Single-Use Plastics: Environmental Impact and Solutions

This assignment delves into the multifaceted issue of single-use plastic pollution, examining its detrimental effects on the environment and human health. It requires a critical analysis of existing policies and initiatives aimed at mitigating this global challenge. The document analyzes different waste management approaches, including charging systems for plastic bags, reusable bag promotion, and policy interventions targeting the production and consumption of single-use plastics. It also examines the effectiveness of these strategies in reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable alternatives.

Running Head: REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED
TECHNOLOGY 1
Reduction of Plastic Bag Usage Through Advanced Technology
Rajinikanth Thoutam (ID: 170984)
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
Assignment Submitted to Dr. Stanley Nwoji in fulfillment of MidTermDraft
Date of Submission: 12/13/2017

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 2
List of terminologies
Common Unsafe Waste Incinerators- Uncontrollable burning of plastics to convert waste to
energy
US EPA- United States Environmental Protection Agency
Micro plastics- Plastic materials less than 5 millimetres

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 3
Table of Content
Introduction......................................................................................................................................5
1.1 Problem statement.....................................................................................................................5
1.2 Significance of study.................................................................................................................5
1.3 Background of the research.......................................................................................................6
1.4 Purpose Statement.....................................................................................................................8
1.5 Research Hypothesis..................................................................................................................8
1.6 Research Objectives...................................................................................................................8
1.7 Research Question.....................................................................................................................8
1.8 Limitation..................................................................................................................................9
1.9 Delimitation...............................................................................................................................9
1.10 Theoretical Framework............................................................................................................9
Literature Review..........................................................................................................................10
2.1 Introduction..............................................................................................................................10
2.2 Factors affecting the study.......................................................................................................10
2.3 Review of Theories..................................................................................................................13
2.4 Review of methods..................................................................................................................15
Research Methodology..................................................................................................................17
3.1 Research Philosophy................................................................................................................17
3.2 Research Design......................................................................................................................18
3.3 Research Strategy....................................................................................................................18
3.4 Data collection.........................................................................................................................19
3.5 Data Analysis...........................................................................................................................19

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 4
3.6 Sampling..................................................................................................................................20
3.7 Reliability and Validity............................................................................................................20
3.8 Ethical consideration...............................................................................................................20
4.0 Results......................................................................................................................................21
4.1 Results from Descriptive Analysis..........................................................................................21
4.2 Results from Inferential Analysis............................................................................................32
4.3 Hypothesis Testing..................................................................................................................36
5.0 Conclusion...............................................................................................................................38
5.1 Recommendation.....................................................................................................................38
References......................................................................................................................................40

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 5
List of Figures and Graphs
Figure 1: Research Philosophy......................................................................................................14
Graph 1: Gender............................................................................................................................18
Graph 2: Age..................................................................................................................................19
Graph 4: Research and development is required for advancement of technology........................21
Graph 5: Sufficiency of current technological methods................................................................24
Graph 6: Government is facing challenges in reduction in usage of plastic reduction.................25
Graph 7: Scope of improvement....................................................................................................27
Graph 8: Advancement technology has impact in reduction of plastic waste...............................28
Graph 9: Normal Probability Plot..................................................................................................31

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 6
Introduction
This is a study, which will analyse the significance of advanced technology in reducing
the use of plastic bag. The consumption of plastic bags and other products have increased
significantly. This is having a profound impact on the environment as these bags and plastic
products are non-renewable in nature (Khoiruman & Haryanto, 2017). Thus, these materials are
the main sources of marine debris and land based litters, which reduces the efficiency of the
automated recycle systems. Thus, the government has been taking measures to prevent this
degradation of the environment and the study will analyse the significance of technology in
plastic waste management.
1.1 Problem statement
The uses of plastic have increased significantly in the recent years and it is having an
adverse effect on the sustainability of the environment. Technology has advanced significantly
but the reduction in the use has not diminished. Thus, the study will address this problem to
identify suitable strategies and measures for improving environmental sustainability.
1.2 Significance of study
The study will identify the significant impact of advanced technology on reduction of
plastic bag usage. The research will analyze the problems faced by the US government in
controlling the use of plastic bags. Moreover, the perspectives of the general consumers are taken
in to account so that the study can provide a different dimension.

