COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AND ACCOUNTANCY MAJOR IN MARKETING AND ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT

The Effects of Changing Packaging from Plastic to Paper Bag Materials on Consumers in Dasmarinas, Cavite

A Marketing Research Presented To Ms. Zeny J. Lontoc Director, GSB, CBAA, DLSU-D

In Partial Fulfillment in the Requirements In Marketing Research I

Researched By: Alfelor, Danae Clemente, Bernadette Grace N. Macam, Ma. Fatima M.

MKA

June 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Title Page Table of Contents Chapter I. INTRODUCTION A. Review of Related Literature B. Conceptual Framework C. Statement of the Problem/Objective of the Study D. Hypothesis E. Significance of the Study F. Scope and Limitations G. Definition of Terms Chapter II. METHODOLOGY A. Time and Place of the Study B. Sources of Data/Sample Size C. Research Instrument D. Research Design III. Results and Discussions IV. Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation V. References VI. Appendix 20 20-23 23-24 24-26 27-40 41-43 44 45-46 i ii 3-4 4-11 12 12-13 13-14 14-15 1 1

INTRODUCTION

Because of plastic bags we experience incessant flooding due to clogged waterways, drainage and esteros and its impact on majority of poor Filipinos. As these bags decay for hundred years, they accumulate landfills that become source of sickness and pollution. But consumers, regarding their shopping and factories, regarding their production favour plastic bags as they are durable, flexible and cheap. Now that the implementation of Plastic Ban in the Philippines is present, this research studies what are the effects of shifting from plastic bags to paper bags and other eco-friendly materials as packaging of products. On August 3, 2011, the House of Representatives approved HB 4840 or the Plastic Regulation Act of 2011. This legislation would require the phase out of non-biodegradable plastic bags within three years and the placement of a plastic bag recovery bin at each store or cluster of stores.

The research aims to solve the issue of which the consumers favour and what are the factors that affect their behaviour specifically.

The group gathered data from the municipalities of Cavite to know the usage rate of plastics or waste materials of each municipality. The group also made use of internet, articles and books for secondary data. For primary data, the researchers will conduct Survey and Focus Group Discussion among students of De La Salle University Dasmarinas to have feedbacks accessible for the researchers. The sampling method to be used is cluster sampling. The research design will be descriptive and the results will be analysed using statistical method.

The group hypothesized that the result will be accurate enough as the scope and limitation bound the research according to the need of the study and that it predicted, as evidence suggest, that consumers favour using eco-friendly materials rather than plastic because of its benefits to the majority of the people.

A. Review of Related Literature

Change is the only thing that is constant. That is why every company should be ready and prepared for innovation when time for changes arises. One of the revolutions that are starting is the appreciation on the value of becoming an environmentalist not only as a manufacturer but also as a consumer. Going green is not a fresh idea it has been implemented before according to Wikipedia Encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_marketing) The term Green Marketing came into prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Now that its the 21st century the society has been once again realized that our environment is everyone business.

Plastic Production To produce 1kg plastic we need 2kg oil equivalent for material and energy use during production. Global plastic production in year 2006 is about 245 million tonnes. (Plastic Europe Market Research Group, 2007) Only five percent of oil consumption Most plastic bags are made of polyethylene. Plastic recycling in city/ urban areas has proven to be difficult. Different than glass, paper and metals, which are easier to process,

mechanically, it is often labor intensive and cost intensive (not cost effective) to sort plastic waste. According to Integrated Waste Management Authority. (2012). Impact of Plastic. Retrieved from http://www.iwma.com/programs-events/Impact%20of%20 Plastic. html. The number of disposable bags used in Calif. exceeds 14 billion annually. A study in 1997 showed 58% of Americans prefer paper to plastic, yet a report from Film and Bag Federation found that 4 out of 5 grocery bags used are plastic. Almost no plastic grocery bags have any recycled content. In contrast, paper bags typically have 25-40% or even 60% recovered paper fiber. Californians use over 19 billion plastic grocery bags and merchandise bags each year, roughly 552 bags per person, generating 147,038 tons of unnecessary waste, enough to stretch around the globe over 250 times.

Environmental Effects Mason, K. (2009, June17). Effects Of Plastic On The Environment Revealed. University News Centre. Retrieved from http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/pages/view.asp?page=26783. The Society continues to profit on numerous benefits plastic products have brought such as applications in medicine, electronics and energy saving parts in cars and aeroplanes. Though, the main use of plastics is for disposable items of packaging which are typically discarded within a year of production. As a consequence of the durability of plastics and their disposable usage, plastic waste is rapidly accumulating landfill. Papers in the volume show that natural habitats from the poles to the equator have also become contaminated with large,

