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Investigating the Knowledge and Attitudes towards Plastic Pollution among the Youth in Nairobi, Kenya

Author

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  • Nicholas Oguge

    (Centre for Advanced Studies in Environmental Law and Policy, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi 00100, Kenya)

  • Francis Oremo

    (Centre for Advanced Studies in Environmental Law and Policy, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi 00100, Kenya)

  • Salome Adhiambo

    (Centre for Advanced Studies in Environmental Law and Policy, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi 00100, Kenya)

Abstract

Kenya has made many attempts to regulate the production of single-use plastics through partial bans and the imposition of hefty taxes. Whereas government initiatives are crucial to resolving single-use plastic pollution, commitments made by youths can be an important part of the solution. Yet, youths are habituated to using single-use plastics without understanding fully their negative impacts. Understanding the knowledge and attitudes of youths is of the utmost importance in the effort to turn the tide against plastic pollution. This study set out to investigate knowledge and attitudes towards single-use plastics among youths in Nairobi, Kenya. This was a mixed study approach, where both qualitative and quantitative data were derived. The results showed that youths perceive single-use plastics as a serious environmental and health issue. Most respondents expressed willingness to switch to reusable alternatives if provided with financial incentives. In addition, the results showed stronger support for enhanced awareness campaigns and plastic recycling infrastructure. Social media was the most preferred channel to disseminate plastic pollution messaging among the youth. These findings are important in policy development for intensifying awareness and targeting a range of communication and financial support to reduce single-use plastic pollution.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicholas Oguge & Francis Oremo & Salome Adhiambo, 2021. "Investigating the Knowledge and Attitudes towards Plastic Pollution among the Youth in Nairobi, Kenya," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-13, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:10:y:2021:i:11:p:408-:d:662120
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Quynh Anh Nguyen & Luc Hens & Charlotte MacAlister & Lester Johnson & Boripat Lebel & Sinh Bach Tan & Hung Manh Nguyen & The Ninh Nguyen & Louis Lebel, 2018. "Theory of Reasoned Action as a Framework for Communicating Climate Risk: A Case Study of Schoolchildren in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(6), pages 1-14, June.
    2. Kanupriya Gupta, "undated". "Consumer Responses to Incentive to Reduce Plastic Bag Use: Evidence from a Field Experiment in Urban India," Working papers 65, The South Asian Network for Development and Environmental Economics.
    3. Tony R. Walker & Eamonn McGuinty & Sylvain Charlebois & Janet Music, 2021. "Single-use plastic packaging in the Canadian food industry: consumer behavior and perceptions," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 8(1), pages 1-11, December.
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    1. Nur Baizura Aini Abdullah & Nor Azwany Yaacob & Razan Ab Samat & Ahmad Filza Ismail, 2022. "Knowledge, Readiness and Barriers of Street Food Hawkers to Support the Single-Use Plastic Reduction Program in Northeast Malaysia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(8), pages 1-15, April.
    2. Ka Ker Coco Chin & Janardan Mahanta & Tapan Kumar Nath, 2023. "Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices toward Plastic Pollution among Malaysians: Implications for Minimizing Plastic Use and Pollution," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-13, January.
    3. Prashant Pandey & Manisha Dhiman & Priyanka Chopra & Amit Adlakha, 2023. "Investigating the Role of Tourists and Impact of Knowledge, Behaviour, and Attitude Towards Plastic Waste Generation," Circular Economy and Sustainability,, Springer.

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