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 7
1.3 Background of the research
The plastic manufacturing industry grew considerably due to the benefits attached to it.
The cost of producing plastic products is low; plastics have high durability and low weight
(Mutungi, Imathiu & Affognon, 2016). Thus, this material type has been preferred over any other
materials and this can be identified by the exponential growth in the plastics industry (Green et
al., 2015). Moreover, 50% of the plastics products that are developed belong to the category such
as disposable items for consumers, packaging and agricultural films (Fred Dufour, 2017). The
consumption of plastic products has kept on increasing and even though the government has
taken measures to mitigate the use of plastic products, a lot of improvements are required to
reduce pollution in the environmental conditions. Various statistics suggest that most of the
plastic wastes are managed by using conventional methods such as land filling (Rhyner et al.,
2017). The major drawback of using this method is none of the materials is recovered and it
leads to increase in the shortage of the land filling areas. Incineration is another method, which is
being used by the government to reduce the need of land filling and can be used to recover some
amount of energy. However, the use of incineration leads to concerns in releasing of hazardous
materials into the atmosphere. Thus, there are many drawbacks of using these methods, down
gauging and recycling of products are the measures, which have been able to reduce the
production and consumption of the materials effectively (Plastic bag bans, 2017).
However, the uses of these processes in most of the countries have been minimal and the
use of plastic bags has increased the imbalance in the ecosystem significantly (Romer &
Tamminen, 2014). Thus, use of innovation is one of the ways of managing waste materials in a
better way. There is need for constantly improving the processes of managing plastic waste and
so numerous ways have been developed to manage plastic waste in a better way. The study

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 8
conducted by EPA shows that 79% of the plastic waste materials are accumulating in landfills
and only 9% of the total plastic have been recycled (Xanthos & Walker, 2017). Moreover, it is
predicted that if proper measures are not taken into account and the present trend keeps on
continuing, 12 billion metric ton of plastic waste will be accumulated in landfills and there will
be more amount of plastic waste in the oceans that the living organisms (Romer & Tamminen,
2014). Thus, immediate measures are necessary for preserving the environment and technology
is one of the major factors in this context. The innovative procedures have been implemented in
the field of sorting where there have been improvements in the productivity of the automated
sorting procedures. The use of recycled polymers in closed loop processes to provide high value
is another innovative method that has been implemented. However, there is scope of
improvement in the overall recycling procedures and thus modern technologies will have to be
identified and implemented to make changes (Poortinga, Whitmarsh & Suffolk, 2013).
Thus, the study investigated modern technologies that have been developed or are being
developed to increase the sustainability of the environment. However, there are instances which
suggest that the use of paper bags are much more harmful than the plastic bags as the level of
carbon footprint is higher in the manufacturing of paper bags (Rivers, Shenstone-Harris &
Young, 2017). Thus, the paper bags will have more impact on the climate change. This issue is a
complicated one and various authors have different opinion about this matter which will be
discussed in detail in the literature review. Therefore, the solution to this matter is complex and
new advancement is required in the field of technology to improve the sustainability. This study
analyzed the latest technological methods that should be used to reduce the usage of plastic bag.

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 9
1.4 Purpose Statement
The purpose of the study is to identify and evaluate the impact of advanced technology in
reduction of plastic waste. In this current research, the perception of the general population will
be taken into consideration to identify the sufficiency of the methods implemented by the United
States government.
1.5 Research Hypothesis
H0- Advanced technology does not have significant impact in reduction of plastic waste
H1- Advanced technology does have significant impact in reduction of plastic waste
1.6 Research Objectives
 To evaluate the impact of advanced technology in reduction of plastic waste
 To evaluate the significance of advanced technology in reduction of plastics waste
 To evaluate the problems faced due to over usage of plastic materials
 To evaluate the challenges faced in using technology to mitigate the over usage of plastic
bags
 To recommend suitable strategies to reduce the use of plastic materials
1.7 Research Question
 What is the impact of advanced technology in reduction in use of plastic waste?
 What is the significance of advanced technology in reduction in use of plastic materials?
 What are the challenges faced by the U.S.A government in managing plastic waste?
 What are the measures taken by the U.S.A government to mitigate the issue?

