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Factors Affecting Zero-Waste Behaviours of College Students

Author

Listed:
  • Eun-Hi Choi

    (College of Nursing, Eulji University, Uijeongbu-si 11759, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Hyunjin Lee

    (College of Nursing, Eulji University, Uijeongbu-si 11759, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Mi-Jung Kang

    (College of Nursing, Eulji University, Uijeongbu-si 11759, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Inwoo Nam

    (College of Nursing, Eulji University, Uijeongbu-si 11759, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Hui-Kyeong Moon

    (College of Nursing, Eulji University, Uijeongbu-si 11759, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Ji-Won Sung

    (College of Nursing, Eulji University, Uijeongbu-si 11759, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Jae-Yun Eu

    (College of Nursing, Eulji University, Uijeongbu-si 11759, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Hae-Bin Lee

    (College of Nursing, Eulji University, Uijeongbu-si 11759, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Eun-Hi Choi & Hyunjin Lee & Mi-Jung Kang & Inwoo Nam & Hui-Kyeong Moon & Ji-Won Sung & Jae-Yun Eu & Hae-Bin Lee, 2022. "Factors Affecting Zero-Waste Behaviours of College Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-11, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:15:p:9697-:d:881960
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Eun-Hi Choi & Won-Jong Kim & Eun-Mi Baek, 2022. "Latent Class Analysis of Health Behavior Changes Due to COVID-19 among Middle-Aged Korean Workers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-13, February.
    2. Cheryl Qian Ying Yong & Suresh Valiyaveettil & Bor Luen Tang, 2020. "Toxicity of Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Mammalian Systems," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-24, February.
    3. Keren Dopelt & Pnina Radon & Nadav Davidovitch, 2019. "Environmental Effects of the Livestock Industry: The Relationship between Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior among Students in Israel," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-16, April.
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