Raising awareness of waste classification for young people

Survey program on consumer awareness and behavior towards waste classification and recycling

That is the result of a survey on consumer awareness and behavior towards waste classification and recycling nationwide, with 1,676 interviewees, aged 15 to 64.

Online research program on Waste Segregation at Source in Vietnam, conducted by PRO Vietnam in collaboration with TGM Research - a technology-based market research company specializing in global online data collection and innovative survey technology.

Mixed picture of environmental protection habits

73% of respondents expressed concern about environmental issues . However, up to 40% of young people in the age range of 15-24 100% of the population admitted that they were not concerned about local environmental issues. This led to a relatively low rate of participation in environmental protection activities such as waste classification.

Source Waste Classification Report on 193 Vietnamese people, aged 15 to 24 years old

The survey also found that 30% of Gen Z had participated in local environmental protection activities or meetings. And participation in environmental protection activities, especially waste sorting, among young people remains low. Further research revealed that time constraints and cost were the biggest barriers, with 15.8% of respondents citing these as major issues.

This may be related to the busy lifestyles common among this age group, where balancing finances and time management are major challenges. In addition, 12.7% of those surveyed said they lacked knowledge about the types of waste that should be sorted.

Plastic waste trucks on Vuon Chuoi Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City - Photo: HAI HUYNH

Although they are not serious about waste sorting, 85% of people in this age group are aware of the benefits of products with recycled packaging, but the main factors influencing their purchase decisions are quality (62%) and product price (42%). In particular, the female group is the group that shows great concern (72%) for quality issues and the male group is more concerned about cost issues.

Survey data shows the level of concern between men and women about environmental issues.

A positive sign is that more than 50% of those surveyed in the 15-24 age group were aware of the importance of waste classification. Notably, 95% expressed interest in learning more about waste classification methods .

Need practical activities to raise community awareness

In addition, the survey results show the need to promote waste sorting activities at source, focusing on the 15-24 age group. This group has limited awareness of the city's waste sorting program, lower than the national average.

In addition, 57% of respondents said they had not received formal instructions on waste classification and environmental protection knowledge, demonstrating the need for comprehensive and consistent educational programs for this age group.

To address this limitation, the survey unit suggested that local authorities could implement knowledge education campaigns combined with community activities. According to the survey, 78% wanted to participate in training sessions, while 55% said they wanted to receive educational materials.

Survey results show the need to promote waste sorting activities at source to young people.

Young people are a group of people who have a pervasive influence on the community, especially on social networks. Therefore, focusing on raising understanding and awareness of environmental protection among this age group is essential to inspire and promote action in the community.

PRO Vietnam Prioritize raising public awareness about recycling and waste classification

Mr. Pham Phu Ngoc Trai - Chairman of PRO Vietnam - said that raising public awareness about recycling and waste classification is one of the strategic priorities in PRO Vietnam's activities.

According to Mr. Trai, through this collaborative research with TGM Research, PRO Vietnam hopes to deeply understand the awareness, behavior and existing barriers in waste classification in particular as well as people's participation in environmental protection in general.

The Chairman of PRO Vietnam expressed his hope that the research could become a practical document for state management agencies and relevant parties to refer to in perfecting policies and developing specific action programs to promote and strongly impact the awareness and actions of each citizen.

Meanwhile, Mr. Greg Laski - General Director of TGM Research - commented: "The report was born at an extremely appropriate time, giving us a golden opportunity to create breakthrough changes, towards a future where waste is recycled into a valuable resource instead of a burden on the environment."

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nang-cao-nhan-thuc-ve-phan-loai-rac-thai-cho-gioi-tre-202406271703237.htm