Awareness and Practices of Senior High School Students on the Implementation of Ecological Solid Waste Management at Diffun National High School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Environmental problems are worsened by growing accumulated solid wastes which have been improperly disposed of everywhere. Students are aware that poor waste management harms the environment and to the people. This awareness was however not evident in the student waste management practices. Thus, this study will determine the students' level of awareness and practices in the implementation of ecological solid waste management in the school.

METHODS

The research employed a descriptive type of research design. The primary instrument used in the study is a researcher-constructed questionnaire. This questionnaire was subjected to pilot testing. The result of the pilot test was reviewed and evaluated with Cronbach alpha of 0.776, which indicates a respectable description of its level of internal consistency. The data were analyzed using the SPSS Trial version.

RESULTS

In assessing the awareness of the students on ecological solid waste management, findings showed that the majority of respondents are moderately aware of the features and programs of Ecological Solid Waste Management (ESWM). As to execution and compliance on the activities implemented to support the programs, the students confirmed that they sometimes practiced proper solid waste management. It was found out that there is a moderate problem with the implementation of the program. As to the objectives of the program, the majority of these were attained. This set of data entails of poor attitudes of senior high school students towards proper solid waste management. Results further indicate a significant difference in the level of awareness and frequency of the practices particularly on the programs of the school to support ESWM in terms of respondents' ethnicity.

DISCUSSIONS

Based on the findings of the study it recommends to strengthen the program of the school towards ecological solid waste management. It recommends also the school to have an action plan and implement it strictly with proper monitoring of its projects and activities. It recommends also to considering the recommendation of Al-Rabaani and Al-Mekhlafi (2009) that individuals have to develop the awareness, gain knowledge and implement practice which will help individuals to more environmentally supportive behavior and the integration of environmental issues in school classes (Nussbaum, 2013).