small and even microscopic fragments of plastic. This debris presents a physical hazard to wildlife including seabirds, fish and turtles. There is also evidence that plastics have the potential to transport and release potentially harmful chemicals. Chemicals used in plastic production are shown to leach from landfill and contaminate aquatic habitats and if ingested there is concern that plastics could transport chemicals directly to wildlife. The effects on the environment of the habit formed through years of production and usage can be seen and felt nowadays. Places have been succumbed into pollution, sickness have been spreading producing on millions of death every year because of pollution. Wagner, J.The Effect of Plastic Bags on Environment. Health Guidance. Retrieved from http://www. healthguidance.org/entry/14901/1/The-Effects-of-PlasticBags-on-Environment.html., The use of plastic bags on the environment is demoralizing even there are some implementations regarding the banning on the use of plastic bags in the market. It has a bad effect on our environment and the damage needs to be controlled. Right now there is no disposal method that will really help eliminate the problem on the environment. If there is no balance of the ecosystem food sources dry up and hunger will occur. With the continuous use of plastic bag eventually affects devastation even to the human population. According to an article Wagner, J.The Effect of Plastic Bags on Environment. Health Guidance. Retrieved from http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/14901/1/TheEffects-of-Plastic-Bags-on-Environment.html., Based from Wagner, J. Health Guidance, there are alternatives instead of using plastic bags and the search for more alternatives continues. Paper bags are a possible option but they also take their toll on the environment. The use of trees to increase the production of paper products combined with

the increased energy that is required to make paper bags will also have a negative environmental effect.

Advantages of using Plastic bags Supermarkets push plastic bags, because they cost them about half of what a paper bag costs and because they are so light they are cheaper to transport. Grocery bags are at the top of their operating expenses so they have jumped at the chance to cut costs there and push use of plastic over paper. This have proven that the mentality of the manufacturer is whatever the cost on the environment as long as they will gain much more profit the use of plastics will be acceptable. According to Roach, J (2003). National Geographic News. Are Plastic Grocery Bags Sacking the Environment?, The "paper or plastic" challenge that vexed earnest shoppers throughout the 1980s and 90s is largely moot today. Most grocery store baggers don't bother to ask anymore. They drop the bananas in one plastic bag as they reach for another to hold the six-pack of soda. The pasta sauce and noodles will get one too, as will the dish soap. Plastic bags are so cheap to produce, sturdy, plentiful, easy to carry and store that they have captured at least 80% of the grocery and convenience store market since they were introduced a quarter century ago, according to the Arlington, Virginia-based American Plastics Although there are considerable benefits on using plastics for the manufacturer there are still substantial negative implications on the environment because of it. . Plastics are

generally lighter than paper, thus easier and less costly to transport after production, means less fuel.

Disadvantages of using Plastic Bags There are estimated 300 million plastic bags end up in the Atlantic Ocean and this is a big dilemma. These bags are very dangerous for sea life, especially those of the mammal variety. It is dangerous for a hunting animal to eat a piece of plastic. Needless deaths from plastic bags are increasing every year. Porpoises are the most common victim. Because they eat sea nettles and jelly fish they are the most likely to mistake the plastic bag for food. If they survive the swallowing of the bag, it is unlikely that they are able to continue with normal digestion and thus eventually die a slow and painful death from toxicity or intestinal blockage. As one species begins to die off at an abnormal rate, every other living organism in the waterway is impacted. There are either too many or too few and changes within the environment continue to kill off yet more organisms. Because it also takes hundred years for the average plastic bags to decay, every bag that ends up in the woodlands of the country threatens the natural progression of wildlife. Because the break down rate is so slow the chances that the bag will harmlessly go away are extremely lean. These plastic bags are responsible for suffocation deaths of woodland animals as well as inhibiting soil nutrients. The huge litter in the land that is made up of plastic bags has likely to kill over and over again. It has been estimated that one bag has the potential to unintentionally kill one animal per every three months due to unintentional digestion or inhalation. If you

consider the number of littered plastic bags ranges from 1.5 million to 3 million depending on location, this equals a lot of ecosystem sustaining lives lost.

Substitutes for Plastic Bags Reusable plastic bags are being introduced to regions that want to outlaw the plastic bag altogether. These are stronger and more durable and can be used for three to five trips to the store. Evidently, the reusable cloth bag is fast becoming a favorite among environmental supporters. While thus far no bag is without its issues these are the bags that are currently advised and recommended for use to help protect environmental security and concerns. Because of many concerns there are many manufacturers that now prefer the use paper bags instead of plastic bags. According to Croswell, J. (2010), from article Advantages of Using Paper Bags Instead of Plastic Bags, paper bags are made of natural resources, which allow them to be broken down by the elements notwithstanding over a long time. Plastic bags are not biodegradable and can fill up landfills, costing cities as much as 17 cents per disposal of each bag, according to Money Central. Recycling plastic bags is an alternative, but the costs can be unreasonable. As of 2010, it can cost $4,000 to recycle one ton of plastic bags, which is resold to stores for $32, according to Squawk Fox. Of course each product is promoting its own benefits and goodness. There are always advantages and disadvantages of each product.

