Perspectives and and behavior of those referring to Tehran Central Fruit and Vegetable Market about the consumption of plastic bags in Tehran

Consumption of plastic bags, apart from environmental, health and social problems that it creates, leads to many economic consequences. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the educational status, attitude, preferences and behavior of those referring to Tehran Central Fruit and Vegetable Market about the use of plastic bags in Tehran.

The study population of this descriptive cross-sectional study was 1220 men and women aged 18 years and older referring to Tehran Central Fruit and Vegetable Market in 22 districts of Tehran. Sampling method was stratified cluster sampling. Using a valid and reliable researcher-made questionnaire, the research population was randomly selected. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16.

The most common consensus about the reasons for the increase in plastic bags in Iran was the ease of use of these bags (56%) and the lack of suitable alternatives (53.7%). The most consensus about the best solution to reduce plastic bag consumption, education and culture (51.3%) and the availability of suitable alternatives (45.3%) and the least consensus about it, proper packaging (0.5%) and increase in production and consumption taxes on plastic bags (2.5%). The majority of people were inclined to receive training as well as to use alternative shopping bags. Overall, the attitude of the participants in the study was good and was reflected in their behavior. The majority of customers (97.1%) agreed that educating the people about the better consumption of plastic bags was the best solution of reducing the consumption of plastic bags followed by 96.1% who agreed with better management systems.

The high readiness of people to help solving the problem of increasing the plastic bag consumption should be taken into account by managers. It seems that people are not yet properly prepared to accept legal and economic interventions to reduce the consumption of plastic bags and have focused more on more education and easy access.