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 10
1.8 Limitation
The research has used primary data analysis and a single research design for analysing
the problem statement. However, this research is specific to United States and may not be
applicable to other countries. As quantitative analysis is the basis of evaluation, the data cannot
be compared with other relevant data to provide a different dimension to the study.
1.9 Delimitation
These limitations can be mitigated by conducting similar experiments in different settings
to identify the reliability of the methods used in the study. Secondly, by using multiple design in
research, the study can overcome the shortcoming of using a single design.
1.10 Theoretical Framework
(Independent variable) (Dependent variable)
Advanced
Technology
Plastic waste
reduction

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 11
Literature Review
2.1 Introduction
Disposal of plastic is one of the serious global environmental concerns and there are
various methods, which are being used by the government of different countries to mitigate this
issue. Wagner (2017) found out that incineration and land filling are two most commonly used
methods that are globally accepted. However, as stated by Ten Brink et al., (2017), there are
drawbacks to these methods; so many of the non-government organizations are opposed to these
methods. There is a problem of finding a suitable land for filling in many countries and the
design of the incineration system has been designed in such a way as it not feasible for mass
usage. This is due to the fact incineration leads to emission of harmful gases in to the
atmosphere, which will influence the long-term sustainability of the corresponding environment.
Thus, this section of the study will evaluate the perspective of different researchers and analyse
the modern technologies that are being used to manage plastic waste management system in a
better way.
2.2 Factors affecting the study
Plastic bag usage
These modern technologies that are being used by various government are plasma
pyrolysis technology, liquid fuel, polymer blended bitumen roads and co-processing of cement
kiln (Rhyner et al., 2017). Shukla and Gottschalk (2013) observed that it is a method of using
plastic materials to lay roads and have been successfully used in various countries. Bitumen film

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 12
is frequently peeled off the totals due to the entrance of water, which brings about pothole
arrangement. As stated by Bisschops, Schofield and Grace, (2017), Plastic waste produced from
various urban communities and towns is a piece of civil strong waste. It involves worry that
transfer of plastic waste is causing numerous issues for example, filtering sway ashore and
ground water, stifling of channels, making land fruitless, unpredictable consuming causing
natural risks and so on. Plastics squander being non biodegradable is littered in most of the urban
communities/towns and their-by giving a revolting appearance. The stack checking result
uncovered that discharge esteems are found underneath the standard set for Common Unsafe
Waste Incinerators (Ta & Bones, 2017).
According to Uson et al., (2013), single used carrier bags made of plastics are used for
carrying various goods from shopping malls and supermarkets, and most of these bags are
provided without extra charges. These bags are generally used for that single trip only and rarely
they are used for some other purposes. Moreover, their reusing capabilities are low and the
organizations that charge for providing with plastic bags are the ones with better quality of
materials and can be used multiple times. However, most of these bags are not reused even
though they governments in various countries have mace efforts to improve the life span of the
plastic products (Sinclair et al., 2016). This shows that the life cycle of the plastic carry bags is
very short which is the main cause of the increase in impact on the corresponding environment
and society.
Use of advanced technology in consumption reduction
In the USA, neighbourhood governments have the essential duty to oversee municipal
solid waste An especially risky waste for neighbourhood governments is the single-utilized
plastic sack. In 2014, in the USA, 103.465 billion single-utilize plastic shopping sacks were

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 13
used. (Green et al., 2015). They likewise decrease the adequacy of robotized reusing
frameworks. Accordingly, local governments progressively have received an assortment of
measures particularly proposed to decrease the store-level utilization of single-utilize shopping
packs in noteworthy classifications: bans, burden of charges and assessments, building up least
item outline of sacks, requiring buyer training, and ordering retailer reclaim programs. As of
September 2017, there were 271 neighbourhood governments in the USA with plastic pack
statutes covering 9.7% of the country's populace. The greater part (95%) of the laws is a
prohibition on single-utilize plastic packs; 56.9% of these bans additionally incorporate a
compulsory expense on paper as well as reusable sacks (Foster, 2013). For the charge based
mandates, the mode is $0.10 per pack; each assessment/expense statute enables retailers to hold a
few or all the gathered expense. As governments in United States keep on increasing their
activities on plastic sacks, 11 states have authorized laws to deny local governments from
managing single-utilized plastic packs. Because the accomplishment with single-utilized sacks,
local governments are likewise establishing comparative mandates on single-utilized extended
polystyrene customer items and other single-utilized plastic items.
Majority of the data made publicly accessible by the US ecological security organization
(US EPA). As stated by the US EPA, plastic waste need dramatically expanded in the United
States since 1960 “when plastics were less one percent of the waste stream”. It may be evaluated
that 8% about worldwide raw petroleum has been prepared from transform plastics (Ertz et al.,
2017).
In each step along that waste administration stream, spillage What's more passing from
claiming plastics happens. As a result. Utilization is expanding exponentially same time waste
management framework advancement is stagnant, new answers for plastic waste oversaw

