Impact of Plastic Pollution on Marine Environments

This assignment delves into the severe consequences of plastic pollution on marine environments. It examines the pervasive issue of microplastics, their accumulation in the food web through ingestion by various marine organisms, and the harmful effects of toxic leachate from plastics on marine life. The assignment encourages a critical analysis of scientific research and literature to understand the complexities of this environmental challenge.

RESEARCH PROJECT OF THE EFFICIENCY OF SMALL
BUSINESS TO REDUCE THE PLASTIC BAGS BASED WASTES
STUDENT ID:
STUDENT NAME:
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Abstract
Small business firms are coming forward to fight with the harmful impacts of plastic based
wastes generated pollution and debris created in environment which not only carries vector of
harmful diseases and but also releases harmful emissions of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and other
harmful chlorinated gases in the atmosphere. But also it leads to blockage of drain ways and
waterways due to increased accumulation or over accumulation of plastic wastes and debris due
to inadvertence of people which lead to plastic based dumping of wastes in even around places of
health and Medicare and lead to severe water borne infectitious diseases which hurts humanity
and its healthy existence.
This entire research project highlights the judging of research hypotheses that does small
business really play the key role in reducing the plastic bags use by substituting them with
artificially made cardboards , papers and clothes which are on the other easily decomposable and
biodegradable and even recyclable as against that of plastics or polythenes.
Our research hypotheses is tested positive that is based on the circumstances based outcomes in
results and findings it is seen that small businesses does have a valuable impact in terms of
reduction of plastic bags based wastes and their emissions to the requisite level or intensity.
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Acknowledgments
Developing this research is one of my best experiences in my life. It provides me the opportunity
to enhance the knowledge and analytical skill. I would like to thank my
supervisor ................................................... for the constant guidance and support during the
process of this research. Finally, I would like to thank professionals who have participated during
the research survey provided the valuable inputs and inspired me throughout the research
process.
Heartfelt Thanks and warmest wishes,
Yours Sincerely,
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Table of contents
1. Introduction..................................................................................................................................6
1.1 Introduction................................................................................................................................6
1.2 Background of the topic.............................................................................................................6
1.3 Aim of the study........................................................................................................................6
1.4 Objectives..................................................................................................................................7
1.5 Research questions.....................................................................................................................7
1.6 Research hypothesis...................................................................................................................8
1.7 Research rationale......................................................................................................................8
1.8 Summary....................................................................................................................................8
2. Literature review..........................................................................................................................9
2.1 Introduction................................................................................................................................9
2.2 Outline of ideas related to plastic bags usage..........................................................................10
2.3 Concepts and theory................................................................................................................11
2.4 Gaps in literature......................................................................................................................13
2.5 Conclusion...............................................................................................................................14
3. Methodology..............................................................................................................................15
3.1 Introduction..............................................................................................................................15
3.2 Method outline.........................................................................................................................15
3.3 Research Philosophy................................................................................................................15
3.4 Research Approach..................................................................................................................16
3.5 Research Design......................................................................................................................18
3.6 Data Source..............................................................................................................................19
3.7 Data Collection Method...........................................................................................................19
4. Data analysis and interpretation:..............................................................................................21
4.1 Quantitative method.................................................................................................................21
4.2 Qualitative method...................................................................................................................27
5. Conclusion and recommendations.............................................................................................28
5.1 Conclusion...............................................................................................................................28
5.2 Recommendation.....................................................................................................................29
6. Limitation of the research study................................................................................................30
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Reference list.................................................................................................................................31
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1. Introduction
1.1 Introduction
Our research topic is based on the judgement of the role played by small business to reduce the
plastic bags waste in terms of the harmful impact of plastic bags based wastes on the
environment. Our topic focuses on the detailed illustration of the manner depicting the evil
impact of maximum usage of plastic bags on the environment in which we are living. The
detrimental impacts are summed up in the literature review part.Additionally based on our
research objectives of the
Problem faced due to the accumulation of plastic bags to the human society is also being
highlighted in this research project. Not only this the research project tests the hypothesis that
whether the small business does really help in kerbing the ill effects of plastic bags and their
accumulation as waste products in the society and how does it benefit in reducing various types
of environmental degradation in an efficient and instrumental manner or mode. The introductory
part puts before us some objectives and some questions based on our objectives that by what,
how and which manner does the small business reduce plastic bags based wastes and how far it
is useful to the society.This is done in the effective and instrumental manner respectively.
