Single Use Plastics Research Paper
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Introduction, Objective and Methodology
For many years, humans used paper bags for shopping, but over the past 30 years the single use plastic bags have taken over (Danielle, Fredeen, & Booth, 2015). This paper researches the use of single plastics, the current use of single plastic by university students, and if they would like to use single plastics instead of paper bags. In the study, I did literature review, administered a survey to 60 students in the campus, and interviewed the Dean of Students, school of environmental sciences who had good experience for disposable plastics.
Findings
Research by (Chung, 2018) indicates that single use plastic products are safer, durable, flexible, and a cost-effective option for campus learners. This means that most students are using single plastic than paper bags. However, this high consumption of plastic bags has negative impacts on the campus environment. Single use plastic has its side effects including environmental harm, hazardous, contaminable, and toxic.
The administered survey established that 90% of campus students use single plastic bags. Only 10 percent of the students prefer paper bags to disposable plastic bags. Majority of students prefer single use plastics due to durability and cost-effectiveness (Chung, 2018). Most students said their preference to single use plastic is influenced by parenting since childhood. The interviewed Dean of Students who had experience in both paper and single plastic bags preferred using paper bags.
Conclusions
- Campus students prefer single use plastics over paper bags
- Single use plastic bags are one of many different types of materials by the university for recycling
- Future elimination or reduction of single use plastic bags within the university fraternity could conserve the university’s environment and that of the surrounding community
- Although most students prefer single use plastic bags, paper bags are still used by some students in the university
