Students` attitude towards single-use plastic shopping bags at the Islamic University in Uganda, Main campus .

Abstract

Abstract Public concern over the environmental effect of single use plastic shopping bags has prompted many countries, states, towns and councils to seek measures to address their use. This research investigated students’ attitude with regard to the single use plastic shopping bags in the Islamic University in Uganda. Research questions guiding the study included (1) what is the students` level of knowledge on the effect of single- use plastic shopping bags on environment? (2)What is the willingness of students to utilize reusable shopping bags? (3)What is the student’s compliance with the IUIU and Islamic policy on cleanliness? To answer these questions, different approaches were utilized. The researcher employed exploratory research that utilized a cross sectional case study research design adopting the mixed method approach of both the quantitative and qualitative methodologies. A sample of 385 male and female students residing in the 12 campus hostels at the university main campus was included in the study. Frequencies, percentages, charts photographs and oral submissions were used for analysis of the data. Research findings revealed that, there is a consequence ineffective policy and programme on waste littering and illegal dumping; low public awareness and inadequate accessibility to plastic bags alternative. Plastic bag waste appeared in a very high proportion in the solid waste stream in the university campus and is causing environmental problems such as land pollution and blockage of the sewage system. There is need for a deliberate action plan in Universities and developing countries to deal with the menace of plastic bag waste and its related challenges in order to curb the unsustainable patterns of consumption and disposal notwithstanding the consumers’ attitude.