An investigation of consumer attitude towards anti-plastic bag consumption in Cambodia

Abstract

In the present era, plastic bags have emerged as the predominant catalyst for global warming due to their protracted decomposition process. Although it has adverse environmental impacts, it is a frequently used commodity by customers. Furthermore, Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, is steadily increasing the quantity of plastics consumed daily. This study aims to examine consumer attitudes towards anti-plastic bag behavior in Cambodia, considering the significant number of plastic bags used on a daily basis. The study employed seven factors, including environmental knowledge, environmental concern, attitude towards using plastic bags, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, behavioral intention, and anti-plastic bag behavior, to examine consumer behavior about plastic consumption. Furthermore, this study employed quantitative research methodologies, specifically utilizing a cross-sectional study design to gather the data. We conducted this study with a sample size of 206 participants who responded to an online and paper survey. This study's findings suggest that environmental concern, attitude towards using plastic bags, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control influence behavioral intention. However, it is worth noting that there is a negative association between environmental knowledge and behavioral intention. Environmental knowledge, behavioral intention, and perceived behavioral control all have a significant impact on people's behavior in avoiding plastic bags.