01-12-2012, 04:29 PM
Survey on the usage of plastic bags, their disposal and adverse impacts on environment: A case study in Jimma City, Southwestern Ethiopia
[attachment=42122]
ABSTRACT
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 collect data from 230 randomly selected respondents. The
results indicated that the larger proportion (176, 76.52%) of the respondents used plastic bags more
frequently than any other plastic products regardless of their age, occupation, and economic and
educational status. Low price (159, 69.13%) and easy availability (152, 66.08%) were the main reasons
for the widespread utilization of these products. Among the practices used for disposal of plastic bag
wastes, open dumping to surrounding areas (137, 59.56%) was a practice widely used by almost all the
residents of the city. Some of the major problems were animal death (167, 72.60%), blockage of sewage
lines (162, 70.43%), deterioration of natural beauty of an environment (144, 62.60%) and human health
problems (119, 51.73%). The findings of the present study also indicated that the trend of utilization of
plastic bags is increasing from time to time in spite of a good deal of awareness of the residents about
the adverse effects of these products. In order to reduce the problems associated with plastic bag
wastes, it is recommended to educate the public (1) not to use plastic bags, and (2) to use eco-friendly
alternative materials (bags) made from clothes, natural fibers and paper. City level legislation is also
highly recommended against indiscriminate use and disposal of plastic bag wastes as well as to end
free distribution of plastic bags by retailers.
INTRODUCTION
Plastic bags have been introduced in 1970’s (Williamson,
2003) and gained an increasing popularity amongst
consumers and retailers. They are available in huge
numbers and varieties across the world. It is estimated
that around 500 billion plastic bags are used every year
worldwide (Spokas, 2007; Geographical, 2005). This
widespread utilization is attributed to their cheapness and
convenience to use. The vast majority of these bags are
discarded as wastes usually after a single use. It is also
believed that after their entry into environment, plastic
bags can persist up to 1000 years without being
decomposed by sun light and/or microorganisms
(Stevens, 2001; UNEP, 2005a).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Description of the study area
The study was conducted in Jimma City, southwestern Ethiopia
(Figure 1). It is located at 345 km away from Addis Ababa. The
latitude and longitude of Jimma City are 7°40N and 36°50E,
respectively. The average altitude of the city is 1760 m above sea
level with a temperature range of 11 to 27°C (Mossie, 2002).
According to the national census undertaken in 2005, the city has a
total human population of 159,009 of which 80,897 were men and
78,112 were women (CSA, 2005). Various forms of Christianity
(Orthodox, Protestant and Catholic), Islam and other beliefs are
commonly practiced in the city. The main economic activities are
commerce (trading and catering service) and manufacturing
enterprises.
Conclusions
The result of the present study indicated that most of the
respondents, regardless of their demographic
background, are (1) in favor of banning of production,
distribution and use of these plastic products, and (2)
aware of the adverse effects of plastic bag wastes on
environment, animal and human health. However, plastic
bags are still widely used by the community more than
any other plastic products mainly due to their cheapness.
The survey results and field observations indicated that
the city was seriously polluted by plastic wastes
particularly plastic bags wastes. By and large, it can be
recommended that various campaigns need to be
organized in order to mobilize the public and other
stakeholders (Government agencies, business
associations, retailers, research institutions, nongovernmental
organizations (NGOs), youth associations,
women associations, religious institutions.
[attachment=42122]
ABSTRACT
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 collect data from 230 randomly selected respondents. The
results indicated that the larger proportion (176, 76.52%) of the respondents used plastic bags more
frequently than any other plastic products regardless of their age, occupation, and economic and
educational status. Low price (159, 69.13%) and easy availability (152, 66.08%) were the main reasons
for the widespread utilization of these products. Among the practices used for disposal of plastic bag
wastes, open dumping to surrounding areas (137, 59.56%) was a practice widely used by almost all the
residents of the city. Some of the major problems were animal death (167, 72.60%), blockage of sewage
lines (162, 70.43%), deterioration of natural beauty of an environment (144, 62.60%) and human health
problems (119, 51.73%). The findings of the present study also indicated that the trend of utilization of
plastic bags is increasing from time to time in spite of a good deal of awareness of the residents about
the adverse effects of these products. In order to reduce the problems associated with plastic bag
wastes, it is recommended to educate the public (1) not to use plastic bags, and (2) to use eco-friendly
alternative materials (bags) made from clothes, natural fibers and paper. City level legislation is also
highly recommended against indiscriminate use and disposal of plastic bag wastes as well as to end
free distribution of plastic bags by retailers.
INTRODUCTION
Plastic bags have been introduced in 1970’s (Williamson,
2003) and gained an increasing popularity amongst
consumers and retailers. They are available in huge
numbers and varieties across the world. It is estimated
that around 500 billion plastic bags are used every year
worldwide (Spokas, 2007; Geographical, 2005). This
widespread utilization is attributed to their cheapness and
convenience to use. The vast majority of these bags are
discarded as wastes usually after a single use. It is also
believed that after their entry into environment, plastic
bags can persist up to 1000 years without being
decomposed by sun light and/or microorganisms
(Stevens, 2001; UNEP, 2005a).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Description of the study area
The study was conducted in Jimma City, southwestern Ethiopia
(Figure 1). It is located at 345 km away from Addis Ababa. The
latitude and longitude of Jimma City are 7°40N and 36°50E,
respectively. The average altitude of the city is 1760 m above sea
level with a temperature range of 11 to 27°C (Mossie, 2002).
According to the national census undertaken in 2005, the city has a
total human population of 159,009 of which 80,897 were men and
78,112 were women (CSA, 2005). Various forms of Christianity
(Orthodox, Protestant and Catholic), Islam and other beliefs are
commonly practiced in the city. The main economic activities are
commerce (trading and catering service) and manufacturing
enterprises.
Conclusions
The result of the present study indicated that most of the
respondents, regardless of their demographic
background, are (1) in favor of banning of production,
distribution and use of these plastic products, and (2)
aware of the adverse effects of plastic bag wastes on
environment, animal and human health. However, plastic
bags are still widely used by the community more than
any other plastic products mainly due to their cheapness.
The survey results and field observations indicated that
the city was seriously polluted by plastic wastes
particularly plastic bags wastes. By and large, it can be
recommended that various campaigns need to be
organized in order to mobilize the public and other
stakeholders (Government agencies, business
associations, retailers, research institutions, nongovernmental
organizations (NGOs), youth associations,
women associations, religious institutions.