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Plastic bag wastes pose serious environmental pollutions and health problems in humans and animals. The situation is worsened in economically disadvantaged countries like Ethiopia. The objective of this survey was to assess usage of plastic bags and their environmental impacts in Jimma City of Ethiopia. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to c...
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... Many countries around the world have also decided to ban the use of plastics because of their negative impact on planetary health in general and the health of living beings in particular. A study conducted in the city of Jimma in Ethiopia showed that the vast majority of the population was well aware of the partial ban on the use of plastics [15]. This confirms the need for a large public awareness campaign on the ban on plastics in Cameroon. ...
Food contact materials release bioactive molecules that are potentially detrimental to health. Despite the relevance of this daily and repeated exposure, little attention is paid to single-use materials in contact with food. In Cameroon, despite the local tradition of using biodegradable and compostable leafy plants and the government’s decision to ban the use and marketing of plastics, they are still massively used in contact with food. The aim of this study was to explore the dynamics of the ongoing trend in the use of plastics for food handling. A cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2023 to investigate consumers’ perceptions of the benefits and drawbacks of plastics and traditional leaves as food contact materials. Two hundred consumers were interviewed at eight restaurants in Kumba municipalities through a structured questionnaire. The result of this study revealed that consumers considered that plant-based materials do not affect human health; they know that leaves, compared to plastics, are easier to dispose of and that plastic is an environmental hazard. Age and education turned out to significantly affect all the answers, while income did not. The current study highlights the need to provide clear and updated information on the long-term danger posed to health and the environment by plastics used to cook, store, protect, and transport food. Despite the numerous advantages and benefits of traditional leaves as food contact material, their traditional use by the population has been lost. Consumers in Cameroon are at a critical juncture in choosing biodegradable and compostable food contact materials. This transition can be accelerated if governments invest in actions and measures to curb and potentially reverse the widespread adoption of plastics as a symbol of modernity. Scientific and technological research should engage in the innovation of traditional plant-based materials. This local example is also intended to provide impetus for more global investment in traditional plant-based materials for food packaging to support sustainability and the planetary health agenda.
... Most plastics are durable and resistant to degradation (Geyer et al. 2017). Moreover, almost two thirds of plastics have an operating age of less than five years, accumulating in the biosphere in the form of waste (Adane and Muleta 2011). The widespread distribution of plastic waste in the biosphere includes not only hot regions of the tropics and Africa and middle and northern latitudes, but also permafrost zones. ...
The results of the study of plastic composites from degradable poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) P(3HB) and cellulose-containing natural materials of various origins are presented. For the first time, P(3HB) composites filled with bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) or wood (Pinus sibirica) flour (WF) were produced by melt pressing at 170 °C and 2000 Pa. The influence of the filler type and amount (30, 40, 50, 70 and 90 wt%) on the physicochemical and mechanical properties of the composites and their degradability in soil laboratory microcosms was revealed. The P(3HB)/WF composites compared with P(3HB)/BNC ones were thermally stable; their thermal degradation temperatures were 266 and 227 °C, respectively. Both composites had lower values of Young's modulus and fracture strength compared to P(3HB). As BNC content was increased, Young's modulus and fracture strength of the composites increased from 1831 to 14 MPa to 3049 and 19 MPa, in contrast to P(3HB)/WF, where the values decreased by a factor of 1.5–2.0. The half-life of composites with BNC and WF in soil was 180 and 220 days, respectively. Changes in the structure of the microbial community were determined as depending on the filler type; primary destructors among bacteria and fungi were isolated and identified. Environmentally friendly and completely degradable composites show promise as cellulose-plastic materials for practical application.
... Dumping plastic waste can result in the seeping of plastic toxins into the ground waters, which are the main source of community drinking water supply for many developing countries, and burning plastic products can also introduce plastic toxins to the atmosphere (Ahsan et al. 2020;Bilal et al. 2020). The complex health effects of plastic toxins include coughing, pulmonary edema, necrosis, irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, lung impairment, carcinogenic effects, asthma, affected liver function, anemia, weakness, kidney and brain damage, shortness of breath, slurred speech, vision problems, nausea, vomiting, and headache, dizziness and fatigue (Adane and Muleta 2011;Kibria et al. 2023). Moreover, plastic additives are known endocrine disruptors and carcinogens, and these chemicals harm humans primarily through skin contact, ingestion, and inhalation (Adam et al. 2020). ...
... Moreover, plastic additives are known endocrine disruptors and carcinogens, and these chemicals harm humans primarily through skin contact, ingestion, and inhalation (Adam et al. 2020). The undesirable effects of plastic waste worsen in low-and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia, where public awareness about plastic pollution is low, and the infrastructure for proper disposal is insufficient (Adane and Muleta 2011;Negussie and Mustefa 2017;Alice and B 2021). Plastic products contain large quantities of toxic chemicals resulting in environmental damage and acute and chronic health effects. ...
