Abstract:
Single-use plastic waste has become a critical environmental issue, threatening
ecosystems and human well-being globally. This study aimed to investigate the factors
influencing behavioral intentions for single-use plastic avoidance in the Polonnaruwa
District, Sri Lanka. Employing a quantitative research approach, a structured
questionnaire was administered a sample of 384 residents. The Theory of Planned
Behavior and relevant literature guided the conceptualization of the research model,
which examined the relationships between attitude, environmental awareness, laws and
regulations, perceived behavioral control, plastic avoidance behavioral intention,
plastic-related environmental concern, subjective norm, and single-use plastic
avoidance behavior. SPSS analysis was used to analyze the data. The findings revealed
that attitude, environmental awareness, laws and regulations, perceived behavioral
control, plastic avoidance behavioral intention, and plastic-related environmental
concern were significant predictors of single-use plastic avoidance behavior, either
directly or indirectly through mediation. The results highlight the importance of
fostering positive attitudes, raising environmental awareness, implementing effective
laws and regulations, enhancing perceived control, and addressing plastic-related
environmental concerns to promote sustainable consumption practices. The study
contributes to the growing body of research on pro-environmental behaviors and plastic
avoidance, offering valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and community
leaders in developing targeted interventions and strategies to mitigate the negative
impacts of single-use plastics. Future research should consider longitudinal designs,
expand the geographical scope, explore additional factors, employ mixed-methods
approaches, and encourage interdisciplinary collaborations to advance knowledge in
this critical area.