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 14
economy need aid essential. Significantly for. Those estimates from claiming recently 0.1% for
yearly plastic waste escaping the waste oversaw economy system (Soni, Patil & Argade, 2016).
These many tons for plastic contamination have significant impact on the corresponding
environment.
2.3 Review of Theories
Conceptual framework
Most of the peer reviewed literature on plastic pollution focuses on understanding and
measuring the environmental and public health issues associated with plastic debris, both on land
and in the ocean. Much attention has focused on plastic pollution in the marine pollution in the
marine environment have increased over time (Chatsiwa, Mujere & Maiyana, 2016). The Marine
Debris Working Group of the National Centre for Ecological Analysis concluded that plastic
pollution poses a threat to public health when persistent bio accumulative and toxic substances
(PBTs) adsorb to small plastic pieces and microplastics in the ocean. While not all chemicals that
adsorb on to plastics will bio accumulate, some are potentially capable of expanding to the food
chain, such as organic compounds and heavy metals that are harmful to humans. Plastics in the
ocean often break into smaller pieces (microplastics) and these particles can get caught in the
gills of fish or ingested by marine life, resulting in suffocation or starvation of the organism.
Crossing all environmental scales, plastic pollution poses a threat, locally and globally, to marine
and wildlife ranging from microorganisms to marine megafauna (Thorneloe & Kaplan, 2016).
Parallel to the marine environmental damages, the terrestrial impacts are often related to wildlife
interactions-ingestion and entanglement. It is important to note that there is very little peer
reviewed literature specifically highlighting the environmental and public health impacts of

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 15
plastic pollution on land. The focus on marine plastic pollution comes from the likelihoodthat the
plastic pollution will eventually travel downstream to the ocean. The United Nations Joint Group
of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Pollution found that 80% of marine debris (not
just plastic pollution) originates from land-based sources (UNEP and Greenpeace, 2014). In
addition to posing a navigational hazard, copious amounts of plastic pollution in waterways, in
storm water drains, and on roadways can interfere with industries such as shipping, trucking,
fishing, and tourism. Economic interference is the number one driver for the creation of
legislation regulating plastic pollution in the US (Cremiato et al. 2017).
Diminishments in the age of new plastic are probably going to give the greatest
ecological effect since clean-up isn't productive, regarding time and cash. With a 4% yearly
increment in worldwide plastic creation during the most recent 3 years, worldwide plastic waste
age is relied upon to increment at a comparable rate. The utilization of plastic things does not
really imply that those things will wind up in the seas or the earthbound condition; nonetheless,
devouring more plastic expands the likelihood of expanded plastic contamination (Pandey et al.,
2016). In this unique situation, the objective of this undertaking is to feature positive business
rehearses concentrated on decreasing plastic utilization in two business areas: lodgings and
eateries. Plastic diminishment activities are frequently gone for the individual purchaser. In any
case, scaling up from the individual can accomplish much more prominent decreases. The UNEP
and the Global Partnership on Marine 9 Litter contend that unveiling plastic utilize and the cost
of plastic use in the buyer products industry "can open beforehand unrecognized advantages.
Such advantages are frequently useful for business, for instance, sparing information costs and
recuperating an incentive from squander; client dependability, for example, favoured items and
upgraded mark esteem; representative engagement; group fulfilment, and enhanced access to

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 16
capital". It is workable for the same to remain constant for organizations in benefit enterprises
that expend plastic in the administration of their clients (Khoshnevisan et al., 2017).
Distinguishing, uncovering, and esteeming plastic utilize makes open doors for advancement and
diminishment. Marked as the most essential of the three R's, diminishment is the initial phase in
strong waste administration, trailed by reuse and reusing. Since decrease occurs before the
purpose of utilization, diminishment is the best waste administration strategy. Along these lines,
the objective of our contextual investigations is to concentrate on diminishment rehearses, albeit
other strong waste administration strategies identified with reusing and reusing plastics are
featured. Reusing productivity is near 9% in the United States, by a few evaluations, so even
though reusing is frequently touted on supportability sites, more activities are required (Nakano
& Shibahara, 2017).
2.4 Review of methods
Literature gap
Even though, the study has been able to take all the factors in to consideration, this
research will evaluate and validate the existing theories. This study will not be able to develops
new theories or generalizations and the findings of the study is based on the perspective of the
population sample taken in to account. Thus, the study has been narrowed down to a specific
country and broader aspect cannot be approached.
Conclusion
Thus, the review of literature states shows that various author has suggested the fact
various methods have been taken by the governments and organizations to mitigate these

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 17
problems. However, technological advancement is one of the major factors in managing
reduction of usage of single plastic bags but there are other significant, which have contributed
immensely in maintaining the sustainability of the environment.
Research Methodology
3.1 Research Philosophy
In this current field of study, the development of knowledge can be profound but there
are generally four types of philosophy, which are used in business or academic research. These
philosophies are positivism, realism, post positivism and interpretivism (Flick, 2015). The
research philosophy selected for the study is positivism as it will observe the phenomenon and
based on these factors the objectives of the study are classified. Moreover, the hidden truths and
facts in the study will be highlighted with the assistance from the positivism philosophy.
Moreover, positivism will help in the improvement of the observational scope of the research.