1.2 Background of the topic
Our topic is based on the ideology of environmental pollution and measures to eradicate the
same through useful tools and policies adopted by the small business organisations. In the
modern globalised world, small business does play a key role in reducing the intensity of large
business generated plastic bags and baggage by replacing them with other materials of artificially
designed paper bags or related goods which are an effective feature to reduce soil pollution in
ample amount in a very efficient and systematic way. By doing the analysis the project also
highlights on various adversities of plastic bags on the environment based on soil, water and air
respectively in all terms and conditions.
1.3 Aim of the study
The aim of our study to judge the validity of the statement that small business helps to reduce the
plastic bags wastes based emissions in a sound and precise manner based on various good bonus
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and benefits or advantages of doing small businesses which ultimately will cater to ecological
welfare in terms of pollution reduction of the surroundings in and around human beings habitats
or places where they thrive or exists.The health aspect of humans is the primary cause of the
analysis of judging whether the small business enterprises are really influential in reducing the
use of plastic bags in more than much of an abundant manner.
1.4 Objectives
The main objectives of our research work can be mentioned as follows:
1.To understand the detrimental impact of increased use of plastic bags on environment which
are mainly used by consumers and producers for purchase and sales of goods
2. To understand the role played by small business in reducing plastic bags usage by which small
business firms in and around the world aids in reducing polyethene based emissions
3.To understand the measures taken by small business in reducing the plastic bags usage.at
different periods of business cycles for minimisation of polyethene or plastics usage in markets
4. To understand the efficiency level of small business in terms of welfare by curtailing increased
use of plastic bags wastes focusing on the strength of small businesses to reduce plastic bags use.
1.5 Research questions
The research questions are as follows:
1. What is the detrimental impact of polyethene or plastic bags on the human society and how far
and in what way or manner does it hurts the ecological fabric of human surroundings in both
intensity and nature based impacts?
2. What is the pioneering role played by small business enterprises in reducing the usage of
polythene bags in an intense manner for the sake of reduction of polyethene based soil, water and
air pollution?
3.What are the particular measures adopted by small businesses in eradicating increased usage of
plastic bags?
4. How far are the small business firms efficient in reducing or minimising the harmful effects of
increased use of plastic bags in the society?
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1.6 Research hypothesis
The research hypothesis can be split into two parts in terms of the interest of researchers and they
are as follows:
Null hypothesis: H0=0 (This hypothesis states that there is null impact of role played by small
business in reducing the use of plastic bags in sound manner)
Alternative hypothesis: H1≠0 (This hypothesis states that there is strong impact of measures
taken by small business in reduction of plastic bags wastes and its evils)
1.7 Research rationale
The rationale of our is totally based on the intuition that the polyethene articles or plastic bags
cause an adverse impact on environmental health standards by catering to air, water and soil
pollution respectively and hence the pioneering role played by the small business firms in
reducing its-its usage should be justified through various theories and concepts. The rationale is
also based on the testing of the intensity of reduction of plastic bags usage by the measures of
small business enterprises.
1.8 Summary
In the summary, it can be said that the elements of introductory analysis of our research project
based on the efficiency of small business enterprises in the instrumental reduction of plastic bags
usage are highlighted in a systematic and sound manner respectively. The objectives, aims and
questions based on our research are also mentioned in the accurate and simple manner in our
introductory part with in-depth manner.
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2. Literature review
2.1 Introduction
There are several harmful effects of the increased usage of plastic bags by the human society and
hence its detrimental effects should be stopped as being recognised by the most educated
intellectuals of the modern globalised world. As per Setälä et al. (2014, p.78), there are various
measures adopted by the planner and policy makers of developed nations of the modern era to
minimize the adverse impacts of plastic bags and polyethene carriages to the environment by
directly reducing their usage. This process of reduction of plastic bags usage may crop up in
terms of various modules and manners.The role played by the small business firms and
enterprises can be contextualised in terms of the process of reduction of plastic bags usage and
hence reduced use of plastic bags in markets intensively used for the trade-based business of
various consumer goods or commodities for daily consumption.