... In addition, 69% of the respondents reported a safe plastic waste disposal system (delivered to waste collectors and municipal vehicles). This finding was higher than the finding reported by Kombiok and Jaaga in Ghana (Kombiok and Naa Jaaga 2023) and Adane and Muleta (2011) in Jimma City, Ethiopia (Adane and Muleta 2011), where 37% and 40% of the respondents reported a safe plastic waste disposal system. ...
Plastic pollution poses a significant threat to the environment and human health on a global level. This study aimed to investigate plastic pollution in the Harari region of Ethiopia. The result indicated that 62% of respondents demonstrated good knowledge about plastic waste, and 59% of them perceived plastic waste as harmful. Polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polycarbonates were the types of plastic waste identified. Being female (AOR = 1.82), aged 15-45 (AOR = 1.82), married (AOR = 1.83), and having families >3 (AOR = 2.15) were significantly positively associated with good plastic waste management practice. Being illiterate (AOR = 0.52), and having poor knowledge about plastic waste (AOR = 0.54) were significantly negatively associated with poor management practice. The findings indicated that the Harari region is prone to adverse health and environmental effects from plastic pollution. Policies restricting plastic use, training municipal waste collectors and health extension workers, and improving public awareness are indispensable. ARTICLE HISTORY
... Predominantly, the situation and awareness concerning waste plastic bottles that could damage the environment are devastating (Legesse-Diriba 2011). ...
Environmental deterioration is an urgent issue that has garnered global attention and has been debated in various settings. The main intent of this study was to objectively assess how the elements of environmental marketing effect environmental sustainability. The study employed an explanatory-descriptive research design and a quantitative approach to analyze and interpret the data. In the study, 238 people completed five-point Likert-scale questionnaires, enabling firsthand observation of the original data. The structural equation model analysis was conducted using SmartPLS software. The study revealed moderate links between green prices and environmental sustainability measures in the study area. Place, product, and promotion demonstrated a modest influence on environmental sustainability. The PLS path analysis indicated that green price was the most significant variable, followed by product, promotion, and place in the 4P marketing mix. Overall, the findings of the recent study suggest a significant relationship between environmental marketing and environmental sustainability, with environmental marketing accounting for approximately 37.9% of the variance in environmental sustainability. Therefore, the government should pay attention and establish a policy and regarding how companies can use green product, green pricing, green placing, and green promotion to minimize environmental damage.
... In many developing countries, including Ethiopia plastic waste management has become a major issue with landfills rising to enormous sizes and recycling rates remain insignificant or even unknown (Adane and Muleta 2011). A study done in Botswana, Uganda, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, reported that plastic bag contamination causes negative environmental effects (Nyathi and Togo 2020). ...
... A study done in Botswana, Uganda, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, reported that plastic bag contamination causes negative environmental effects (Nyathi and Togo 2020). Adane and Muleta (2011) assessed the use of plastic bags, their disposal, and their negative effects on the environment in Jimma City, Ethiopia. In a related study, Asgedom and Desta (2012) evaluated the use of plastic bags and water bottles, their disposal, and the adverse influences on people and the environment in Mekelle City, Ethiopia. ...
... In a similar manner, the majority of Jimma City respondents (81.3%) stated that single-use plastic bags are disposed of in public places after usage (Misgana and Tucho 2022). People who drop their plastic waste as litter in public places may be associated with those who have adopted a "throw-away" culture, in which wastes are thrown wherever without regard for environmental effects (Adane and Muleta 2011). About 45.1% of respondents agree to strongly agree that plastic waste should be burned in public spaces even though they are aware of the harmful effects on public health. ...
Plastic waste poses a serious threat to the environment as well as health issues in human and animal. The situation is aggravated in sub-Saharan countries like Ethiopia. Plastic waste management has become the biggest challenge in the study area. This study assessed the management of plastic wastes, disposal practices, adverse impacts on the environment, and identified associated factors in Gondar City, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional descriptive survey design using a questionnaire and a semi-structured interview was used to gather data. Using multistage sampling techniques, 393 households and 20 key informants were selected for questionnaire and interview, respectively. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models, whereas narrative analysis was used for qualitative data. Results showed that plastic bags are among the most (48.9%) discarded plastic waste products. Respondents reported that they reused old plastics for water storage or fetching (66.5%) and oil storage (45.1%). Only 16.8% of respondents recycled their plastic waste. Most households (80.9%) confirmed that plastic wastes were disposed of in open dumpsites. The findings indicated that gender and years of stay have a significant association with plastic waste management, disposal practices, and adverse effects on the environment. The practices of plastic waste management and disposal are poor in the study area. The study recommended that community-based environmental education is required to cope with the poor management and disposal practices of plastic waste.
... Harmful substances are emitted into the soil when these bags perish under sunlight and if they are burnt they cause surrounding air pollution. [4][5] The plastics have detrimental effect on animals also as they get often confused ...
... Although entanglement is less frequent, ingestion is more prevalent. Various studies have demonstrated that more than 260 species of vertebrate and invertebrate animals have ingested or become entangled in plastics or plastic products, causing the death of over 400,000 marine mammals (Adane and Muleta 2011). ...
