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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The study aims to understand the level of awareness and challenge that Independent University
Bangladesh Students have towards Plastic Pollution, Waste Management, and Climate Change. This
survey study will help us better understand what IUB students perceive about Plastic Pollution,
Waste Management, and Climate Change.

The sample was decided based on a simple random sampling method. The responses were recorded
by surveying with the help of a questionnaire of Google Form. The survey questionnaire has been
designed in such a way as to bring out the most accurate data to define the exact scenario, which will
enable the study to get the closest vicinity of our objectives. The data collected from the survey
through Google form has been appropriately analyzed and interpreted in a meaningful way to offer
some suggestions and recommendations on improving performance.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abstract..................................................................................................................................................7
1. Introduction........................................................................................................................................8
2. Literature Review...............................................................................................................................9
3. Methodology....................................................................................................................................11
4. Data Analysis and Findings.............................................................................................................12
4.1 Descriptive Analysis...................................................................................................................12
4.2 Frequency Tables and Pie Charts................................................................................................14
4.3 Summary of Findings..................................................................................................................28
5. Conclusion........................................................................................................................................29
6. Recommendation..............................................................................................................................30
7. List of References............................................................................................................................31
8. Appendixes.......................................................................................................................................32

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 ABSTRACT

A significant proportion of customer products available in the market are made of some form of
plastic. Every year, nearly 280 million tons of plastic products are produced worldwide, with most of
them ending up in landfills or the oceans. The Plastic products we are using in our daily life are made
by converting natural products or several types of synthesizing primary chemicals, which are
typically derived from petroleum oil, natural gas, or coal (Zhang, 2017). Environmentalists predicted
that it would increase by more than 20 percent by 2025. As a result, the increasing number of plastic
particles and waste issues needs immediate mitigation and reduction worldwide. However, various
scientists proposed a diversified proposal to reduce plastic waste based on a plan of Global Cleanup.
Clean-up strategies will be most cost-effective and environmentally beneficial if government
concentrates on the flux of plastics from the seas, as well as from households and industries, rather
than in the trenching grounds where plastic accumulates in so-called "garbage patches" (Rochman,
2016). If this example is followed, it could become a series of measures in which scientific research
has informed a solution to these issues of plastic pollution. But these proposals will be practical if the
awareness regarding plastic pollution comes from individuals. And the government should take other
steps such as Environmental laws must be enforced, indigenous and homegrown knowledge for
plastic waste management must be developed, and quality standards for all plastic recycled products
must be developed and implemented. There are various ways to reduce the problem: laws and
regulations prohibiting the disposing of plastics in the sea, the introduction of biodegradable plastics,
recycling, and public awareness campaigns to prevent littering outside.

KEYWORDS:
Plastics, Plastic Waste, Plastic Pollution, Waste Management, Climate Change, Awareness.

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 1. INTRODUCTION

If we categorize the causes of environmental pollution, then Plastic pollution will surely be at the top
of the list. The wide range of single-use plastic products such as bottled water, food bags, chips
packets, and shampoo bottles has caused disasters in the environment. The fact that plastic products
are lightweight, strong, cheap, and hygienic that's why those are used in the transportation of any
food products and commodities. That's the reason plastics have gained increasing popularity among
retailers and consumers. The most significant source of plastic pollution is disposable plastic.
Disposable plastic materials such as Chips packets, flasks, grocery bags, teacups, those things will
always remain the same year by year when thrown away outside. Because the majority of plastics
consist of synthetic resins called polymers manufactured through the industrial polymerization
process (Zhang, 2017).

Plastics have become hugely important in today's society and have extensive commercial, industrial,
medical and municipal uses. Plastic and polymers are among the most popular materials used by
millions of people in their daily lives. Since 1960, plastic becomes the most used and popular
material. Every year more than 300 million tons are used in new plastics (Anon., 2014). Half of these
are used for less than 12 minutes only once and usually. The ocean polluted through 8 million tons of
plastic waste by each year. The oceans of the world are distinct and huge. About 49% of all the
plastic and plastic materials produced worldwide are expanding rapidly and thus are responsible for
floating and traveling on the ocean through ocean currents around the world (Anon., 2014).