The problem of recycling: As per Sekaran and Bougie (2013, p.55), the main problem based on
plastic bags usage is that it cannot be recycled or and so when it is thrown to the soil or earth
after each particular use it becomes a trash or landfills based wastes. Once these landfills or trash
wastes from inefficiently decomposed plastic bags get accumulated in the environment they add
to different types of pollutions in all the three mediums namely soil, water and earth respectively.
Problem of decomposition:Plastic bags being not decomposed in soil are carried away by wind
or water agents in form of liters through drains our sewage systems or through air and when they
come in contact with the healthy open environments of humans, they lead to harm in form of
generation of PVC(Polyvinyl chloride) based chemical product and VOC based chemicals
which add to the woods of humans who are affected with infections and diseases which often
lead to breathing problems due suffocation and choking and may even catered to death if the
intensity of harm is very much strong to the human environment.
The role of small business to reduce the use of plastic bags: Small business do play a key role
in reducing the impact of plastic bags usage in many possible manners and it incorporates such
systems and measures which easily help to reduce the natural harms to the environment caused
by increased accumulation of PVC based polyethene products. Some such measures the
customers or consumers are not allowed to bring or in some ways not feel it necessary to bring
plastic bags from home to take the purchased consumer goods from small business base shops
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and enterprises. The reason is that the small businesses provide alternative products to be used as
bags by customers and they are mainly in form of cardboard or hard artificial paper made bags.
The small businesses also provide opportunities to the consumers for the use of cloth based
product bags which are recyclable and can be easily decomposed into the soil after each
particular use.
Small business also provides the opportunity to customers to shop in bulk which reduces the
usage of a maximum number of plastic bags in appreciable amounts. There varieties of methods
by which small business do help in creating social awareness among customers for reducing the
use of plastic bags and have various policies under its armour to help the human society to do the
same for their own benefits and welfare judged in terms of health grounds.
2.2 Outline of ideas related to plastic bags usage
There are various theories and models based on the role played by small businesses to reduce
plastic bags based wastes whose emission cater to live threatening outcomes on the health of
humans and make them miserable in terms of health grounds. As per Saunders et al. (2012,p.
107), all these theories are based on highlighting the harmful effects of plastic bags usage and the
in this context discusses all the essential steps designed by policy makers to reduce plastic bags
based detriments to the environment .The theories also tell about the manner by which the small
business firms adopt these effective measures designed by the policy makers and social
programmers which are the chief characteristics of their business development policy or
procedure.
The emissions from non-biodegradable pollutants like PVC or Polyvinyl chloride generated from
increased use of non-decomposable polyethene bags are causing increasing health problems in
modern world which are catering health hazards in intense manner as reflected in the following
theories based on the control of use of plastic bags by small business as a positive approach to
eradicate the detrimental impact of non-recyclable plastic bags wastes on soil , water and air
based terrestrial environments. As per Reardon (2013, p.88), small business based development
is, therefore, necessary in ample amounts to fit with the policies of reduced use of polythenes to
keep their evil effects in check in sound and sophisticated manner using the latest tools of
pollution abatement respectively.
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2.3 Concepts and theory
Plastics and environment
Increased use of plastics in terms of increased magnitude of consumer demands in the modern
globalised world does have a devastating effect on the human environment and on the biotic and
biotic surroundings encircling humans. For instance, plastic bags or polyethene carriages lead to
blocking and hurdles in the drainage and sewage system in the gutters and drains. As per
Oliveira et al. (2013, p.643), they are hence threatening to the lives of millions of aquatic
organisms including fishes of various species which form the staple food of human beings all
around the civilised world. So the fishes infected from the harmful chemical ingredients and
constituents of plastics when consumed by humans led to various harmful diseases including that
of cholera which sometimes goes to the extent of taking the lives of peoples unknowingly.
Plastic materials when mixed with rainwater lead to the advent of growth process of mosquito
larvae of female Anopheles mosquitoes which lead to the spread of the most harmful infectious
bacteria-borne disease namely malaria which when happen in increased intensity lead to severe
harmful symptoms in humans starting from highly viral fever , intense headache and ultimately
the if the immune system of him or her is weak he or she may die due to the disease in intense
manner namely malignant malaria.