Paper Production Paper production is one of the most polluting industries since it involves lots of chemicals and uses relatively a lot of water and energy. Recycling paper needs also a lot of energy and chemicals because old papers have to be cleaned, de-ink, etc. Recycled papers need usually 60-80% paper waste, and the rest would be new materials. New materials in this case are often virgin pulp, originally from three. According to Bekaze. (2011). Are We Saving Earth by Banning Plastic Bag. Hubpages. Retrieved from http://bekaze.hubpages.com/hub/Wrong-Perception-about-Plastic-Bag/

Plastic Ban in the Philippines With Filipinos facing dilemmas on how to live a plastic free live. The government have implemented on some cities plastic ban campaign. The first local government unit to ban plastics in Metro Manila, Muntinlupa City has been plastic free since January 1, 2011. According to its Ordinance 10-109, it prohibits all business establishments from using, offering, and selling plastic bags as primary or secondary packing materials for dry and wet goods. This ordinance also includes polystyrene foams usually used as containers in fast food chains. The city follows a no-plastic policy. Since its implementation, 1,400 establishments have been issued tickets and seven have committed violations at least four times, facing closure of their businesses. Violators are fined P500, P1,000, and P2,500 for the first, second, and third offense respectively. Imprisonment and suspension or cancellation of business permits are upon the discretion of the court.

10

Government officials are currently studying how to further improve this ordinance by adding more fines or incentives for a higher compliance rate. Being the first city to impose a plastic ban in Metro Manila, it has triggered a domino effect on other LGU's. Aside from Muntinlupa City, the local government unit of Las Pias, Pasig, Quezon City, Pasay and Other Metro Manila Cities are also implementing plastic ban in their respected areas. Dezalyx. (2012). List of Metro Manila Cities Where Plastic Ban is implemented. Hubpages. Retrieved from http://dezalyx.hubpages.com/hub/List-of-Philippine-CitiesWhere-Plastic-Ban-is-Implemented There is also a department in Philippines that is designated in the packaging society the PIP stands for the Packaging Institute of the Philippines. It is a national association of users, manufacturers, and suppliers of packaging materials and services. PIP was founded by 31 charter members in March 1967 and was registered in March 20, 1975 with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a non-stock, non-profit corporation. Their objective is to promote the recognition of Packaging as a science and as a profession and to stimulate good packaging consciousness in the industry and among consumers; To undertake the promotion of research and development of packaging and package design. To promote the establishment acceptable basic standards for the packaging industry. Packaging Institute of the Philippines. (2011). Retrieved from http://phil-packaging.org/#.

11

B. Conceptual Framework

Reduction of: -Usage of plastic on consumers by the time Plastic Ban was implemented - Waste Volume in Cavite Year 2011-Present

The processes of gathering data are conducting survey in DLSU-D students as well as Focus Group Discussions and also collecting data from Provincial Capitol of Cavite regarding the volume of waste materials each munucipality has.

Effects of change from plastic packaging to eco-friendly packaging on consumers will be analyzed and presented.

C. Statement of the Problems

This research aims to answer these questions regarding the topic to attain the results needed for analysis.

12

What is the preferred packaging, Plastic or Paper bag (any eco-friendly materials) of the students from De La Salle University Dasmarias?

Are the students aware for the implemented law regarding the usage of plastic and paper bag in their city/town? And when does the need for shift from plastic to paper bag exist?

What are the effects of the change of packaging of most products from plastic to eco-friendly materials? The group also formulated sub-questions such as: What are the advantages and disadvantages of using eco-friendly materials? Which will they be in favour of and why? What are the factors they consider in preferring packages of products? How often do they use plastic and/or paper bags?

Do the students consider buying eco-friendly bags or bring their own bag when purchasing?

When the students do wants to use Plastic and Paper packaging in different places?

Objective of the Study

The researchers aim to get the insights and point of view of the students regarding to their usage of Plastic and Paper bag or any eco material product for packaging. And theyre preferably to use in day to day activity.

To know if the students are aware enough and concern for the environmental problem that cause different phenomena. That related to the governments implemented laws.

13

To recognize the causes why the students from De La Salle University Dasmarias preferred a particular packaging and to consider the disadvantages of each bags.

The students target to discern if considering buying an eco-friendly bags or bring their own bag when purchasing is their option.

To identify the usage rate of Plastic and Paper bag in different places and in different instances.

D. Hypotheses

There is a big significance to know and identify the preferred use of Plastic bags and Paper bags in the environment. It is predicted that the consumers will be very much affected by the shift from plastic bags to eco-friendly bags as packaging of their purchased products. Most of them will be treat this change as advantageous as it is more helpful to the environment. For them, it will be hassle to use not durable and expensive bags like paper bags and plastic cases or boxes for shopping but the benefit of saving the future generations lives is what will matter. They will become fully aware of the fact that plastics will decay in hundreds of years and are not good for their health.

It is also hypothesized that the production of plastic bags will be lessen and soon will be out in production industry as regulated by the government. There will be cleaner society for the citizens of Cavite and in other places as the pollution will be lessen.

14

Sickness and other hazard that threatens mans life due to chemicals produce by plastics will also decrease resulting a harmonious living to human.

The participants will be most likely to respond positively with the questions that will be asked to them as they are fully aware and in current experience of the problem. There will be lists of substantial emotions coming from them regarding their feelings or problems they have regarding the topic. Our study indicates that the above hypotheses are more likely occur as the researchers consider factors that involves regarding the topic and may affect every valuable response of the participants.

