Single-use plastics have become a serious and growing environmental problem worldwide. Geyer, Jambeck, & Lavender (2017) study showed that only less than 10% of these are being recycled. Efforts have been made to eradicate, or at least reduce the use of plastics, in the hopes of minimizing their adverse effects. In 2013, Dipolog City redesigned its policy to reduce the impact of these plastics, through the implementation of Ordinance No. 13-245, also known as the “The Noncompostable Plastic Bag Regulation Ordinanceâ€. Using a multistage probability sampling, consumers from 16 barangays were identified to answer a survey, which allowed participants to report their awareness about the implementation of the ordinance and their recommendations to solidify the law. Results show that 98% were aware, while only 65% manifested the effectiveness of the regulation. These figures do not reflect the desired compliance of the law. Results also indicate that massive information and education campaign along with strict enforcement can be among the initiative for a complete ban of plastics. The study concludes that a blanket ban may not be the best possible solution. Instead, low-cost interventions for wider information dissemination and availability of substitutes to plastic bags constitute to a more important policy recommendation.
Philippine E-Journals