As per Lusher (2015, p.250), these harmful plastic wastes cannot be disposed of easily and so
they easily form trash or litters which led to pollution in air by release of harmful chemicals like
polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and due to its non-recyclable nature, it is often seen to be burnt in
incinerators which again adds to environmental effluents in various modes or manners. This non-
biodegradable plastic materials lead to the release of harmful chlorine-based substances, and
other chemicals like dioxins and furans and other poisonous gases which if not treated with
fairness may further lead to chances of death as witnessed in humans by suffocation or choking
due to the unhealthiness of air.These plastic based effluents do harm the endocrine system of
humans and cause various endocrine based diseases which take long range of time to be treated
properly or in a fully fledged manner.
Plastic in form of monomers or the low variety of complexly architecture designed polyphones
often features as carriers of various diseases which are transported via the wind from the source
to the destined physical body of vulnerable humans. As per Li et al. (2015, p.928), hence there
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are various types of plastics of both polymeric and monomeric origin which in combination with
other product or chemicals if comes in contact with the open foods of humans may cause vital
harms and burnings thereby affecting the organ system of humans which surely poses death
threat if not treated instantaneously with proper medical aids and cares using the best tools of
medical science.
Environmental theories and models based on plastic usage
There are various environmental theories based on pollution catered by unlimited use of plastic
bags and luggage of polyphones.
a.Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior based environmental change
This particular theory based on planned behaviour based environmental change put forth by
Ajzen outlines various planned based behavioural change in form of social thrusts or subjective
norms which may be of various varieties do impact environmental behaviour and defines the
specific set of actions to be taken on them. As per Lee et al. (2013, p.11280), the stronger the
pressures are the more intense the actions taken on the basis of these thrusts or pressures.
For instance in our case of plastics based damage affecting environment, the intensity of its
impact since being very strong in recent world phenomenon does lead to the promptness and
high level of actions to be taken in response from small business firms for eradication of this
changed behaviour of human environment in terms of being polluted by plastic bags based
wastes.
b. Gifford’s social dilemma system model
The individuals or groups of society or ecological community is a system which proceeds from
communal interest based policies to self-interest based policies by virtue of which the
environmental characteristic based behavior is modified or changed in certain terms or manners.
As per Koelmans et al. (2016, p.3323), hence the outcomes of ultimate origin are affected in
terms of conflict of interests between humans and environment where they live in due to a
behaviour of some humans affecting other variety of humans and the environment.
Hence in our analysis, the increased use of plastics by modern human communities may harm the
niches and physical and biotic environments of other humans in form of pollutants based on
various categories of pollutants catered by increased use of plastic bags or polythene materials.
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c. Stern's Value-Belief-Norm theory:
As per Fosse (2014, p.18), this theory based on the valuation of environment tells that humans
create certain norms or procedures in business which in terms of the sense of the belief that their
violation or infringement may lead to adverse effects on the environment.
In our analysis, norms or policies created or framed by policy makers for reduction of plastic
emulsion based pollution is adopted by small business enterprises for the sake of the belief that
their violation may lead to the threat of intense environmental degradation by increased use of
plastic based bags and polythene luggage.
Role played by small business in reducing the use of plastic bags
As per do Sul et al (.2014, p.355), the role played by small business in reducing the use of plastic
bags may be analysed in terms of some suitable measures taken by small businesses to encourage
its customers to reduce the use of plastic bags while making the purchase of consumer goods or
products from market. Small business firms may lead to reduced use of plastic bags by replacing
them with wooden cardboards based material bags and cloth luggage.These replaced items, on
the other hand, can be easily recycled or reused and can be decomposed into soil quite easily as
against that of plastic available in polymeric or monomeric form respectively. Small business
also helps the packing of many goods bought by the consumers to be purchased in bulk by the
consumers because of the ideology that this technique leads to reduced use of plastic bags and
hence less environmental degradation.
2.4 Gaps in literature
There are certain gaps or loopholes in the above review for which it has failed to be a complete
designed fully fledged review defining the purpose of our research project which is deficient in
certain properties as it failed to explain some other facets of increased damage caused by the use
of plastic based products in increased amount. As per Collis. & Hussey (2014, p. 98) ,business
Similarly, the advantages related to the use of plastics in the industrial market phenomenon is
also being missing in the review of our analysis of our research project which only focuses on
the negative externalities cum adversities of using plastic bags in enough amount.