This survey report aims to identify the awareness and challenges regarding Plastic Pollution, Waste
Management, and Climate Change of IUB Students. At the end of the information, I'll share some
recommendations about reducing pollution and increasing awareness towards plastic pollution.
Through the survey conducted by Google Form, we can see how many students are aware of the
impact of pollution and the laws related to plastic pollution. I'll also assess how an IUB student
contributes to plastic pollution control and knowing the preference regarding the alternative of
plastic bags.

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 2. LITERATURE REVIEW

The literature review consists of analyzing and researching literature in my subject or preferred field,
as this survey report is based on Plastic Pollution, Waste Management, and Climate Change:
Awareness and Challenges. The literature review lists state of art about the topic or topic of which I
am writing. In this section, the viewer of the survey will understand basic ideas of specific technical
terms such as:

2.1 PLASTIC POLLUTION

The fact that the fast-growing production of disposable plastic products will destroy the world's
capacity to deal with plastic pollution has become one of the most vital environmental issues. By
introducing genuinely synthetic plastic polymers to international trade in 1907, the invention of
Bakelite led to a revolution in materials. For the last twenty years, environmental zones, ranging
from Mount Everest to the seabed, were persistent sources of pollution (Moore, 2021). Whether low-
lying areas flooded by the blockage of drainage systems or simply causing significant esthetic
distress, plastics have become an increasingly crucial source of pollution. In Asian countries such as
Bangladesh, India, etc., and African countries such as Somalia, South Sudan, etc., where the
management of waste collection systems are often inefficient and non-existent, the plastic pollution
issue is most visible (Moore, 2021).

Almost all of the plastic waste flows from the ground to the oceans. The plastic waste is also
transported to the sea by large rivers that act as (transporter such as conveyor belts) and collect trash
continuously while moving downward. Though the maximum number of plastic wastes remains on
the beach, it can be moved worldwide once caught in ocean currents (Parker, 2019).

Plastic Waste in a Coastline

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2.2 WASTE MANAGEMENT

Waste management focuses on managing different kinds of waste and disposal systems. Waste
management can be used through disposal, dismantlement, destroying, recycling, reusing materials,
or waste control. Waste management aims to reduce unusable plastic materials and prevent potential
health and environmental hazards (Anon., 2020). Collection of waste, monitoring of the waste
management process, regulation of plastic and disposable waste, and disposal of plastics are
fundamental waste management activities. Plastic waste can be managed through different methods,
such as landfilling and incineration, to reduce the collected waste. Plastic waste is often converted
into gas, steam, ash to incinerated. The disposal of trash through incineration causes air pollution,
which is also threatful to the environment.

2.3 HOW PLASTIC AFFECT THE CLIMATE CHANGE

Humans are the primary factor behind climate change through producing carbon dioxide. Fossil fuels
are burned to produce plastics and plastic goods. More fossil fuels have been incinerated from the
Industrial Revolution, and vast land areas have altered from woodland to land. Fuel consumption
produces a greenhouse gas called carbon dioxide. The greenhouse gas impacts the world by making
it warmer. Fossil-fuel substances used for plastic, pesticide, phenolic resin, and other goods are
becoming a significant driver in global oil and natural gas (Kaufman, 2020). By 2030 and almost half
by 2050, they will account for more than a third of the world's demand for oil which is more than
trucks, air traffic, and maritime services combined consumption. By 2030 they will use as much
natural gas as half the total current consumption in Canada (Kaufman, 2020).

Green House Emissions From Plastic Factories

2.4 RESEARCH GAP

While preparing this report, I found out that there is a significant shortage of research regarding how
proper waste management can reduce plastic pollution in Bangladesh. Also, many researchers
complain that when they conducted research based on any environmental issue, they didn't get any

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co-operation from the govt organizations. That's why they faced a significant amount of information
(such as the number of plastic manufacturers, etc.) deficit.

