Insights into plastic pollution: consumer trends with plastic bags

Plastic pollution is a serious environmental problem with far-reaching consequences for ecosystems and human health. This paper summarizes the findings of a study on consumer trends and plastic bag usage in Malaysia, revealing light on individuals' behaviors and attitudes regarding plastic consumption and trash management. In addition, reusable bags are one of the ways to prevent this plastic pollution from happening. Reusable bags are made from recycled or sustainable materials and are intended to be reused. The main advantage of reusable bags is that they can do everything plastic bags can do, without the negative environmental impact. Therefore, behavior and attitude towards the use of plastic has an impact on plastic pollution in Malaysia. In this study, a conceptual model consisting of different variables such as willingness, awareness, perceived behavior control and engagement consumers has been studied which affects the use of reusable bags. The researchers have chosen the sample size respondents in Selangor. The quantitative method has been used to select the sample by choosing the convenience sampling method. The questionnaires have been distributed through google form and 318 respondents participated in answering the questionnaires of this study. The data collected was analyzed using Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS) software. Based on the data, different data analysis methods have been used such as Pearson correlations, regression, and multiple regression. In this study, all the variables have a significance toward the adoption of reusable bags. The adoption of reusable bags can avoid plastic pollution and waste management.