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2.5 Conclusion
As per Anderson (2013, p.77), to summarize the entire concept of our research project as per our
literature review analysis it can be mentioned that the review part deals with the relation of
plastics and environment and depict the relationship among them not only in conceptual and
practical manner but also it highlights the the theories and concepts of environmental valuation
and determines their relationship the topic of our research work illustrating the importance of our
research work based on evaluation of efficiency role played by small businesses in reducing the
threats of increased accumulation of not -biodegradable materials of plastics in ecological
Environment . Additionally, some of the loopholes of our review are also being analysed for the
sake of genuineness of our research review based section of our research project.
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3. Methodology
3.1 Introduction
Research methodology deals with the discussion of methods incorporated by the research
conductor to complete the work. While working on the choice of various methods, attention on
the nature of study should be paid by the researcher. This section is supposed to help the
researcher to accumulate detailed information related to the selected topic. Due to the existing
issues and the new ones that may rise, the researcher should be primarily concerned about his
choice while making the decision about choosing the research methods. A variety of views is
considered here for the proper analysis of the research topic. The justification for the selection of
the various techniques to conduct the research is also provided by the researcher. The researcher
applies the various processes in detailed explanation during the research methodology. These
detailed processes may aid the researcher in the process of analyzing the topic in a consistent
way.
3.2 Method outline
The researcher makes use of detailed techniques of research for proper analysis of the research
topic in this chapter. The various sections included in method outline comprises of research
philosophy, approach selected in conducting the research, resources of data available and
analysis of the collected data. The researcher opts to use post-positivism as research philosophy
for this topic, including deductive approach and descriptive designs for the research. The
collection of data includes the use of both qualitative and quantitative methods from various
sources. The primary data is collected by the researcher from 30 customers and locales and 2
small business managers in Orpington, South East London. The usage of books, magazines,
journals and websites is made by the researcher for the collection of secondary data. Such
techniques are expected to help the researcher to make the research topic more relevant.
3.3 Research Philosophy
There are mainly three types of research philosophy, viz., post-positivism, positivism, and
realism. The selection of research philosophy helps in the proper understanding of the topic by
the reader. Hence selecting the right philosophy plays a vital role. The nature of the study totally
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manipulates the selection of the research philosophy. Each philosophy possesses their own types
of advantages and disadvantages that can affect the research directly or indirectly. The researcher
decides to use the research philosophy of post-positivism for this research topic. As analyzed by
Fram (2012, p. 323) post-positivism includes usage of models, theories and various background
information related to the topic.
Figure 1: Research Philosophy
(Source: Fram, 2012, p. 323)
3.3.1 Justification
The application of post-positivism is done by the researcher. This is due to the reason that the
research topic needs to be analyzed in a standardized manner and selecting post-positivism will
help the researcher in the field. It also ensures the discussion of hidden facts and information
related to the topic. Due to the availability of a limited time, the researcher selects post-
positivism as the best available option. Also, the usage of this philosophy leads to a proper
evaluation of the topic and reduce errors that may hop in during the research.
3.4 Research Approach
The researcher requires developing a format regarding the topic of research. The study of
research approach helps the researcher in the field. The research can be carried out based on
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both, the deductive approach and the inductive approach. The selection of the research approach
is made based the availability of data and information. When the researcher wants to gain
information relevant to the related research topic, he may choose inductive approach
(Hammersley, 2014, p. 16). New theories and models can be made based on this approach. The
deductive approach, on the other hand, is referred to the procedure that provides a discussion
based on the application of the theories and models in the practical field and obtains detailed
knowledge and information related to the topic. As opined by Popping (2012, p. 89) the prime
focus of deductive approach is on the selection of specific theories and models, and thus, related
discussions that will aid in the analysis of the data. The researcher, however, chooses to use
deductive approach to obtain relevant details related to the topic and gain knowledge and
information on the research topic.
Figure 2: Research approaches
(Source: Popping, 2012, p. 89)
3.4.1 Justification
The researcher makes the selection of the deductive research approach because this technique
works its way all through the general topic to specialized topics. The researcher will be aided by
this approach in the process of data collection and information gathering from various sources
and help the researcher to meet the objectives of the research. Due to lack of opportunity
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available to the researcher for going to observe and create new theories, the researcher chose the
deductive approach to finish the research work with significant data and accurate information.