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 3. METHODOLOGY

This survey report aims to provide an overall summary of Plastic Pollution, Waste Management,
and Climate Change: Awareness and Challenges. To make this survey report, I surveyed several
Independent University Bangladesh students by Google Form, including 20 questions. So, this
survey is the primary source of data for this report. I got a clear overview of the IUB students'
awareness regarding Plastic Pollution, Waste Management, and Climate Change. Therefore, to
complete my information, I used several secondary sources and materials to review how our current
world deals with plastic waste and waste management and considering climate change. The sources
comprised articles in academic journals, professional magazines, and newspapers on Plastic
Pollution, Waste Management, and Climate Change. I also used documents published by national
and international organizations to understand the climate change issues and their impact on our
planet. Lastly, we visited several environmental websites such as the Center for Climate (C2ES),
National Ocean Services, United Nations Environment Network, etc. to collect relevant information
on the reducing of plastic pollution issue. The Descriptive Analysis (Such as Minimum, Maximum,
Mean, Median, Mode, Variables, Standard Deviation), Frequencies, and Charts (Pie Chart and Bar
Chart) are generated the Microsoft Excel for a better understanding of the survey.

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 4. DATA ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS

4.1 DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS

DESCRIPTIVE STATISTICS
Standard

N Minimum Maximum Mean Median Mode Deviation Variance

What is your gender? 30 1 2 1.60 2.00 2 0.498 0.248

How often do you use plastic 1 4 1.30 1.00 1 0.651 0.424

products daily? 30

On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 1 5 3.03 3.00 2a 1.098 1.206

being the lowest and 5 being the
highest, how frequently do you
use plastic products each week? 30

What are the reasons for the 1 5 3.70 4.00 4 1.088 1.183
increase in plastic pollution? 30

On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 2 5 4.47 5.00 5 1.074 1.154

being the lowest and 5 being the
highest, how serious is the
effect of plastic pollution on our
environment? 30

On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 1 5 2.37 2.00 2 1.189 1.413

being the lowest and 5 being the
highest, in your opinion, how
well does society understand the
problems of plastic pollution 30

Do you think individual 1 3 2.63 3.00 3 0.718 0.516

initiatives/steps can help to
reduce the plastic pollution
problem? 30

On a scale of 1 to 5, with the 1 30 1 5 4.00 5.00 5 1.287 1.655

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 being the lowest and 5 being the
highest, how strict should the laws
be to eliminate the problem of
plastic pollution (it is important to
consider that the plastic industry is
a significant contributor to
employment).

Do you try to avoid products 1 3 2.37 3.00 3 0.809 0.654

which contains plastic materials
or plastic packaging? 30

Have you ever taken part in any 1 2 1.80 2.00 2 0.407 0.166
awareness campaign/activity
which aimed to promote social
awareness regarding the plastic
pollution problem? 30

On a scale of 1 to 5 with 1 1 5 3.03 3.00 3 1.129 1.275

being the lowest and 5 being the
highest, how well do you think
awareness campaigns work in
reducing plastic use? 30

Do you think plastic pollution 1 3 2.27 3.00 3 0.868 0.754

problem can be solved through
increased investment in waste
management systems? 30

How serious is the threat of 1 4 3.50 4.00 4 1.009 1.017

climate change to our society? 30

Do you think steps taken to 1 4 2.40 3.00 1 1.276 1.628

decrease plastic pollution will
help to reduce climate change? 30

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4.2 FREQUENCY TABLES AND PIE CHARTS
WHAT IS YOUR GENDER?

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

12 40.0 40.0 40.0
Male

Valid Female 18 60.0 60.0 100.0

30 100.0 100.0
Total

What Is Your Gender?

0.4

0.6

Male
Female

The survey was asked to Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) students through Google Form;
from there, we can see, 60% and 18 respondents were female, and 40% and 12 respondents were
male.

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 HOW OFTEN DO YOU USE PLASTIC PRODUCTS DAILY?

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

23 76.7 76.7 76.7
One to
Three
Times
6 20.0 20.0 96.7
Four to
Valid Six Times
1 3.3 3.3 100.0
More
Than 9
Times

Total 30 100.0 100.0

How often do you use plastic products daily?

