Examining the Causes of Plastic Bags Usages and Public Perception about its Effects on the Natural Environment
Muhammad Umar Ahsan, Muhammad Nasir, Jawad Abbas
Abstract
Plastic bags are one of the most commonly used products in our daily life. The current research aims to investigate the common causes of its usage and public perception about its effect on the natural environment, including land, air and water pollution. The researchers collected data from 173 individuals from Islamabad and Rawalpindi cities of Pakistan using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Empirical results reveal that 53% of participants are extensively using plastic bags. Moreover, to dispose of, 46.82% prefer to openly dump it while 30.63% prefer to burn. Most of the respondents (30.63%) valued the significant role of TV and Radio in communicating the unfavourable effects of plastic bag wastes. Interestingly, an equal number of participants opined increase and decrease trend in the usage of plastic bags however most of them considered cloth bags as an alternative solution for the problem. This study can help to access the severity of the problem, identify the reasons and provide alternative solutions considering public perspective located in the targeted region.