Moreover, the approach of deduction helps the researcher to meet the completion of his research
within a limited time tenure.
3.5 Research Design
Designing a proper research stimulates the researcher to provide a clear and proper explanation
of the research topic (Thomas, 2012, p. 165). There are three designs available at the researcher's
disposal to aid him to complete the research. The three designs include descriptive design,
explanatory design, and exploratory design. Among the three designs, the researcher chooses the
descriptive approach based on the nature of the topic.
Figure 3: Research Design
(Source: Thomas, 2012, p. 165)
3.5.1 Justification
Using the descriptive method, the researcher succeeds in collecting required data from two
varied sources. This design also aids the search for answers to questions like what, how, where,
when and why. This technique also serves the appropriate understanding of the topic and
promises the maintenance of the standards.
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3.6 Data Source
Data sources can be categorized into two sections:
1. Primary Data: These are collected from the sources directly related to the topic. The
researcher gathers these data from distributed questionnaire among 30 customers and
locales and interviewing 2 small business managers.
2. Secondary Data: Some other individual collects these data and the researcher makes use
of these previously collected data to ensure accuracy and relevance of the topic. The
sources utilized by the researcher include books, journals, government reports and other
documents (Alvesson and Sandberg, 2013, p. 23).
Figure 4: Types of Data sources
(Source: Alvesson and Sandberg, 2013, p. 23)
3.7 Data Collection Method
A collection of data from the area of Orpington, South East London can be made in two ways:
1. Quantitative Data Collection: From the viewpoint of Chandra and Sharma (2013, p. 91)
the measurement of these data are done by making use of analysis based on statistics or
tools of mathematics. The collection of these data was performed by questionnaire
distribution among 30 customers and locals of the area.
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2. Qualitative Data Collection: Case studies, historical researches, and interviews form the
backbone of this type of data collection. The nature of these data are description based
and ensures the provision of detailed information pertinent to the topic. The researcher
focuses on interviewing 2 managers of small businesses in the area to gain detailed
information.
Figure 5: Data Collection Methods
(Source: Chandra and Sharma, 2013, p. 91)
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4. Data analysis and interpretation:
4.1 Quantitative method
For the quantitative method of analysis of the efficiency of small businesses on reducing the use
of plastics bags based wastes, the questionnaire based questions are based on 30 customers taken
as samples in purposive methodology.
Question 1.What is the level of use of plastic bags use in small business firms in the United
Kingdom?
Options No of responses Total respondents Percentage of responses
High 5 30 16%
Medium 5 30 16%
Low 20 30 66%
Table1: Tabular representation of intensity of plastic bags use by small business based
customers
Figure6: Chart Wise representation of intensity of plastic bags use by small business based
customers
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Analysis:
As per the latest views of customers purchasing goods from small business firms of London with
respect to the intensity of use of plastic bags by them, the majority responses of around 60%
customers comprising 20 people are that low use of plastic bags use is prevalent as customer-
based culture in small business firms in Australia and the very rest or small section of customers
have given answer in favor of strong use of plastic or polythene bags by them.
Question 2: Does the customer's use replaceable bags of other materials for shopping?
Options Responses Total no. of respondents Percentage of responses
Yes 20 30 66%
No 5 30 16%
Neutral 5 30 16%
Table 2: Tabular representation to show does replaceable materials made bags are used for
shopping purposes in small business firms
Figure 7: Chart wise representation to show does replaceable materials made bags are
used for shopping purposes in small business firms
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Analysis:
In terms of the question whether any replaceable material in terms of substituting plastic bags
usage is common in terms of use by clients or customers of small business based firms , it is seen
that most of the clients or customers are in favor of the fact that many replaceable substitutes of
plastic bags are in use by the customers of small business firms or enterprises. Very small
percentage of customers is the view that those replaceable bags of-of alternative products are
much in use in small businesses.
Question 3: Do the substitutes are cardboards or cloth or artificial paper based products?