3%

20%

One to Three Times

77%
Four To Six Times
Seven To Nine Times
More Than Nine Times

As per the statistics, around 77% (23) have used plastic products one to three times daily, and around
20% (6) have used four to six times, and only 3% (1) have use seven to nine times. This pie chart
indicates that the majority of respondents are using plastic products in their daily life.

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 ON A SCALE OF 1 TO 5 WITH 1 BEING THE LOWEST AND 5 BEING THE
HIGHEST, HOW FREQUENTLY EACH WEEK DO YOU USE PLASTIC PRODUCTS?

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

1 3.3 3.3 3.3
Not Frequent

10 33.3 33.3 36.7

Somewhat Frequent

10 33.3 33.3 70.0

Quite Frequent
Valid
5 16.7 16.7 86.7
Frequent
4 13.3 13.3 100.0
Very Frequent

Total 30 100.0 100.0

On a scale o f 1 to 5 with 1 b ein g th e lo west and 5 b ein g

th e h ig h est, h o w frequ ently each w eek d o y o u u se p lastic
p ro d ucts?
35.00%

30.00%

25.00%

20.00%
33.30% 33.30%
15.00%

10.00%
16.70%
13.30%
5.00%
3.30%
0.00%
1 2 3 4 5

In this bar chart, we can see, 3.3% (01) of the respondent not frequently use plastic products weekly.
33.30% (10) somewhat frequently use plastic products weekly. Apart from these, 33.30% (10)
frequently use plastic products weekly, and 16.70% (4) frequently use plastic products weekly.
Lastly, 13.30% (4) very frequently use plastic products weekly. So, this bar chart indicates that the
majority of respondents are pretty frequently using plastic products weekly.

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 WHAT ARE THE REASONS FOR THE INCREASE IN PLASTIC POLLUTION?

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

1 3.3 3.3 3.3
Lack of Education

5 16.7 16.7 20.0

Lack of Awareness
2 6.7 6.7 26.7
Lack of Laws
Valid
Lack of Laws and 16 53.3 53.3 80.0
Awareness
Lack of Education 6 20.0 20.0 100.0
and Awareness
Total 30 100.0 100.0

What are the reasons for the increase in plastic pollution?

3%
23% 17%
Lack of education
3%
Lack of awareness

Lack of Laws

53% Lack of laws and awareness

Lack of education and awareness

In this pie chart, almost 54% (16) of the respondent mentioned that lack of laws and awareness is the
reason for the increase in plastic pollution. 23.30% (7) think that lack of education and awareness is
the reason for the increase in plastic pollution. Apart from these, almost 17% (5) are mentioned that
lack of awareness is the reason. Lastly, 3.30% (1) think lack of laws and 3.30% (1) think lack of
education is the reason for the increase in plastic pollution. So, this bar chart indicates that all of the
factors such as lack of laws, education, awareness are the reason for the increase in plastic pollution.

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ON A SCALE OF 1 TO 5 WITH 1 BEING THE LOWEST AND 5 BEING THE HIGHEST,
HOW SERIOUS IS THE EFFECT OF PLASTIC POLLUTION ON OUR ENVIRONMENT?

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

4 13.3 13.3 13.3
Somewhat Serious

1 3.3 3.3 16.7

Quite Serious

Valid 2 6.7 6.7 23.3

Serious

23 76.7 76.7 100.0

Very Serious
30 100.0 100.0
Total

On a scale o f 1 to 5 with 1 b eing th e lo west an d 5 b ein g

th e h ig h est, h o w serio u s is th e effect o f p lastic p o llu tion
o n o u r en v iro n men t?
90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%
76.70%
30%

20%

10%
13.30%
3.30% 6.70%
0% 0.00%
1 2 3 4 5

In this bar chart, we can see that 13.3% (04) think that plastic has a somewhat serious effect of
pollution on our environment. 3.30% (1) think that plastic has a serious effect on our environment.
Apart from these, 6.70% (2) think that plastic has a serious effect, and 76.70% (23) think that plastic
has a very serious effect on our environment. So, this bar chart indicates that most respondents are
mentioned that plastic has a severe effect of pollution on our environment.

