Consumption behavior to pro-environmental behavior : single-use plastic waste reduction | |
| Author | Salinda Sedtha |
| Call Number | AIT Diss no.UE-23-03 |
| Subject(s) | Refuse and refuse disposal Plastic scrap Waste minimization |
| Note | A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Environmental Management |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Single-use plastics reduction is the primary mission of SDG promotion in Thailand. This study focuses on consumption categories (bags, foods, drinks, straws and cutlery) and works on two levels. First, it discusses the implementation and challenges of single-use plastics reduction practices through mixed methods of documents review, field investigations, and interviews with key stakeholders, and second, a consumer survey with an application of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to determine key variables to explain the intention to perform reduction practices, using hierarchical regression analysis from 337 consumers in Bangkok, Thailand. The results indicate convenience and economic factors are the major challenges for reduction practices in addition to insufficient financial support and the weak participation of stakeholders, all of which lead to the avoidance of penalties, reliance on voluntary collaborations, and market-led measures. The implementation of a ban without preparation guidelines for alternatives and practices, and an unequal regulatory scope have created tensions for consumers and businesses. The intention to reduce SUPs bags is the best predictor compared to other models, which are predominantly influenced by policy perception background, attitude, and perceived behavioral controls. Women tend to have higher intentions for the group of consumption items, as seen in food and drink containers are influenced by gender, background policy or measures perceptions, and perceived behavioral controls. While straws and cutlery are influenced by gender, attitudes, and norms. The results clearly illustrate that each category has different influential factors, thus, consumers should be nudged by frequency and suitable interventions, and normalized green behaviors. Suasive instruments drawing on knowledge, merit, emotion, and ethics, in addition to incentives that lead to the perception of benefits related to single-use plastics reduction, could provide a motivation for society, and encourage green behaviors. Policymakers need to collaborate with academics and NGOs to provide the private sector and consumers with detailed, suitable, and short- and long-term strategies that promote pro-environmental behavior, encourage reuse, and discourage single-use behaviors— including clear duration times, targets, detailed guidelines, and facilities. The combination of a ban and a penalty, while still offering a fee as an alternative option and maintaining acknowledgment and communication with stakeholders, would result in sustainable environmental behaviors achievement. |
| Year | 2023 |
| Type | Dissertation |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Urban Environmental and Management (UE) |
| Chairperson(s) | Vilas Nitivattananon |
| Examination Committee(s) | Ahmad, Mokbul;Cruz, Simon Guerrero |
| Degree | Thesis (Ph.D.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2023 |