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 18
Figure 1: Research Philosophy
(Source: Flick, 2015)
Justification for selecting positivism
In this current field of study, positivism has been used as the philosophy of research as
actual truth will be extracted from the different observations in the study. Moreover, the
formulation and testing of the hypothesis will be facilitated by the positivism philosophy of
research. Thus, the scope of observation of the study has been increased and descriptive statistics
can be implemented in the study. Moreover, the hypothesis in the study can be tested due to the
implementation of the positivism research philosophy.

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 19
3.2 Research Design
The study will consist of quantitative analysis of data as the positivism has been chosen
as the research philosophy. The quantitative analysis will consist of close-ended questionnaire
addressed to selected population sample and statistical tools such as descriptive statistics and
regression analysis will be used for validating the existing theories.
3.3 Research Strategy
The research strategy used in the study is deductive approach, as quantitative analysis
will be used for analyzing the data. The deductive approach will improve the scope of the study
as the formulated hypothesis and exiting theories can be validated.
3.4 Data collection
The data collection method that is being in the study is the primary collection method.
Quantitative and qualitative data collection is the two methods that can be used in this collection
method. Quantitative data collection will consist of mathematical calculations and will use
surveys and questions to collect the data. The survey will consist of close-ended questionnaires,
which will be asked to the public who have limited knowledge about the research topic. The
qualitative analysis will consist of the open-ended questionnaires, which will be asked to the
individuals who have knowledge regarding the research topic (Csikszentmihalyi & Larson 2014).
However, in this study, mono method will be used for the analysis of the data and will comprise
of only quantitative analysis of data. Thus, in this study quantitative analysis will be used for
data collection and will consist of the statistical analysis of data.

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 20
3.5 Data Analysis
The identification of the patterns in the interviews will be analysed with the qualitative
analysis of data. However, in this quantitative analysis will be used and will comprise of
evaluation of the data with descriptive statistics. The data that has been collected will be
analysed and linked to the objective of the study to validate the existing theories (Bryman 2015).
The statistical tools and techniques will consist of regression analysis, which will establish the
relationship between the dependent and the independent variables. The data that has been
collected will be represented in forms of charts and graphs and each of the questions will be
analysed through to identify the hidden facts and establish the relationship.
3.6 Sampling
In this study, simple random sampling has been used where the population is selected
randomly which provides the population with the equal opportunity of being selected. The
population sample that has been selected for the study is 50 as it will be easier to calculate and
infer from small population sample.
3.7 Reliability and Validity
The ability of drawing similar conclusion from the study can be defined as the reliability
of the study. According to Silverman, (2016), high degree of reliability ensures that there is
positive outcome in the study. When all the needs of the framework in research are fulfilled then
it is known as the validity. As stated by Sekaran and Bougie, (2016), validity is one of the
essential requirements of conducting a good research. Validity can be considered measurement,
appropriate collection and understanding of the collected data. The validity and reliability of the
data is high in this particu8lar study.

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 21
3.8 Ethical consideration
Ethical ground must be maintained in academic and business research and has a
significant importance. In this study, the confidentiality of the data that has been collected has
been maintained. The privacy and interest of the respondents have been protected by keeping the
data confidential (Padgett, 2016). Moreover, none of the data has been taken from other journals
and articles of similar type. None of the respondents has been forced to take part in the survey
and they have participated on their own free will.
4.0 Results
4.1 Results from Descriptive Analysis
Gender of Participants
Row labels No of response Percentage of response Total respondents
Male 28 56% 50
Female 22 44% 50

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 22
Table 1: Gender
56%
44%
Gender
Male Female
Graph 1: Gender
In this study, 56% of the respondents are male and 44% are female. Thus, the study will
be able to gain knowledge about the perspective of the both type of respondents.
Age of Participants
Age No of response Percentage of
response
Total
respondents
less than 25 13 26% 50
25-30 25 50% 50
31-40 6 12% 50
41 and above 6 12% 50