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 ON A SCALE OF 1 TO 5, WITH 1 BEING THE LOWEST AND 5 BEING THE HIGHEST, IN
YOUR OPINION HOW WELL DOES SOCIETY UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEMS OF PLASTIC
POLLUTION
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent
Society does not 8 26.7 26.7 26.7
understand the problems
of plastic pollution
Society somewhat 11 36.7 36.7 63.3
understands the
problems of plastic
pollution
Society understands the 4 13.3 13.3 76.7
Valid problems of plastic
pollution
Society understands well 6 20.0 20.0 96.7
the problems of plastic
pollution
Society very well 1 3.3 3.3 100.0
understands the
problems of plastic
pollution
Total 30 100.0 100.0

O n a s c a le o f 1 to 5 , w ith 1 b e in g th e lo w e s t a n d 5 b e in g th e h ig h e s t,
in y o u r o p in io n h o w w e ll d o e s s o c ie ty u n d e rs ta n d th e p r o b le m s o f
p la s tic p o llu tio n
40%

35%

30%

25%

20%
36.70%
15%
26.70%
10% 20.00%
5%
13.30%

0%
3.30%
1 2 3 4 5

In this bar chart, we can see, 27% (08) think that our society does not understand the problems of
plastic pollution. 36.70% (11) mention that our society somewhat understands the problems of
plastic pollution. Apart from these, 13.30% (4) think that society understands the problems and 20%
(06) think that society understands wells the problems of plastic pollution, and only 3.30% (1)
mentioned that our society very well understands the problems of plastic pollution. So, this bar chart

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indicates that most respondents believe that our society has a poor understanding of plastic pollution
problems.

DO YOU THINK INDIVIDUAL INITIATIVES/STEPS CAN HELP TO REDUCE THE

PLASTIC POLLUTION PROBLEM?

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

Individual 4 13.3 13.3 13.3
initiatives are the
solution
Group initiatives is 3 10.0 10.0 23.3
the solution

Valid
The solution is a 23 76.7 76.7 100.0
mixture of
individual initiatives
and group initiatives

30 100.0 100.0
Total

Do you think individual initiatives/steps can help to reduce the

plastic pollution problem?

13%

10% Individual initiatives are the solution

Group initiatives is the solution

77%
The solution is a mixture of indi-
vidual initiatives and group initia-
tives

In this pie chart, almost 77% (23) of the respondents mention that a mixture of individual and group
initiatives can help reduce the plastic pollution problem. 13% (04) think that individual initiatives
can help to reduce the plastic pollution problem. Lastly, 10% (3) think group initiatives can help to

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reduce the plastic pollution problem. So, this bar chart reflects that a combination of individual and
group initiatives can help to reduce the plastic pollution problem.

ON A SCALE OF 1 TO 5, WITH THE 1 BEING THE LOWEST AND 5 BEING THE HIGHEST,
HOW STRICT SHOULD THE LAWS BE TO ELIMINATE THE PROBLEM OF PLASTIC
POLLUTION (IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONSIDER THAT THE PLASTIC INDUSTRY IS A
SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTOR TO EMPLOYMENT)

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

Laws should not be very 1 3.3 3.3 3.3
strict

Laws should not be strict 4 13.3 13.3 16.7

Laws should not be 6 20.0 20.0 36.7

Valid somewhat strict

Laws should be strict 2 6.7 6.7 43.3

Laws should be very 17 56.7 56.7 100.0

strict
Total 30 100.0 100.0

O n a scale of 1 to 5, w ith the 1 being the low est and 5 being the
highest, how strict should the law s be to eliminate the problem of
plastic pollution (it is important to consider that the plastic industry
is a significant contributor to employment)
60%

50%

40%

30%
56.70%
20%

10% 20.00%
13.30%
3.30% 6.70%
0%
1 2 3 4 5

In this bar chart, only 3% (01) think that laws should not be very strict to eliminate plastic pollution.
13.30% (04) mention that laws should not be strict to eliminate plastic pollution. Apart from these,
20% (06) think that laws should not be somewhat strict, and 6.07% think laws should be strict to
eliminate plastic pollution. 56.70% (17) mentioned that laws should be very strict to eliminate plastic

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pollution. So, this bar chart indicates that most respondents believe that laws should be very strict to
eliminate plastic pollution by considering that the plastic industry is a significant contributor to
employment.