Plastics are large molecular-weight organic polymers, commonly derived from different petrochemicals. There is a considerable increase in the global demand for plastics because of the ease of processing into various products used for packaging, handling, and storage of materials. There are many uses for various plastics such as polyolefin, polyester, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), polyamide, ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate, polypropylene (PP), polyurethane (PU), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in daily living. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles defined as plastics less than 5 mm in diameter. They are of two types, the first being primary microplastics which are tiny particles intended for commercial use in cosmetic products, and microfibers shed from textiles and fishing nets. Secondary microplastics are particles generated by the breakdown of bigger plastic items exposed to abiotic factors such as the sun’s rays and ocean waves. However, considering the rate of degradation or non-biodegradability of these organic polymers, they turn out to be a major environmental threat. They are highly stable and therefore do not enter into the degradation cycle of the biosphere easily. Degradation of plastics using physical and chemical methods may lead to innumerable environmental hazards. Microorganisms break down microplastics by producing intracellular or extracellular enzymes that turn long-chain polymers into oligomers and monomers that are then used by microbial cells. Some recent studies show that Pseudomonas sp. Ideonella sakaiensis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus sp., Paenibacillus sp., Bacillus siamensis, Desulfotomaculum nigrificans, Alcaligenes sp. are some of the predominant bacterial species capable of degrading plastics.
... The improper disposal of plastic garbage and plastic products has the capacity to induce environmental contamination. Pollution exhibits various manifestations, including the deterioration of environmental aesthetics; the entrapment and mortality of aquatic organisms (Andrady, 2003;Hofmeyr et al., 2006); the obstruction of sewage systems in urban areas, particularly prevalent in developing nations (Lithner et al., 2009); the facilitation of mosquito breeding and the proliferation of disease-carrying vectors (Adane & Muleta, 2011); and the prevalence of plastic-based commodities within human-inhabited settings such as residences and workplaces. The initial occurrence of contamination and harm resulting from pollution caused by plastics and plastic-based items can manifest in terrestrial ecosystems, subsequently propagating to aquatic environments. ...
This review employs country-level statistics pertaining to trash management. The contemporary global landscape is currently grappling with the complexities surrounding the effective management and remediation of the escalating volumes of plastic trash. As the population grows, there is a corresponding growth in the need for plastic and plastic items. These products are accountable for the generation of plastic, the accumulation of plastic trash, and the consequent environmental degradation. The assortment of plastic materials utilized in the manufacturing process of diverse important commodities, including medical gadgets, food packaging, and water bottles, is known to harbor detrimental compounds such as bisphenol, phthalates, and phenanthrene. Despite the various benefits of plastic, the global plastic industry is widely recognized as the source of significant environmental issues. The plastic tool presents a potential source of ambiguity regarding human exposure to hazardous substances. This assessment examines the present state of plastic waste management, focusing on key aspects such as landfilling, recycling, and incineration. The objective of this review is to examine the environmental and human health implications of plastic. In addition, we put out a potential resolution for effectively tracking the escalation of this burgeoning catastrophe.
... A large proportion of respondents (58.26%) in a study by Adane and Muleta valued the vital roles that television and radio stations played in spreading knowledge about the harmful impacts of plastic bag trash, next to school (27.82%) and written content (19.13%) [17]. Students who participated in this study said that 83.15% of the knowledge they gained regarding the origins of plastic debris was acquired in educational settings, followed by 80% from broadcast media and 17.89% from written sources. ...
... These studies found that the consumers are aware of negative impacts of use of plastic packages. These impacts could be highly observed in increase in human health issues (Adane & Muleta, 2011), decline of natural beauty of environment, sewage blockage, and decline in the population of animals (Jibreel & Al-shwafi, 2019). Also, concluded that changing plastic consumption habits has not been an easy task (Macena et al., 2021). ...
Plastics for packaging have lead to massive environmental pollution and dreadful issues in human life. Thus consumers need to consider its deep-rooted impacts, and refuse the acceptance of plastic packaged goods. The present researchers have opted a critical constructivist perspective inclining at deductive approach to assess the consumer readiness on rejecting the choice of consumption of plastic packaged goods in the context of Karnali Province of Nepal. Causal-comparative research design was used to determine the cause or consequences of selected variables on dependent variables. In order to collect the primary data, an email survey was administered to 365 respondents of various demographic levels replied with the duly completed survey questionnaires. For the analyses, both descriptive and inferential analyses were used. The key findings of the structural equation model revealed that the plastic related concern with regard to health and environmental issues are the main factors influencing plastic rejection. Consumer readiness with regard to plastic rejection are also influenced by subjective knowledge and the weight placed on third party commitment to solving the plastic problem. The findings of the study also revealed significant contribution of the impact of employment status as the essential element determining consumer readiness on rejecting plastic packaged goods in the Karnali province. This indicates majorities of employed consumers have more readiness to reject the plastic packaged goods.
