An Investigation of Cosumer Attitudes Towards New Varieties of Shopping Bags: Exploring Eco-Awareness and the Possibility of Behavior Change

Ishrat Jahan Synthia and Shafquat Kabir ()
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Shafquat Kabir: North South University, Bangladesh

Journal of Developing Areas, 2015, vol. 49, issue 5, 183-196

Abstract: The adverse impact of plastic bags on the environment has received significant worldwide attention. Bangladesh was the first country to ban plastic bags in 2002 from its capital city, Dhaka to reduce environmental damage. This paper investigates the consequences of the ban and the subsequent emergence of several new varieties of shopping bags in Dhaka city. Attitude towards the new varieties of shopping bags were determined through qualitative methods like in-depth interviews and field studies. Finally, a questionnaire survey was conducted on 288 female heads of households. Results indicate that 98% of respondents mistakenly believe these new bags to be eco-friendly or biodegradable. The level of awareness did not vary by demographic characteristics like age, income or occupation, suggesting that this is a common phenomenon across different segments of the society. A correlation was found between an awareness of the issues and the willingness to bring about behavioral changes.

Keywords: polythene bags; eco-friendly bags; awareness; behavior change; Dhaka (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A13 M30 P46 Q01 Q53 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:jda:journl:vol.49:year:2015:issue5:pp:183-196

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