Options No .of responses Total no. of respondents Percentage of responses
Yes 18 30 60%
No 4 30 14%
Neutral 8 30 26%
Table 3: Tabular representation of responses to predict whether substitutes of plastic bags
are mainly cardboards, clothes or artificial paper in origin
Figure 8: Charts representation of responses to predict whether substitutes of plastic bags
are mainly cardboards, clothes or artificial paper in origin
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Analysis:
In terms of the above analysis it can be interpreted that use of replaceable materials as substitutes
of plastic or polythene bags are available in small businesses in form of card boards , clothes
based products and artificially made papers, more than most of the customers are in favour of the
decision or fact that there are large characteristic roles played by clothes and cardboard based
and even artificial paper bags in shopping activities of customers in small business . The second
majority of people have neutral responses and the rest few are answering against the fact.
Question 4: How far the increase in the use of replaceable or substitutable product based bags is
helping customers?
Options No. of responses Total respondents Percentage of responses
Very much 18 30 60%
To some extent 10 30 34%
None 2 30 6%
Table 4: Tabular representation of benefits appropriated by people in terms of use of
substitutes of plastic bags
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Figure 9: Charts representation of benefits appropriated by people in terms of use of
substitutes of plastic bags
Analysis:
In terms of the table and chart mentioned above , it can be interpreted that a large portion of
customers are happy to standard level regarding the benefits accrued from increased use of
substitutable materials in place of plastic bags in small business as against a few customers who
thinks that the change has not benefitted them to a satisfactory amount.
Question 5: Does the step taken by the small business to reduce the use of plastic bags deduct
company profits or not?
Options No. of responses Total no. of respondents: Percentage of responses
No 20 30 66%
Yes 5 30 16
Neutral 5 30 16%
Table 5: Tabular representation to judge whether small business's objective to reduce
plastic bags usage has deducted company’s profits
Figure 10: Chart wise representation of judging whether small business's objective to
reduce plastic bags usage has deducted company’s profits
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Analysis:
As per the latest analysis, it can be interpreted that most of the customers are not supporting the
view that company's profits in terms of small business have not reduced due to steps are taken to
reduce plastic bags usage while the rest few are supporting that the small business does face
some loss because of this.
Question 6: Does the replaceable materials used in place of plastic bags are more biodegradable
in nature?
Options No. of responses Total no. of respondents Percentage of responses
Yes 15 30 50%
No 6 30 20%
Neutral 9 30 30%
Table 6: Tabular representation of judging in terms of customer responses whether the
substitutes of plastic are more biodegradable nature
Figure 11: Charts representation of judging in terms of customer responses whether the
substitutes of plastic are more biodegradable nature
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Analysis:
The present customer base of small business based company is very much in favour of the view
that the replaceable substitutes based products of plastic bags are surely environment friendly
being highly biodegradable in nature or origin. But some people give no responses or neutral
responses regarding the specified fact.
4.2 Qualitative method
For qualitative questions, two managers of small business based companies of East London are
chosen to answer the following questions through purposive sampling as depicted below:
1. What is the degree of positive externality generated by human society by the steps
taken by the small business to reduce plastic bags usage?
1st manager 2nd manager
According to the 1st manager, there is
obviously a certain amount of positive
externality generated by the decision of
reduction of plastic bags as it has reduced
emissions of polyethene generated
harmful gases like PVC and other
monomeric toxic particles in the air.
According to the second manager, it has led to the
lesser accumulation of plastic based wastes as
litters in drains and pipes which otherwise lead to
blocking of the drainage system and even affected
the water supply if not properly hindered by the
initiative of smart entrepreneurs of small business
based institutions.
2. What are the future prospects of this step of plastic reduction?
1st manager 2nd manager
According to the 1st manager, if the step of
plastic bag usage is carried out or executed
in tandem, then it is sure to have a huge
welfare based prosperity of small business
in terms of their positive role in kerbing
According to the second manger, if the process
of least use of plastics is carried out efficiently
small business firms, then surely some way of
rewards in form of specially designed
government initiatives can be made available in
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plastic generated pollution in handsome
amount.
form of privileges to the small business based
firms and enterprises.
