An investigation into North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus students’ perceptions towards the environmental effects of single-use plastics

Abstract

This study investigated the perceptions of undergraduate students of the North-West University (NWU) towards the environmental effects of single-use plastics (SUPs). It also determined students' perceptions towards the negative effects of SUPs. A quantitative research approach was employed, using a survey as the research design, and a questionnaire for data collection. Quota sampling was applied, with gender, race and faculty as the quota categories. The data analysis was conducted using IBM-SPSS, with the results presented as descriptive statistics. A factor analysis was conducted on six factors: knowledge of pollution matters, attitudes towards environmental protection, willingness to participate in environmental activism, willingness to combat the negative effects of SUPs, environmentally adaptive behaviour and protective attitudes towards the environment. These factors were tested against four variables: gender, geographic location, socio-economic background and faculty. The results of the data analysis showed that students were generally knowledgeable about plastic pollution, environmental issues, the effects of climate change and the negative effects of SUPs. It was also found that students desired greater levels of environmental education within their academic programmes. The students exhibited generally positive attitudes towards environmental protection, and their value orientations had a strong influence on their attitudes towards environmental protection. The students showed a reluctance to participate in environmental activism, but a willingness to participate in educational campaigns that relate to environmental issues. The data analysis further showed that students are willing to adopt more environmentally conscious behaviours but indicated that they have difficulty changing their habits. The results showed that external influences could aid students, making them more likely to act in environmentally conscious ways. The results also indicated a need for better environmental education. The factor analysis identified a significant relationship between the students' faculty and their environmental perceptions, highlighting the need for better environmental education policies among the faculties of the NWU Potchefstroom Campus (PC).