Assessment on Implementation of “No Plastic Policy” in Canteen and its Effectiveness in Reducing Plastic Use

Abstract

Nowadays, it is common to see plastic bags and other materials made of plastic in convenience stores, fast-food chains, and even in streets. In Bestlink College of the Philippines, especially in the canteen, plastic is often used when serving foods, but it contains toxic chemicals that can mix with the food and can contaminate a poison, which directly transfers to the people who would eat the food placed in plastic. The importance of this study is to inform canteens and students that plastic can affect their health. This study can reduce the garbage in our society especially in schools. The researchers used a descriptive research and survey method to gather data. The respondents of the study were 50 selected Accounting, Business, and Management students from sections 12-01 to 12-10 and 10 canteens personnel. The researchers selected the respondents of the study using convenience sampling, wherein they were selected based on their availability. Based on the results of the study, the implementations of “No Plastic Policy” effectively reduced the use of plastic in the school canteen in terms of (1) imposed plastic bag charge (students must provide their container or plastic bags to avoid penalty and in the help of recycled materials we can use it as an alternative tool) and (2) used recycled paper containers and bags (it increased the sense of responsibility in applying 3R and the interest of using eco-friendly materials as an alternative way on reducing the usage of plastic bags especially the students who frequently buy food in the canteen). Students must behave and discipline their attitude toward this study. Teachers must keep on reminding and implementing the “No Plastic Policy” in the school. School administrators must implement the “No Plastic Policy” to help their students become responsible for the plastic that they use and lessen the plastic used in the canteen. This study will become the references of future researchers to give an idea on how do students’ perception and attitude affects the implementation of reducing plastic bags and container in the school.