E. Significance of the Study The research is significant to the researchers as it suggest ways of promoting importance to human life, especially knowing the illnesses that may come from the chemical contents of plastic bags and the pollution they create. It conceives awareness of every individual. De La Salle University - Dasmarinas will benefit in this study because the institution may come up with ways how to help the environment more as DLSUD is the university has been heralded Regional Champion in the Search for the Sustainable and Eco-friendly Schools 2009 by the Department of Education, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Environmental Management Bureau, Commission on Higher Education and Smart Communications. And in fact, DLSUD is the greenest

15

school in the Philippines. It may regulate more efficiently the no plastic campaign in the school premises with the use of this study as it tackles factors and effects to DLSUD students who are also consumers. This research is of significance to the realms of business industry especially to the plastic-producing-companies, to the community of Cavite and to the consumers residing in. The research may state that changing of plastics to eco-friendly products is a big help to the community, consumers and especially on the environment as to the benefits and advantages stated in the study. It will help the consumers to fully understand what the benefits of this change are so that they will not focus just on the negative side of having paper bags and a like that are not as durable and cheap as plastic bags. This may be a reference for future studies on topics about environment, packaging, and consumer behaviour.

F. Scope and Limitations

The study will discuss the current situation of plastic usage rate in Cavite as it is where the study focuses, specifically students of De La Salle University - Dasmarinas. It will cover the effects of the change from plastic bags to eco-friendly bags whether it is beneficial or not, more costly or cheaper and other feedback from them. The researchers will make use of the laws and regulations of the Philippine government regarding the topic to know the symptoms and causes of it. The basis of the study is restricted because

16

the information regarding the implementation of the no plastic campaign is new to the country and only few studies are obtainable as sources.

The research will be bounded to the desired number of participants as the generalization of members belonging to Cavite. The research will be limited to the extent of the response of the participants as students that will be involved in the study and also to the data currently available in the articles, internet, and books as the authors have studied. It is bound to the accuracy of numbers present in the sources and the accuracy of answers of the respondents in any way they are asked. The research will be more of the qualitative analysis of the data gathered rather than the quantitative because the group is looking at the effects to every consumers of Cavite in a narrative way or in according to their experience of using plastic bags. The researchers used the English language and considered Filipino in doing this research since this language is universal and now commonly used as a means of communication even it is oral or in written form.

G. Definition of Terms Bacterial Decay is the decomposition of organic matter. Ban (law) is a decree that prohibits something, sometimes a form of censorship. Chemical Substance is a form of matter that has constant chemical

composition and characteristic properties. It cannot be separated into components by physical separation methods, i.e. without breaking chemical bonds. It can be solid, liquid, gas, or plasma.

17

Consumer is a person or group of people who are the final users of products and or services generated within a social system. A consumer may be a person or group, such as a household. The concept of a consumer may vary significantly by context, although a common definition is an individual who buys products or services for personal use and not for manufacture or resale. Cost is the value of money that has been used up to produce something, and hence is not available for use anymore. In business, the cost may be one of acquisition, in which case the amount of money expended to acquire it is counted as cost. In this case, money is the input that is gone in order to acquire the thing. This acquisition cost may be the sum of the cost of production as incurred by the original producer, and further costs of transaction as incurred by the acquirer over and above the price paid to the producer. Disposable (also called disposable product) is a product designed for a single use after which it is recycled or is disposed as solid waste. The term often implies cheapness and short-term convenience rather than medium to long-term durability. The term is also sometimes used for products that may last several months (ex. disposable air filters) to distinguish from similar products that last indefinitely (ex. washable air filters). Eco-friendly/enviromentally-friendly (also nature friendly, and green) are ambiguous terms used to refer to goods and services, laws, guidelines and policies claimed to inflict reduced, minimal, or no harm at all, upon ecosystems or the environment. Companies sometimes use these terms to make environmental marketing claims when promoting goods and services, for example with eco-labels. Doing so is sometimes referred to as green washing.

18

Ecosystem is a community of living organisms (plants, animals and microbes) in conjunction with the non-living components of their environment (things like air, water and mineral soil), interacting as a system. These biotic and abiotic components are regarded as linked together through nutrient cycles and energy flows. As ecosystems are defined by the network of interactions among organisms, and between organisms and their environment, they can come in any size but usually encompass specific, limited spaces (although some scientists say that the entire planet is an ecosystem). Green Marketing is the marketing of products that are presumed to be environmentally safe. Thus green marketing incorporates a broad range of activities, including product modification, changes to the production process, packaging changes, as well as modifying advertising. Yet defining green marketing is not a simple task where several meanings intersect and contradict each other; an example of this will be the existence of varying social, environmental and retail definitions attached to this term. Packaging is the science, art, and technology of enclosing or protecting products for distribution, storage, sale, and use. Packaging also refers to the process of design, evaluation, and production of packages. Packaging can be described as a coordinated system of preparing goods for transport, warehousing, logistics, sale, and end use. Packaging contains, protects, preserves, transports, informs, and sells. Plastic is any of a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic organic solids that are mouldable. Plastics are typically organic polymers of high molecular mass, but they often contain other substances. They are usually synthetic, most commonly derived from petrochemicals, but many are partially natural.