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 23
Table 2: Age
less than 25 25-30 31-40 41 and above
26%
50%
12% 12%
Age
Graph 2: Age
In this study, 12% of the respondents were above the age of 40 and 12% were between
the age group of 31-40 years. On the contrary, 76% of the respondents are below the age group
of 30. Thus, the majority of the respondents are between the age group of 25-30 a Thus, the data
that has been obtained is expected a to offer significant result.
3. How much do you agree that innovation is required in the advancement of technology?
Row labels No of response Percentage of
response
Total respondents
Strongly Agree 26 52% 50
Agree 16 32% 50
Indifferent 1 2% 50

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 24
Disagree 4 8% 50
Strongly disagree 3 6% 50
Table 3: Innovation is required in technology advancement
Strongly Agree
Agree
Indifferent
Disagree
Strongly disagree
52%
32%
2%
8%
6%
Innovation is required in advancement of
technology
Graph 3: Innovation is required in technology advancement
This question will highlight whether innovation in technology is significant in the
advancement of technology. The findings of the study suggest that 52% and 32% agree to the
fact that innovation will have significant impact on the advancement of technology. On the
contrary, 8% and 6% of the employees are not in agreement with the majority of the respondents.
Thus, the findings are indicating that innovation may be significantly important factor for
advancement in the field of technology. Continuous innovation is required in the field of
technology so new technologies can be developed which may improve the efficiency of the
procedures used for management of plastic waste reduction.

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 25
4. How much do you agree that focus on research and development is needed to make
advancement in the field of technology?
Row labels No of response Percentage of
response
Total respondents
Strongly Agree 21 42% 50
Agree 19 38% 50
Indifferent 0 0% 50
Disagree 3 6% 50
Strongly disagree 7 14% 50
Table 4: Research and development is required for advancement of technology
45%
39%
3% 7% 6%
Research and development is required for
advancement of technology
Strongly Agree Agree Indifferent
Disagree Strongly disagree

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 26
Graph 4: Research and development is required for advancement of technology
This question will highlight the significance of research and development in the
advancement of technology. The findings show that 45% and 39% of the respondents are in
agreement with the research question. However, 7% and 6% are not in agreement with the
majority of the respondents. Thus, according to the sample population the majority of the
population sample infers that research and development of technology may be crucial in
upcoming years in maintaining the sustainability of the environment. Thus, this shows that large
amount of capital will have to be spent on research and development so that there is continuous
improvement in technology and harmless substitute products can be developed.

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 27
5. How much do you agree that current technological methods are sufficient to manage
recycling of plastics products?
Row labels No of response Percentage of
response
Total respondents
Strongly Agree 23 46% 50
Agree 19 38% 50
Indifferent 0 0% 50
Disagree 3 6% 50
Strongly disagree 5 10% 50
Table 5: Sufficiency of current technological methods
46%
38%
6%
10%
Sufficiency of current technological methods
Strongly Agree Agree Indifferent
Disagree Strongly disagree

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 28
Graph 5: Sufficiency of current technological methods
This question will aim to identify the sufficiency of current technology in reduction of the
plastic waste materials. The majority of the respondents think that technology available is
sufficient to mitigate the current problems in the environment. However, there are respondents
who are in disagreement of the fact that new technological innovation is required. Thus, the
findings suggest that technology has made immense progress and it is possible to reduce the use
of plastic materials with the current technology. Thus, this indicates that even though the
government has access to advance technology there are other factors, which are causing
hindrance.
6. How much do you agree that the government is facing challenges in reduction in usage of
plastic materials?
Row labels No of response Percentage of
response
Total respondents
Strongly Agree 24 48% 50
Agree 17 34% 50
Indifferent 0 0% 50
Disagree 4 8% 50
Strongly disagree 5 10% 50

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 29
Table 6: Government is facing challenges in reduction in usage of plastic reduction
Strongly Agree Agree Indifferent Disagree Strongly disagree
48%
34%
0%
8%
4%
Government is facing challenges in
reduction in usage of plastic reduction
Graph 6: Government is facing challenges in reduction in usage of plastic reduction
This question of the study will highlight whether the government is facing issues in
managing the use of plastic. The study shows that 48% of the respondents are in strongly in
agreement with the fact that government is facing issues managing the reduction in plastic usage.
Moreover, 34% of the respondents have agreed with majority, which clearly indicates that there
are issues, which has to be mitigated in order to maintain the sustainability of the environment.
on the contrary, 8% and 4% of are in complete disagreement with the question. Thus,
government will take reforms so that manage the environment in a better way.

