The 'plastic waste era'; social perceptions towards single-use plastic consumption and impacts on the marine environment in Durban, South Africa
The 'plastic waste era'; social perceptions towards single-use plastic consumption and impacts on the marine environment in Durban, South Africa
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DOI：
10.1016/j.apgeog.2019.102132
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发表时间：
2020-01-01
影响因子：
4.9
通讯作者：
Dube, Timothy
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
Van Rensburg, Melissa L.;Nkomo, S'phumelele L.;Dube, Timothy
塑料是定义我们社会的最丰富的材料之一，也是主要的污染源。塑料已经重新定义了社会的物质文化和将被遗弃的人工制品。海洋和沿海环境中的塑料污染日益受到关注，需要立即予以关注。一次性塑料正在污染世界各地的沿海环境，这项研究集中在南非德班的背景下研究这个问题。倡导社会行为的改变仍然是一项艰巨的任务，需要了解消费者对一次性塑料的看法。本研究论文旨在了解南非德班沿海地区海滩游客对一次性塑料消费的社会看法。本研究以可持续发展科学理论框架为基础，采用混合方法实现研究目标。调查问卷被用来准确地捕捉和反映德班海滩游客对一次性塑料消费的看法。研究结果表明，德班海滩游客对一次性塑料的看法普遍更为负面；对它们对环境的影响有高度的认识；以及减少一次性塑料消费的强烈意愿。此外，调查结果显示，人们强烈支持在德班实施集装箱存放系统（CDS）和塑料袋禁令，以减少污染沿海环境的塑料瓶和塑料袋的数量。根据调查结果，建议强调有必要鼓励使用可重复使用的购物袋；促进提高对一次性塑料的环境问题的认识和宣传；考虑实施CDS；并进一步探索德班禁塑令的潜力。这项研究有助于制定适当的战略来解决一次性塑料污染问题。
Plastics, one of the most abundant materials defining our society, are a major source of pollution. Plastics have redefined society's material culture and the artefacts that will be left behind. Plastic pollution in the ocean and in coastal environments is a growing concern which requires immediate attention. Single-use plastic is polluting coastal environments the world over, and this study focused on the issue within the context of Durban, South Africa. Advocating for behavioral changes from society remains a daunting task that requires an understanding of consumer perceptions towards single-use of plastics. This research paper aimed to gain an understanding of the social perceptions that beachgoers hold towards single-use plastic consumption in the coastal areas of Durban, South Africa. The sustainability science theoretical framework underpinned the research and the study used a mixed-methods approach to achieve the objectives. Questionnaires were used to accurately capture and reflect the perceptions towards single-use plastic consumption by the Durban beachgoers. The results from the study indicated that Durban beachgoers have a generally more negative perception towards single-use plastic; a high level of awareness towards their impacts on the environment; and a strong willingness to reduce their consumption of single-use plastic. Additionally, the results revealed a strong support towards potentially implementing a Container Deposit System (CDS) and a plastic bag ban in Durban to reduce the number of plastic bottles and bags polluting the coastal environment. Based on the findings, recommendations emphasized the need to incentivize reusable shopping bags; promote increased awareness and advocacy pertaining to the environmental concerns of single-use plastic; consider the implementation of a CDS; and further explore the potential of a plastic bag ban in Durban. This research can contribute towards developing adequate, appropriate strategies to address the issues of single-use plastic pollution.