19

Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that cause adverse change. Pollution can take the form of chemical substances or energy, such as noise, heat or light. Pollutants, the components of pollution, can be either foreign substances/energies or naturally occurring contaminants. Recycling is a process using materials (waste) into new products to prevent waste of potentially useful materials, reduce the consumption of fresh raw materials, reduce energy usage, reduce air pollution (from incineration) and water pollution

(from landfilling) by reducing the need for "conventional" waste disposal, and lower greenhouse gas emissions as compared to plastic production. Recycling is a key component of modern waste reduction and is the third component of the "Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle" waste hierarchy. Reuse is to use an item again after it has been used. This includes conventional reuse where the item is used again for the same function and new-life reuse where it is used for a different function. In contrast, recycling is the breaking down of the used item into raw materials which are used to make new items. By taking useful products and exchanging them, without reprocessing, reuse help save time, money, energy, and resources. In broader economic terms, reuse offers quality products to people and organizations with limited means, while generating jobs and business activity that contribute to the economy.

20

METHODOLOGY A. Time and Place of the Study The researchers conducted the study at De La Salle University-Dasmarias and gathered sources at the library. The questionnaires prepared will be equally distributed to different colleges during vacant time. Every week, the group makes sure to meet up and make a conversation about the research. With the use of high technology like Facebook, the researchers maintained their discussion and have monitored each member regarding the tasks assigned to them to fully achieve the development of the information that they needed.

B. Sources of Data/Sample Size

Calculating the Sample Size The sample size, in this case, refers to the number of students to be included in the survey. Step 1: Base Sample-size Calculation The appropriate sample size for a population-based survey is determined largely by three factors: (i) the estimated prevalence of the variable of interest users of plastic bags, (ii) the desired level of confidence and (iii) the acceptable margin of error. For a survey design based on a simple random sample, the sample size required can be calculated according to the following formula.

21

Formula:

n= t x p(1-p) m Description: n = required sample size t = confidence level at 95% (standard value of 1.96) p = estimated prevalence of number of students m = margin of error at 5% (standard value of 0.05)

Calculation: n= 1.96 x .9(1-.9) .05 n = 3.8416 x .09 .0025 n = .345744 .0025 n = 138.2976 ~ 139 To further estimate, the group will survey 140 students.

Step 2: Design Effect

The anthropometric survey is designed as a cluster sample (a representative selection of villages), not a simple random sample. To correct for the difference in design, the sample size is multiplied by the design effect (D).

The design effect is generally assumed to be 7 surveys using cluster-sampling methodology.

22

Example n D = 140 7 = 20 Step 3: Contingency The sample is further increased by 5% to account for contingencies such as nonresponse or recording error.

Example n + 5% = 20 x 1.05 = 21 Step 4: Distribution of Observations Finally, the calculation result is rounded down to the number that matches well with the number of clusters (7 colleges) to be surveyed.

Final Sample Size: N = 20 students per college total of 170.

The researcher used primary and secondary data. They formulate a surveyquestionnaire regarding the effects of changing packaging from plastic to eco-friendly materials to consumers. Through the use of survey, researchers able to know the insights of the 140 students that will be examine on the study. With the 7 colleges of De La Salle University-Dasmarias, each of it will have 10 participants. For the secondary data, the group used articles, magazines and websites in the internet as their reference to collect some information that helps the research paper to be more accurate and reliable. The researchers also gathered data from the municipalities of Cavite to know the current plastic usage rate of each community, especially in Dasmarinas

23

To illustrate the results of the data that could collect the researchers used figure such as charts and tables. This tool is used to evaluate and easily see the results that are gathered. A figure is a visual form of representing data. It displays sizes of numerical quantities.

In addition, the researchers were able to conduct a Focus Group Discussion to the student about their point of view on changing of packaging that contributes to success of knowing the effects to them. They decided to have a 7 participant to have a discussion with 10 questions regarding the effects of changing packaging from plastic to eco-friendly materials to consumers. Researchers will randomly select to represent their college.

C. Research Instrument The researchers select the appropriate and simple to understand questionnaire for the student to easy determine the effects of changing packaging from plastic to ecofriendly materials to consumers. With all of these questions, the researchers can able to recognizing the alternative solutions, deciding the best solution, implementation of the solution and make a review and feedback. The survey questionnaire is use as the main data-gathering instrument for this study (See Appendix). The questionnaire is containing more on personal experience regarding to the changing of packaging on their daily activity like purchasing a product

24

on a mall, department store, convenient store and many. It composes of sociodemographic characteristics of the respondents such as age and gender. The questionnaire proper section also contains questions that identify the advantages and disadvantages of using plastic bag and eco-friendly bag. The questions were structure with 2 sets of question. First is more on personal use of Plastic bag and Eco-friendly bag by putting a check on the following and corresponding questions. While the second part the respondent will able to categorize his/her preferred bag by putting PLB for plastic bag and PAB for paper bag in different instances of using the said bag. In addition, this research instrument allowed them to carry out the quantitative approach effectively with the use of statistics for data interpretation.