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 30
7. How much do you agree that there is scope of improvement in plastic material usage
procedures?
Row labels No of response Percentage of
response
Total respondents
Strongly Agree 21 42% 50
Agree 20 40% 50
Indifferent 1 2% 50
Disagree 2 4% 50
Strongly disagree 6 12% 50
Table 7: Scope of improvement
42%
40%
2%
4%
12%
Scope of improvement
Strongly Agree Agree Indifferent
Disagree Strongly disagree

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 31
Graph 7: Scope of improvement
This question is aimed at identifying the scope of improvement in plastic material usage
procedures. The findings of the study suggest that 42% and 40% of the respondents are in strong
agreement with the fact that there is a scope of improvement in the procedure of plastic waste
management. However, 4% and 12% are in disagreement with the fact there is a scope of
improvement. Thus, there is scope of improvement in the technological methods, which
contradicts the fact that the respondents think that the present technologies are sufficient for the
managing of the plastics materials. Thus, this complexity cannot be determined just by analyzing
the perspective of the respondents and statistical tools will provide a better understanding of this
factor in the study.
8. How much do you agree that advanced technology has significant impact in reduction of
plastic waste materials?
Row labels No of response Percentage of
response
Total respondents
Strongly Agree 26 52% 50
Agree 16 32% 50
Indifferent 0 0% 50
Disagree 4 8% 50
Strongly disagree 4 8% 50

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 32
Table 8: Advancement technology has impact in reduction of plastic waste
Strongly
Agree Agree Indifferent Disagree Strongly
disagree
52%
32%
0% 8% 8%
Advancement of technology has impact in
reduction of plastic waste
Graph 8: Advancement technology has impact in reduction of plastic waste
This question will address the fact that advancement of technology will have significant
impact in reduction of plastic waste. The findings of the study suggest that 52% and 32% of the
respondents are in agreement with the fact that advancement of technology will have significant
impact on reduction in usage of plastic waste materials. On the contrary, 16% of the respondents
are in strong disagreement with the question. However, no concrete conclusion can be derived
from these tables and graphs, and so statistical tools such as regression and hypothesis, which
will be able to establish a relationship between the independent and dependent variable.

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 33
4.2 Results from Inferential Analysis
Regression analysis
0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
f(x) = − 0.0797355114741345 x + 2.12401140930896
R² = 0.00421147306980874
Chart Title
Axis Title
Axis Title
Regression analysis is used to establish the relationship between the independent variable
and the dependent variable. Regression analysis will identify the type of degree of relation
among both the variables. Moreover, r square will identify the extent to which the independent
variable is able to explain the dependent variable. The normality plot shows that the sample
population is normally distributed which will identify the goodness of fit of the data that has
been collected.
SUMMARY OUTPUT
Regression Statistics

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 34
Multiple R 0.064896
R Square 0.004211
Adjusted R
Square -0.01653
Standard
Error 0.846004
Observation
s 50
ANOVA
df SS MS F
Significance
F
Regression 1 0.145296
0.14529
6
0.20300
6 0.654334291
Residual 48 34.3547
0.71572
3
Total 49 34.5
Coefficien
ts
Standard
Error t Stat P-value Lower 95% Upper 95%
Lower
95.0%
Intercept 2.124011 0.369146
5.75385
7
5.95E-
07 1.381794275
2.8662285
43
1.3817942
75
X Variable 1 -0.07974 0.176969
-
0.45056
0.65433
4
-
0.435555949
0.2760849
26
-
0.4355559
49
PROBABILITY OUTPUT
Percentile Y
1 1
3 1
5 1
7 1
9 1
11 1
13 1
15 1.333333
17 1.333333
19 1.333333
21 1.333333
23 1.333333
25 1.333333

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 35
27 1.333333
29 1.333333
31 1.333333
33 1.333333
35 1.333333
37 1.333333
39 1.333333
41 1.333333
43 1.333333
45 1.666667
47 1.666667
49 1.666667
51 1.666667
53 1.666667
55 1.666667
57 2
59 2
61 2
63 2.333333
65 2.333333
67 2.333333
69 2.333333
71 2.333333
73 2.666667
75 2.666667
77 2.666667
79 3
81 3
83 3
85 3
87 3
89 3
91 3
93 3.333333
95 3.666667
97 3.666667
99 4