DO YOU TRY TO AVOID PRODUCTS WHICH CONTAINS PLASTIC MATERIALS

OR PLASTIC PACKAGING?

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

Yes 6 20.0 20.0 20.0

No 7 23.3 23.3 43.3

Valid
Sometimes 17 56.7 56.7 100.0

30 100.0 100.0
Total

Do you try to avoid products which contains plastic materials or

plastic packaging?

20%

57%
23% Yes
No
Sometimes

In this pie chart, almost 57% (17) of the respondent mentioned that sometimes they try to avoid
products that contain plastic materials or plastic packaging. 23% (07) mentioned that they never tried

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to avoid products that contain plastic materials or plastic packaging. Lastly, 20% (06) think that
group initiatives can help to reduce the plastic pollution problem. So, this bar chart reflects that a
combination of individual and group initiatives can help to reduce the plastic pollution problem.

HAVE YOU EVER TAKEN PART IN ANY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN/ACTIVITY

WHICH AIMED TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AWARENESS REGARDING THE PLASTIC
POLLUTION PROBLEM?

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

Yes 6 20.0 20.0 20.0

No 24 80.0 80.0 100.0

Valid

30 100.0 100.0
Total

Have you ever taken part in any awareness campaign/activity which

aimed to promote social awareness regarding the plastic pollution
problem?

20%

80%
Yes No

In this pie chart, almost 80% (24) of the respondent are mentioned that never taken part in any
awareness campaign or activity that aimed to promote social awareness regarding the plastic
pollution problem. 20% (06) mentioned that they participate in awareness campaigns or activities to

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promote social awareness regarding the plastic pollution problem. So, this bar chart reflects that most
of the respondents never participated in any awareness campaign or activity that aimed to promote
social awareness regarding the plastic pollution problem.

ON A SCALE OF 1 TO 5 WITH 1 BEING THE LOWEST AND 5 BEING THE HIGHEST, HOW
WELL DO YOU THINK AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS WORK IN REDUCING PLASTIC USE?

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

Awareness campaigns 3 10.0 10.0 10.0
does not work at all to
reduce plastic use
Awareness campaigns 6 20.0 20.0 30.0
somewhat works to
reduce plastic use

Awareness campaigns 11 36.7 36.7 66.7

may work to reduce
Valid plastic use
Awareness campaigns 7 23.3 23.3 90.0
work to reduce plastic
use
Awareness campaigns 3 10.0 10.0 100.0
does works very well to
reduce plastic use
30 100.0 100.0
Total

O n a scale of 1 to 5 w ith 1 being the low est and 5 being the highest,
how w ell do you think aw areness campaigns w ork in reducing plas -
tic use?
40%
35%
30%
25%
20%
36.70%
15%
10% 20.00% 23.30%
5% 10.00% 10.00%
0%
1 2 3 4 5

In this bar chart, 10% (03) think awareness campaigns do not work to reduce plastic use. 20% (06)
think that awareness program somewhat works at all to reduce plastic use. Apart from these, 36.70%
(11) think awareness programs may work, and 22.30% (07) think awareness programs work to

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reduce plastic use. 10% (03) think awareness program does works very well to reduce plastic use.
So, this bar chart indicates that most respondents have the same opinion that awareness campaigns
regarding plastic pollution will reduce plastic pollution.

DO YOU THINK PLASTIC POLLUTION PROBLEM CAN BE SOLVED THROUGH

INCREASED INVESTMENT IN WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS?

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

Increased 8 26.7 26.7 26.7
investment is the
solution

Increased 6 20.0 20.0 46.7

investment is not
Valid the solution
Increased 16 53.3 53.3 100.0
investment may be
the solution
30 100.0 100.0
Total

Do you think plastic pollution problem can be solved through

increased investment in waste management systems?