D. Research Design The examiners use Descriptive Research Design and Causal Comparative or Ex Post Facto Research Design where both attempts to describe and explain conditions of the present by using 2 subjects (plastic and paper bag) and questionnaires to fully describe a phenomenon, to describe answers to questions of who, what, where, when, and how. The research design tries to explore cause and affect relationships where causes already exist and cannot be manipulated. It uses what already exists and looks backward to explain why then later on used the Inferential Statistics by generalizing about the body of data (Students who used both plastic and paper bags) gathered whereas only a part (140 students) of it was examined that may lead to predictions about the entire research.

25

The methods used for data collection are Direct or Interview Method and the Indirect or Survey Method. Analysing survey data include frequency distributions and descriptive statistics. Frequency distributions tell you how many people answered a survey question a certain way. Descriptive statistics help describe a set of data through descriptive measures, such as means and standard deviations. To develop a result, they choose to have probability samples such as simple random sampling and cluster sampling. Each individual is chosen randomly and entirely by chance, such that each individual has the same probability of being chosen at any stage during the sampling process. The motivation for cluster sampling is to reduce the total number of interviews and costs given the desired accuracy. The methods used for data presentation are textual and graphical. There is narrative description of data gathered same with illustrations (Pie Charts - total quantity of 140 students are distributed among a group of categories) to show the data gathered in the most understandable way. The frequency distributions of the data gathered are grouped according to some numerical characteristics in order to get the most accurate results leading to successful generalization. To be able to know the most common result of the research, the researchers used measures of central tendency determine the mean and mode of the observations referring to the average and most frequent value that occurred in the study.

26

The analysis method to be used is the statistical method computing the percentages of the result. The interpretation of the data was narrative as well as the generalization till the researchers come up with a formal write-up of conclusions and recommendation.

27

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS After collecting all the results of the questionnaires, through the use of survey, researchers now able to discuss the insights of the 140 students from De La Salle University-Dasmarias, each of it will have 20 participants. From the College of Business Administration and Accountancy, College of Engineering, Architecture, & Technology, College of Science and Computer Studies, College of Tourism and Hospitality Management, College of Criminal Justice Education, College of Liberal Arts and Communication, and College of Education. The researchers also conducted Focus Group Discussion to the student about their point of view on changing of packaging that contributes to success of knowing the effects to them. 1 representative per (7)college, for a total of 7 participants to have a discussion with continuous discussion and concerns regarding the effects of changing packaging from plastic to eco-friendly materials to consumers. Q1: As a consumer, which do you prefer to use? CBAA CEAT CSCS CTHM CCJE Plastic bag Paper bag 9 1 3 13 4 11 19 17 7 16

28

CLAC COED TOTAL

11 12 53

9 8 87

Figure 1

Plastic bag Paper bag

The table above shows the collected data gathered from 7 colleges. That answered the question, As a consumer, which do you prefer to use? And pie chart illustrates the total percentage of students in each desired packaging such as Plastic bag and Paper bag. There are a total of 140 respondents from De La Salle University - Dasmarias, it figures that 38% of the students preferred to use Plastic bag. While the rest of them answered, 62% Paper bag. It revealed that using Paper bag is their top choice when it comes to packaging.

29

Do you reuse Plastic bag/Paper bag? (respond based on your answer in number 1) CBAA CEAT CSCS CTHM CCJE CLAC COED TOTAL

YES 11 20 18 11 13 13 12 98

NO 9 0 2 9 7 7 8 42

Figure 1.1

YES NO

The table above shows the collected data gathered from 7 colleges. That answered the question, Do you reuse Plastic bag/Paper bag?

30

In figure 1.1, it proves that the total percentage of students who answered either YES or NO in reusing Plastic bag/Paper bag. Many of the students answered YES with 70%. And few of them replied NO with 30%. It discovered that it is economical to reuse their preferred bag than to purchase another one. Heres the supported data why students wants to reuse plastic/paper bags:

COLLEGE

Less Waste

Cleaner Environment

Save Money

Conserve Resources

CBAA CEAT CSCS CTHM CCJE CLAC COED TOTAL

7 14 10 8 5 10 6 60

3 16 10 10 4 11 8 62

4 16 4 9 8 5 3 49

4 18 11 12 1 8 5 59

31

Figure 1.2

Less waste Cleaner environment Save money Conserve resources

As the total percentage shows the results are all nearly equal, such as the Cleaner Environment is their common reason to reuse bags with 27%, next is to Less Waste and Conserve Resources who got both 26% and the least is Save Money with 21%. It expose that the students are more concern with Cleaner Environment when it comes to considering a usage of particular packaging in buying.

Q2: Are you aware of the Plastic ban law? CBAA CEAT CSCS CTHM CCJE CLAC COED

YES 13 20 20 17 15 16 14

NO 7 0 0 3 5 4 6

32

TOTAL

115

25

Figure 2

YES NO

The table above shows the collected data gathered from 7 colleges. That answered the question, Are you aware of the Plastic ban law? In figure 2, it demonstrates that the total percentage of students who answered either YES or NO regarding their awareness for the Plastic Ban law. Most of the students answered YES with 82%. And few of them replied NO with 18%. It shows that majority of them are aware of the law being implemented in certain town and cities.