5. Conclusion and recommendations
5.1 Conclusion
The topic is focused on the reduction of plastic bag usage and the impacts that plastic bags have
on the environment. Plastic bags were initially introduced to the modern world around the 1970s
and since then, every four out of five bags in the market constitute plastic. As per the various
literature reviewed during the research, plastic bags have a tendency to seriously disrupt the
environment. Plastics are known to photodegrade, creating smaller toxic bits. Even this process
takes up time ranging from 400 to 1000 years. They get stagnant in the soil and water bodies and
release toxins. When left untreated, they break down and mix up with the soil or water. This
leads to the consequences of animal deaths as they, unfortunately, eat them, choke and die. The
resources used to produce plastic bags, mainly petroleum and gas are finite. As we only have a
limited quantity at our disposal, the question of what to be done in recent future is already
disturbing. This is now being reinforced with the problem of plastic usage. The process of
petroleum extraction from the earth poses its own issues on the environment. It is being
supplemented by the huge number of plastic bags being consumed globally, almost up to 1Bn
bags throughout the world.
Emphasis is now being given on paper bags as many individuals tend to agree that plastic bags
are a better alternative compared to plastics. But the fact lies hidden that the production of paper
bags is an energy-intensive task. This may even lead to deforestation as well unless the bags are
produced from recycled paper products. The best available solution may be proposed in the name
of ‘Eco Bags'. Eco bags are not that different except for the fact that they are made ethically and
can easily be re-used (Siracusa et al. 2014, p. 154). These bags also tend to be more sturdy and
hold stronger than the counterpart of plastic in its field.
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5.2 Recommendation
As involved with the various concerns of the environment, there happens to be no solution
simple enough to issue plastic packaging followed by its disposal and recycling. Many of the
traditional beliefs and promising solutions can prove to be damage the environment to a further
extent and unleash devastating consequences with no motivated intentions. To reduce the
disposal of plastic wastes, small businesses may take steps. Steps taken by such small business
proprietors and entrepreneurs can directly affect the environment as they can instigate the
customers directly. Some steps that the small businesses can incorporate includes:
● Charging the plastic bags with a small token of money: Studies showed that the usage of
plastic bags fell by 85% in London when a charge of 5p was applied on the issue of same
in supermarkets and retail shops (Jakovcevic, 2014, p. 374).
● Small businesses can easily promote the usage of fabric bags or other biodegradable bags
to their customers. Customers often purchase bulk products from these small business
vendors. The businesses can look after providing fabric bags for sell with the total
prohibition of plastic bags.
● Items can be packed in cardboard boxes or fabric packers instead of plastic or styrofoam
packings.
● Not providing plastic bags and charging for fabric carriers can motivate consumers to
prepare, carry and use their own reusable bags as they would save money each time.
● The small businesses can motivate the consumers for bulk purchases to reduce packaging
and use of plastics.
● As stated by Karmarkar and Bollinger (2015, p. 11), alongside business individuals,
customers also need to opt in the process of reduction of plastic bag wastes. This includes
rejecting the use of straws, buying boxes instead of bottles, reusing glass containers, and
so on.
● Consumers can stop spending on frozen foods. Even the biodegradables boxes of frozen
food items are coated with a thin layer of plastic. By doing this, consumers will not only
reduce the usage of plastic but also tend to consume more fresh foods.
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6. Limitation of the research study
The research has helped the researcher realize the various impacts that the usage of plastic bag
has on the environment. The light was also shed on how it can be fought. But, during the
conductance of the research topic, some issues come face to face with the researcher. The issues
include:
● The completion of the survey by the researcher was based on a restricted geographical
location. The completion of the research by the researcher tends to be impossible after
conducting the questionnaire at varied places. This leads to consideration of the particular
area’s population as total population views, thus reducing the credibility of the
researcher.
● Budget acted as a major limiting factor for the researcher, preventing his capability to
collect data from varied sources and enrich the research quality of the research topic.
● Time was of the key essence. Due to lack of time, the researcher failed to collect data
from more customers. In this study, the researcher was limited to collecting views from
only 30 customers and locales in the area for the research.
● Many individuals were unwilling to reflect their feeds to the researcher. Being either too
busy or ignorant, many customers and locales in the area turned out to be disinterested on
the topic.
● Managers allotted limited time to the researcher for conducting the interviews. The
completion of the research was not possible in a standardized way though the managers
were co-operative.
● The researcher fails to ensure credibilities to the data provided by the managers due to
lack of effective supporting proofs. The task to obtain flawless information from the
researcher’s perception was very difficult.
30

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