27%

Increased investment is the solu-

53% tion
Increased investment is not the so-
20% lution
Increased investment may be the
solution

In this pie chart, almost 53% (16) of the respondents mentioned that the plastic pollution problem
might be solved through increased investment in waste management. Apart from these, 27% (08)
think that increased investment is the solution and 20% think that increased investment is not the

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solution for solving plastic pollution. So, this bar chart reflects that most respondents give a
reasonable opinion about solving the plastic pollution problem by increasing investment in waste
management.

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 HOW SERIOUS IS THE THREAT OF CLIMATE CHANGE TO OUR SOCIETY?

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

I do not understand 3 10.0 10.0 10.0
the threat of climate
change

The threat is not 2 6.7 6.7 16.7

serious
Valid
The threat is 2 6.7 6.7 23.3
somewhat serious

The threat is serious 23 76.7 76.7 100.0

Total 30 100.0 100.0

How serious is the threat of climate change to our society?

10%
7%
7%
I do not understand the threat of
climate change

77%
The threat is not serious

The threat is somewhat serious

The threat is serious

In this pie chart, we can see, almost 76% (23) of the respondent are mentioned that climate change is
a serious threat to our society. 10% (02) mentioned they have not any understanding of the threat of
climate change. Apart from these, almost 7% (02) believe the threat is serious, and almost 7% (02)
believe the threat is somewhat serious to our society. So, this bar chart indicates that most of the
respondents think climate change is a serious threat to our society.

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 DO YOU THINK STEPS TAKEN TO DECREASE PLASTIC POLLUTION WILL HELP
TO REDUCE CLIMATE CHANGE?

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

Climate change will 12 40.0 40.0 40.0

be reduced
Climate change will 2 6.7 6.7 46.7
not be reduced
Climate change will 8 26.7 26.7 73.3
Valid
be somewhat reduced

Climate change 8 26.7 26.7 100.0

reduction depends on
other factors
Total 30 100.0 100.0

Do you think steps taken to decrease plastic pollution will

help to reduce climate change?

27%
40% Climate change will be reduced
Climate change will not be
reduced

27% Climate change will somewhat

7% reduced
Climate change reduction
depends on other factors

In this pie chart, almost 40% (12) of the respondents believe that if the necessary steps taken to
decrease plastic pollution will help reduce climate change. Apart from these, almost 26% (08)
believe climate change reduction depends on other factors, and almost 27% (08) believe that climate
change will somewhat reduce. 7% (02) mentioned they think climate change will not be reduced.
So, this bar chart indicates that most of the respondents think that if the necessary steps are taken, it'll
decrease plastic pollution, which will help reduce climate change.

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4.3 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

The study consists of data gathered from 30 respondents to get a brief idea of their awareness
regarding Plastic Pollution, Waste Management, and Climate Change. Out of the 30 respondents,
40% were identified as male and the rest 60% as female respondents.

This survey report attempts to determine the challenges and awareness regarding Plastic Pollution,
Waste Management, and Climate Change through several variables, which includes the Usage of
plastic products, Awareness regarding plastic pollution, Determining their participation in any
awareness activity, society's perception towards plastic pollution, Knowledge regarding Climate
Change, etc. The findings indicate that most of the IUB students responded that they are aware
enough of plastic pollution. 

We find out that most of the students mentioned that lack of understanding and lack of legislation is
the primary cause of plastic pollution. Every student think that plastic waste concerns come from the
individual, which will affect our total output in a society. Lack of awareness programs is also a
significant cause because most students mentioned that they never participated in any awareness
program. Most students also said that if the government invests in waste management, it can
significantly reduce plastic pollutions. Even we saw in Covid-19 situation in Bangladesh, the
scenario of pollution gets worse than before. Most of the students agreed that the plastic pollution
issue is a severe threat to our society, and they believe that, if necessary, steps to be taken to decrease
plastic pollution will significantly help reduce plastic pollution.

The findings overall indicate that plastic pollution is a serious threat to our planet as it is directly
affecting our climate, so to reduce the challenges of plastic pollution, we need to increase activities
combining the individual and group initiatives, also we need to make sure to increase awareness
activity to make our society concern about plastic pollution and climate change. As well as an
effective and efficient waste management system needed to reduce plastics and plastic waste to save
our environment.

