Increase efforts to socialize about the negative impact of the use of plastic packaging water

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 12 views

Knowledge of Student Attitudes and Actions about the Principle of Reduce and Reuse in Using Bottles of Drinking Water as a Substitute for Bottled Drinking Water at the University of North Sumatra in 2017

Introduction

The increasing use of plastic packaging for drinking water has become a significant environmental concern. Plastic packaging requires a long time to decompose naturally, and when exposed to heat, it can degrade and pollute water, posing a risk to health. In this context, understanding the attitudes and actions of students related to the principle of reduce (reducing) and reuse (reuse) in the use of drinking water bottles is crucial. This study aims to describe the knowledge, attitudes, and actions of students at the University of North Sumatra about the principle of reduce and reuse in using bottles of drinking water as a substitute for bottled drinking water.

Background

The use of plastic packaging for drinking water has become a common practice worldwide. However, the environmental impact of this practice is significant. Plastic packaging contributes to pollution, waste management issues, and climate change. In Indonesia, the use of plastic packaging for drinking water is particularly high, with millions of plastic bottles being consumed every day. The University of North Sumatra, being one of the largest universities in the region, has a significant impact on the environment. The university's students, faculty, and staff are among the largest consumers of plastic packaging for drinking water.

Methodology

This study used a descriptive research design with a cross-sectional approach. The data was collected through a questionnaire filled by 200 students at the University of North Sumatra. The questionnaire consisted of three sections: knowledge, attitudes, and actions related to the principle of reduce and reuse in using drinking water bottles. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics to determine the frequency and percentage of students who possessed good knowledge, positive attitudes, and concrete actions related to the principle of reduce and reuse.

Results

The results of this study showed that student knowledge about the principle of reduce and reuse in using drinking water bottles was good, with 101 students (50.5%) falling into this category. In terms of attitude, 116 students (58.0%) showed support for the use of drinking water bottles. However, the actions of students who behaved well related to the use of drinking water bottles were limited, with only 24 students (12.0%) taking concrete actions to reduce and reuse drinking water bottles. This shows a significant gap between knowledge and positive attitudes possessed by students with the concrete actions they take.

Discussion

The results of this study highlight the importance of understanding the attitudes and actions of students related to the principle of reduce and reuse in using drinking water bottles. Although students at the University of North Sumatra have good knowledge and attitude towards reducing the use of bottled drinking water, their concrete actions still need to be improved. This is a challenge for educational institutions to continue to encourage more sustainable environmental awareness and actions among students.

Conclusion

This research confirms that although students at the University of North Sumatra have good knowledge and attitude towards reducing the use of bottled drinking water, their concrete actions still need to be improved. This is a challenge for educational institutions to continue to encourage more sustainable environmental awareness and actions among students. The importance of understanding the principles of reduce and reuse must continue to be emphasized, not only for the welfare of the environment but also for public health. By promoting this awareness, it is expected that the younger generation, especially students, can be more active in protecting the environment and contributing to the sustainability of natural resources.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Increase efforts to socialize about the negative impact of the use of plastic packaging water: The University of North Sumatra should increase efforts to socialize about the negative impact of the use of plastic packaging water. One way that can be done is to install a poster containing information in the campus canteen.
Encourage students to bring reusable drinking water bottles: The campus can also encourage students to bring reusable drinking water bottles as an alternative, to minimize the use of disposable plastic.
Promote sustainable environmental awareness and actions: Educational institutions should continue to encourage more sustainable environmental awareness and actions among students.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size was limited to 200 students, which may not be representative of the entire student population at the University of North Sumatra. Secondly, the questionnaire used in this study may not have captured all the relevant information related to the principle of reduce and reuse in using drinking water bottles. Finally, the study was conducted in 2017, and the results may not be applicable to the current situation.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on exploring the factors that influence students' attitudes and actions related to the principle of reduce and reuse in using drinking water bottles. Additionally, research should be conducted to identify effective strategies for promoting sustainable environmental awareness and actions among students.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Student Attitudes and Actions related to the Principle of Reduce and Reuse in Using Drinking Water Bottles

Q: What is the main objective of this study?

A: The main objective of this study is to describe the knowledge, attitudes, and actions of students at the University of North Sumatra about the principle of reduce and reuse in using bottles of drinking water as a substitute for bottled drinking water.

Q: What is the significance of this study?

A: This study is significant because it highlights the importance of understanding the attitudes and actions of students related to the principle of reduce and reuse in using drinking water bottles. The results of this study can inform educational institutions and policymakers about the need to promote sustainable environmental awareness and actions among students.

Q: What are the key findings of this study?

A: The key findings of this study are:

101 students (50.5%) have good knowledge about the principle of reduce and reuse in using drinking water bottles.
116 students (58.0%) show support for the use of drinking water bottles.
Only 24 students (12.0%) take concrete actions to reduce and reuse drinking water bottles.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: The implications of this study are:

Educational institutions should continue to encourage more sustainable environmental awareness and actions among students.
Policymakers should consider implementing policies to promote the use of reusable drinking water bottles.
The public should be aware of the negative impact of the use of plastic packaging water and take steps to reduce and reuse drinking water bottles.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study are:

The sample size was limited to 200 students, which may not be representative of the entire student population at the University of North Sumatra.
The questionnaire used in this study may not have captured all the relevant information related to the principle of reduce and reuse in using drinking water bottles.
The study was conducted in 2017, and the results may not be applicable to the current situation.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future research should focus on exploring the factors that influence students' attitudes and actions related to the principle of reduce and reuse in using drinking water bottles. Additionally, research should be conducted to identify effective strategies for promoting sustainable environmental awareness and actions among students.

Q: What can individuals do to reduce and reuse drinking water bottles?

A: Individuals can take the following steps to reduce and reuse drinking water bottles:

Bring reusable drinking water bottles to school or work.
Refuse single-use plastic water bottles.
Encourage friends and family to use reusable drinking water bottles.
Support policies that promote the use of reusable drinking water bottles.

Q: What can educational institutions do to promote sustainable environmental awareness and actions among students?

A: Educational institutions can take the following steps to promote sustainable environmental awareness and actions among students:

Incorporate environmental education into the curriculum.
Encourage students to participate in environmental activities and projects.
Provide resources and support for students to develop sustainable environmental practices.
Lead by example and promote sustainable environmental practices among faculty and staff.