The relationship between low-consumption single-use plastic awareness and behaviour: a case study of FPT University students (Ho Chi Minh Branch)

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to combine two theories, the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and the Norm Activation Model (NAM), to investigate the relationship between the awareness of reducing single-use plastic waste's environmental cost and the behaviour to limit the use of single-use plastic products (SUPPs) by FPT university students.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative research methodologies were employed on a sample of 506 university students. The survey data was then examined using SPSS, SPSS AMOS and SmartPLS software.

Findings

The overarching conclusion of the study is that awareness of reducing single-use plastic waste's environmental cost has a positive impact on FPT university students' behaviour to reduce their use of single-use plastic products. Another intriguing discovery is how socialisation of responsibility affects pro-environmental behaviour through the interplay between personal norms, subjective norms and behavioural intention.

Originality/value

This study on the relationship between SUPP low-consumption awareness and behaviour and mediating factors is a necessary foundation for future studies related to changing the behaviour of students using SUPPs. That will also be a solid foundation for practical plans to change behaviour using SUPPs through communication campaigns to increase awareness.

Citation

Nguyen, N.Y., Tran, H.G., Tra, D.T., Le, N.T. and Nguyen, H.T.T. (2024), "The relationship between low-consumption single-use plastic awareness and behaviour: a case study of FPT University students (Ho Chi Minh Branch)", International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Vol. 26 No. 1, pp. 199-216. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-04-2023-0133