Q3: Is the plastic ban campaign implemented in your city/town? CBAA CEAT

YES 9 12

NO 11 8

33

CSCS CTHM CCJE CLAC COED TOTAL

16 9 12 10 7 75

4 11 8 10 13 65

Figure 3

YES NO

The table above shows the collected data gathered from 7 colleges. That answered the question, Is the plastic ban campaign implemented in your city/town? In figure 3, it determines that the total percentage of students who answered either YES or NO on the subject of the implementation of Plastic Ban law in the respondents city/town. Some of the students answered YES with 54%. And the rest of them replied NO with 46%. It illustrates that the Plastic Ban law is being implemented in some of the

34

town and cities like Pasay city, Las Pias, Muntinlupa city and also were some of the students reside, primarily in Dasmarias City were the majority of the student resides. 4. What do you think are the disadvantages of using Plastic bag?

COLLEGE CBAA CEAT CSCS CTHM CCJE CLAC COED TOTAL

Pollutes the Environment 11 20 20 18 13 16 15 113

Flood 5 20 20 11 8 9 12 85

Destruction of Natural Resources 4 20 16 9 7 10 9 75

Low Durability 2 11 12 12 6 8 6 57

Figure 4

Pollutes the Environment Flood Destruction of Natural Resources Low Durability

35

The table above shows the collected data gathered from 7 colleges. That answered the question, What do you think are the disadvantages of using Plastic bag? In figure 4, illustrates the total percentage of the student awareness regarding to the disadvantages of using Plastic bag and how does it harm the environment. There are a total of 140 respondents from De La Salle University Dasmarias, it shows that 34% are concern in the pollution to environment, 24% thought that flood is possible reason, 23% answered It can destruct the natural resources and the least reason is Low durability with only 17%. It explained that the usage of Plastic has its own different effect most especially to the environment.

5. What do you think are the disadvantages of using Paper bag?

COLLEGE CBAA CEAT CSCS CTHM CCJE CLAC COED TOTAL 236

Cutting of Trees 5 20 20 13 10 12 13 93 39%

Get Rip Easily 10 15 19 14 8 8 15 89 38%

Flammable 6 5 11 9 5 9 9 54 23%

36

Figure 5

Cutting of Trees Get Rip Easily Flammable

The table above shows the collected data gathered from 7 colleges. That answered the question, What do you think are the disadvantages of using Paper bag? In figure 5, illustrates the total percentage of the student awareness regarding to the disadvantages of using Paper bag and how does it harm the environment. There are a total of 140 respondents from De La Salle University Dasmarias, it shows that 39% are concern in the cutting of trees, 38% believed that paper bags is get rip easily, and 23% answered it is flammable. It explained that the usage of Paper has its own different effect most especially to the environment.

Q6: Are you willing to bring your own shopping bag for storing your purchase? CBAA CEAT

YES 8 20

NO 12 0

37

CSCS CTHM CCJE CLAC COED TOTAL

20 6 11 6 6 77

0 14 9 14 14 63

Figure 6

YES NO

The table above shows the collected data gathered from 7 colleges. That answered the question, Are you willing to bring your own shopping bag for storing your purchase? In figure 6, it demonstrates the total percentage of students who are willing to bring their own shopping bags for storing their purchase. Many of the students answered YES that they are willing to bring their own shopping bag with a percentage of 55%. And

38

some of them replied NO with 45%. It is discovered that it is more convenient for some students to bring their own bags when shopping. Q7: Do you purchase an eco-friendly bag when you shop? CBAA CEAT CSCS CTHM CCJE CLAC COED TOTAL

YES 10 9 11 7 12 8 7 64

NO 10 11 9 13 8 12 13 76

Figure 7

YES NO

The table above shows the collected data gathered from 7 colleges. That answered the question, Do you purchase an eco-friendly bag when you shop?

39

In figure 7, it denotes the total percentage of students who are willing to purchase their own eco-friendly bags for storing when they shop. Almost half of the students answered YES that they are willing to buy eco-friendly bag with a percentage of 46%. And the rest of them replied NO they would rather use what the store will provide for their packaging with 54%. It is learned that only half of the students are willing to spend extra money for an eco-friendly bag when shopping.

What do you prefer to use when you are in the following places: (put PLB for plastic bag and PAB for paper bag)

PLACE Shopping malls Convenience store Wet market Dry market School

PLB 63 66 90 30 73

PAB 77 74 50 110 67

Based on the table given, it demonstrates the comparison of the student preference based from the changes from plastic to paper packaging materials they usually use. In a particular place such as shopping malls, convenience store, wet markets, dry markets and schools. In shopping malls 45% of the students preferred to use plastic bags compared to 55% of students who are in favour of using paper bags. In convenience store 47% of the students preferred to use plastic bags compared to 53% of students who are in favour

40

of using paper bags. In wet markets 64% of the students preferred to use plastic bags compared to 36% of students who are in favour of using paper bags. In dry market 21% of the students preferred to use plastic bags compared to 79% of students who are in favour of using paper bags. In schools 52% of the students preferred to use plastic bags compared to 48% of students who are in favour of using paper bags. In general, most of the students preferred to use paper bag with a total of 54% compared to plastic bags with a total of 46% in different situation and places.