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 5. CONCLUSION

Plastic materials are an unavoidable part of our everyday life despite their low cost, convenient size,
excellent durability, and easy accessibility. But as it harms each environmental component such as
air, soil, and water, that is why plastics have been declared as a global threat for the world. Because
of their non-biodegradability, they survive for an extremely longer time in the environment and enter
the human food chain, causing adverse health effects. From the comprehensive report, we understood
that awareness is essential because it is the foundation for teaching the next generation about the
consequences of plastic pollution. With all the findings in our survey report, it is currently
impossible to draw any sound conclusions about plastic pollution, waste management, and climate
change. But we can hope that our government may take necessary steps regarding proper waste
management and further activities to create awareness among the youth generation. Lastly, I believe
my survey report will help the environmental researchers to conduct massive research based on
understanding and challenges regarding plastic pollution, waste management, and climate change
which can help to search the potential alternative of plastic products and contribute to Law and
policymakers to take necessary steps to reduce plastic pollution in Bangladesh

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 6. RECOMMENDATION

Though this survey report is not enough studied on plastic waste and its impact on our environment
in Bangladesh. So, it would be really difficult for us to build our country safe and clean without
proper plastic waste management. Other developing and developed countries have already taken
necessary steps regarding this issue, but plastic waste is not managed effectively in Bangladesh. So, I
would like to share my recommendations based on the overall survey report:

 The government needs to make people concern about plastic pollution through
advertisements on television and other Social media sites
 Private organizations can also take some necessary measures to arrange programs and rallies
to understand how plastic harms our environment.
 The Bangladesh government may arrange a reward-based plastic waste collection ceremony
to encourage people not to throw plastic waste outside.
 The government may give educational institutions regulations to focus on plastic pollution
and take the initiative to do more research regarding this issue.
 Government should increase the tax and vat for those types of machinery which produce
plastics products and reduce tax and vat on those types of machinery and equipment which
make bio-degradable alternatives to plastics
 The government also provide subsidy for the plastic recycling industries rather than the
companies which produce plastic material and components.
 Recently, a famous scientist in Bangladesh invented the "Sonali Bag," which can replace
plastic bags. It can be used to pack foods in industries., medicines, and other commodities.
Government should give incentives on producing Sonali bag manufacturers.
 Local authorities in every city should make sure that plastic waste collection points available
in every vital fact in an area. So that people can easily throw their plastic waste on there.
 Without the implementation of Law, it's not possible in Bangladesh to stop spreading the use
of Plastic Bags. So, the government should restrict using plastic bags all over Bangladesh and
monitor that laws are strictly maintained.
 Municipal authorities have to increase the capacity and awareness of the waste management
system. So, that plastic waste can reduce effectively and efficiently.

These are the ways I believe; we can reduce the plastic waste from our environment.

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 7. LIST OF REFERENCES

Anon., 2014. IUCN. [Online]

Available at: https://www.iucn.org/resources/issues-briefs/marine-plastics

Anon., 2020. Waste management. [Online]

Available at: https://www.biologyonline.com/dictionary/waste-management

Kaufman, H., 2020. Why plastics are also a climate issue. [Online]
Available at: https://www.greenbiz.com/article/why-plastics-are-also-climate-issue

Moore, C., 2021. Plastic Pollution. [Online]

Available at: https://www.britannica.com/science/plastic-pollution

Parker, L., 2019. The world's plastic pollution crisis explained. [Online]
Available at: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/plastic-pollution

Rochman, C. M., 2016. Strategies for reducing ocean plastic debris should be diverse and guided by
science. Environmental Research Letters.

Zhang, Y., 2017. Natural Fiber-Reinforced Biodegradable and Bioresorbable Polymer Composites.
[Online]
Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/synthetic-resin

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 8. APPENDIXES
8.1 QUESTIONNAIRE FOR SURVEY

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8.1 QUESTIONNAIRE FOR SURVEY

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8.2 QUESTIONNAIRE FOR SURVEY

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8.3 QUESTIONNAIRE FOR SURVEY

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8.4 QUESTIONNAIRE FOR SURVEY

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