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 36
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
0
1
2
3
4
5
Normal Probability Plot
Sample Percentile
Y
Graph 9: Normal Probability Plot
Findings
The findings of the study show that the f value is 0.654334291 which means the value is
greater than 0.5. Moreover, the p value for the study will be more than .05, which means that null
hypothesis cannot be rejected and alternative hypothesis cannot be accepted. Regression analysis
will establish the relation among the dependent variable and the independent variable. The
multiplier R describes the correlation between both the variables. The value of the multiplier is
0.064896, which means that there is positive correlation between the variables. R2 is the
coefficient of determination, which identifies the number of variables that will line with the line
of regression. However, the implication of R2 is the ability of the independent variable to explain
the dependent variable. In this study, the value of R2 is very low that only 1% of the dependent
variable can be explained by the independent variable. This shows that there are other variables,
which will be able to explain the dependent variable in a better way. Thus, the regression
analysis shows that there is significance impact of the advancement in technology on reduction
in usage of the plastic waste materials. The normality probability plot suggests that the data used

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 37
in this study is almost close to being normally distributed. This means that even though the data
is following normality there is no significant influence of one variable on the other variable.
4.3 Hypothesis Testing
Two sample T- Test
t-Test: Two-Sample Assuming Equal Variances
Variable 1 Variable 2
Mean 1.973333333 1.966666667
Variance 0.466394558 0.704081633
Observations 50 50
Pooled Variance 0.585238095
Hypothesized Mean Difference 0
df 98
t Stat 0.043572497
P(T<=t) one-tail 0.482666916
t Critical one-tail 1.660551218
P(T<=t) two-tail 0.965333832
t Critical two-tail 1.984467404
Findings
The hypothesis testing of the study shows that means are almost equal in the study. The t
value in the study is 0.0436 which states that means are almost equal. Thus, the null hypothesis
can be rejected and the alternative hypothesis can be accepted. The difference in analysis of both
the study and this is due to the fact that regression will take all the variables i9n tom account
where as hypot5hei9sis testing will take only one variable in to consideration. Thus, from the
hypothesis testing it can be said, that advancement of technology will have impact on the
reduction in the usage of the plastic waste.
Final analysis

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 38
Thus, from the study, it can be seen that there is significant difference in results in
regression and hypothesis testing. This is due to the fact there are other assumptions that are
made by t test, which may lead to the production of different results. Thus, it is important to
identify the suitable testing procedure for executing a study. The study shows that advancement
in the field of technology will have impact on reduction in the use of the plastic materials.
However, the regression analysis of the data shows that there is no significant impact of
advanced technology on reduction in usage of the plastic bags. This shows that there are other
significant factors, which have more impact on the dependent variable. Thus, from the findings
of the study it can be stated that independent variable will have an impact on the dependent
variable but the relation between both the variable is low.

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 39
5.0 Conclusion
Thus, it can be concluded from the study that there is impact of advancement of
technology on reduction of usage of plastic bags. However, the independent variable is bale to
explain only 1% of the dependent variable so there are other factors which are more important
than in management of plastic bags usage. Thus, linking with the objective of the study, it can be
said that there are lot issues still which cannot be mitigated by the use of technology and so
measures have to be taken in order to reduce the consumption of single use plastic bags.
Moreover, it has been seen that US have made stringent laws regarding the use of plastic bags
which will facilitate in better management of solid waste.
5.1 Recommendation
It is recommended from the study that the government will have to keep on using
research and development so that they can create substitute product for plastic. Moreover, the
quality of bio degradable plastic materials will have to improved so that this issue can be
completely solved. Therefore, the US government will have to use innovation in research and
development to improve the processes in a better way. Moreover, the government will have to
organize awareness programs to increase the awareness of the general population. Environment
can only be made sustainable by making the use of the products sustainable. The government
will have to invest in improvement of technology. The study shows that technology is having
appositive impact on reducing the consumption of single usage plastic bags so investing on
research and development is a sustainable way of protecting the environment. Moreover,
disposal of waste can be executed more efficiently to reduce the harmful effect. The United
States government will have to develop long term goals and based on these goals they will take

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 40
short actions to reach the target they have set. The majority of the plastic that is polluting the
environment is microplastic and they are difficult to filter as they easily get dissolve in facewash.
The cosmetic products used are major contributors of microplastic pollution and it can be
reduced by educating people about its adverse effect. Moreover, the reuse of same plastic bags is
a feasible option as it does not degenerate easily and can be used several times to reduce the
consumption.

REDUCTION OF PLASTIC BAG USAGE THROUGH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 41
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