41

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION Now that the implementation of Plastic Ban in the Philippines is present, this research studies what are the effects of shifting from plastic bags to paper bags and other eco-friendly materials as packaging of products. As the result, there are a total of 140 respondents from De La Salle University - Dasmarias that figures that 38% of the students preferred to use Plastic bag. While the rest of them answered, 62% Paper bag. It revealed that using Paper bag is their top choice when it comes to packaging. CONCLUSION The purpose of The Effects of Changing Packaging from Plastic to Eco-friendly Materials on Consumers in Dasmarinas, Cavite is identified the insights, awareness, preferences, disadvantages and possible outcome of their continuous usage of Plastic and Paper bags. The outcome of the survey explored the perception of the respondents regarding the environment effects. Most of the students preferred to use Paper bags, because of packaging content that is easy to decay and does not fully harm the natural resources. Now a days, students are becoming more aware to the laws implemented by the government especially laws that concerns the environment. Also the execution of Plastic Ban law is now implemented in many different areas, not just locally but also worldwide.

42

Plastic bags and Paper bags disadvantages are mostly involve about the different effects that might happen to the environment, such as creating Pollution in land, air and water because of improper disposal of Plastic bags and Cutting of trees in making Paper bags for packaging groceries and etc. According to the result the respondents attitude depends upon the location and the usage of the plastic bag or the paper bag. In places such as shopping malls, convenience store, dry market and school the respondents preferred to use paper bags for their purchases. But in special cases where the items to be stored are cold, fresh perishable goods the respondents preferred to use plastic bag for its durability. RECOMMENDATION The research aims to solve the issue of which the consumers favour and what are the factors that affect their behaviour specifically. The government must give its fully support regarding to the implementation of the Plastic Ban law and providing corresponding punishment to those people and establishments who will not abide the said law. There should be limitations for plastic and paper bags production to avoid destruction of the environment and scarcity of resources. It has to utilize the cutting of trees and usage of oil. Universities should release campaigns promoting green living to students teaching them the importance on conserving the limited resource in the Philippines. They should

43

also ban the usage of plastic bag in the university to instil to the students the required discipline needed to change the society. . To the future researchers, the current group recommends to carefully analyze the target sample area of the study as it brings large contribution to the respondents response and information

44

REFERENCES

Enterprise with Plymouth University. Effects of Plastic on the Environment. Retrieved from http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/pages/view.asp?page=26783 Impact of Plastic. Retrieved from http://www.iwma.com/programsevents/Impact%20of%20Plastic.html Sourced from Roach, J (2003). National Geographic News. Are Plastic Grocery Bags Sacking the Environment? Wagner, J. Health Guidance. The Effect of Plastic Bags on Environment. Retrieved from http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/14901/1/The-Effects-of-PlasticBags-on-Environment.html Bekaze (2011). Are We Saving Earth by Banning Plastic Bag. Retrieved from http://bekaze.hubpages.com/hub/Wrong-Perception-about-Plastic-Bag\

Sourced from FAO. 1990. Conducting small-scale nutrition surveys: A field manual, Rome.

Sourced from Magnani, Robert. 1997. Sampling guide. IMPACT Food Security and Nutrition Monitoring Project, Arlington, Va.

45

Sourced from UNICEF. 1995. Monitoring progress toward the goals of the World Food Summit for Children: A practical handbook for multiple indicator surveys. New York.

APPENDIX

Name (optional): _____________________________ *College: _________ Objective: To attain the information needed in order to know the effects on the changes of packaging from plastic to eco-friendly bag to consumers. Direction: Please complete the following questions by pitting a check to choose the best answer. 1. As a consumer, which do you prefer to use? ___Plastic bag ___Paper bag Do you reuse (respond based on your answer in number 1) Plastic bag/Paper bag? ___Yes If yes, what are the reasons you recycle? (you can choose one or more) ___ Less waste ___ Cleaner environment ___ Save money ___Conserve resources ___ Others ________ ___No 2. Are you aware of the Plastic ban law? ___Yes ___No 3. Is the plastic ban campaign implemented in your city/town? ___Yes, where do you reside? ________________ ___No 4. What do you think are the disadvantages of using Plastic bag? (you can choose one or more)

46

___ Pollutes the environment ___ Flood ___ Destruction of natural resources ___ Low durability ___ Others _______

5. What do you think are the disadvantages of using Paper bag? (you can choose one or more) ___ More trees will be cut ___ Get rip easily ___Flammable ___ Others _______ 6. Are you willing to bring your own shopping bag for storing your purchase? ___Yes ___No 7. Do you purchase an eco-friendly bag when you shop? ___Yes ___No What do you prefer to use when you are in the following places: (put PLB for plastic bag and PAB for paper bag) Shopping malls Convenience store Wet market Dry market Office School

47