Factors Affecting Zero-Waste Behaviours of College Students

Eun-Hi Choi, Hyunjin Lee (), Mi-Jung Kang (), Inwoo Nam, Hui-Kyeong Moon, Ji-Won Sung, Jae-Yun Eu and Hae-Bin Lee
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Eun-Hi Choi: College of Nursing, Eulji University, Uijeongbu-si 11759, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
Hyunjin Lee: College of Nursing, Eulji University, Uijeongbu-si 11759, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
Mi-Jung Kang: College of Nursing, Eulji University, Uijeongbu-si 11759, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
Inwoo Nam: College of Nursing, Eulji University, Uijeongbu-si 11759, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
Hui-Kyeong Moon: College of Nursing, Eulji University, Uijeongbu-si 11759, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
Ji-Won Sung: College of Nursing, Eulji University, Uijeongbu-si 11759, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
Jae-Yun Eu: College of Nursing, Eulji University, Uijeongbu-si 11759, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
Hae-Bin Lee: College of Nursing, Eulji University, Uijeongbu-si 11759, Gyeonggi-do, Korea

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 15, 1-11

Abstract: This study evaluated the recognition and attitude toward microplastic and zero waste among college students and investigated the factors influencing their zero-waste behaviours. The study was conducted from 20 August 2021 to 10 September 2021, including students at a university in G metropolitan city, Republic of Korea. A total of 196 data were analysed. Statements were developed to verify how the use of disposables and the recognition, attitude, and behaviours related to zero waste were affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Family type and usage of disposables were the factors affecting zero-waste behaviour in Model 1. In Model 2, which included the subcategory of zero-waste recognition, the health effects of microplastics and environmental preservation were significant factors. In Model 3, which included the subcategory of zero-waste attitude, the health effects of microplastics (β = 0.149, p = 0.016), use of eco-friendly products (β = 0.342, p < 0.001), and environmental preservation (β = 0.317, p < 0.001) were significant factors. The use of plastic products increased dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic. Research and education are needed to promote zero-waste behaviours with a focus on microplastics. Raising awareness of the health effects of microplastics can enhance the effectiveness of education.

Keywords: zero waste; health; microplastics; college students (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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