular, educating young citizens and encouraging them to engage in pro-environmental behaviors is a fundamental task to reach this goal. In this work, we present Contact from the future, a digital game on plastic pollution for children, to create awareness and stimulate pro-environmental behaviors, discussing the definition of objectives and requirements, as well as the design and development of the application.

scholarly journals Knowledge and Attitude towards Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Treated with Osteopathy

2021 ◽  
pp. 166-175
Author(s):  
Yahya Abdullah Mohammed Al-Shareef ◽  
Ali Abdullah Mohammed Alshareef ◽  
Ibrahim Mohammed Almoftery
Keyword(s):  
Musculoskeletal Pain ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain ◽  
Research Articles ◽  
Clinical Feature ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude

Background: Chronic pain is a common clinical feature that accompanies osteopathy.  Knowledge and attitudes of both patients and their treating clinicians would influence the patients' outcomes and pain control. Objective: This systematic review will provide an understanding of the knowledge and attitudes of patients and clinicians towards musculoskeletal pain accompanying osteopathy. Methods: Different keywords were used to search the medical literature, including: “knowledge” OR “Attitude” AND “Osteopathy” AND “Pain” AND “patient” OR “clinician." The search databases included Medline, Embase PubMed, and SCOPUS. The following step was reviewing the appearing results to ensure that they were original research articles that examined the knowledge and attitudes about chronic musculoskeletal pain with osteopathy. All the eligible studies should mention the type of participants examined (either patients or clinicians). Results: A total of 89 studies were obtained. After removing review articles and choosing original research studies solely, 11 studies appeared from the filtration process. Eight research articles were eligible. All the included studies had a quantitative cross-sectional design. Only health care professionals were asked about osteopathy, where all the studies included osteopaths from different countries, except one study that included physiotherapists. Osteopaths knew about the benefits of osteopathy, particularly for lower back pain; however, their knowledge about biopsychosocial factors requires improvement. Conclusion: Knowledge about osteopathy benefits for controlling chronic musculoskeletal pain should be improved even among osteopaths. Awareness campaigns are also needed for patients in orthopedic and physiotherapy clinics about osteopathy.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document