THE INVOLVEMENT AND ATTITUDE OF ROMANIAS IN PRO-ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITIES RELATED TO THE RISK OF MICROPLASTIC PARTICLES
Keywords:
microplastic, recycling, risk, survey, purchase decision, environmentAbstract
Microplastic particle (MPs) pollution is and will continue to be a real threat to the entire
planet. There is still no clear and complete information about these effects of MPs. In the research
area, the data held so far are enough to have reasons for concern about this global phenomenon that
shows an upward trend in global plastic production. The persistence in all four environmental
factors and the extreme diversity of MPs leads to high levels of uncertainty in hazard and exposure
estimates for this type of risk.hy do we produce plastic? Due to its durability, rigidity, and even abrasiveness. No technical and
efficient way could eliminate nano and microplastic from the environment, and thus people's
attitudes can play a significant role in reducing MPs emissions. Currently, few studies have
examined how individuals perceive MPs. Our research is based on how Romanians perceive risks
(MPs) and how such risk perception affects people's pro-environmental behavioral intention. The
entire study is based on a survey (questionnaire) of 405 people, from all over Romania. The
software used is SPSS and the questionnaire was sent online through different types of platforms.
GDPR rules were taken into account when preparing the questionnaire so that respondents are not
asked for their personal data. One of the questions in the questionnaire measures the following
statements on a scale from 1 to 7: "Dedicating time, money and effort to my activities is more
convenient for me than recycling plastic products"/ "Dedicating time, money and effort is more
convenient for me than replacing plastic items with ecological products. On the scale used, 1
represents - Categorically No / 7 - Categorically Yes. We made the delimitation by groups of
counties/regions so that we can see a result of the attitude of Romanians from Banat, Transylvania,
Maramures, Oltenia, Moldova, and Dobrogea, in relation to MPs.The results of our study show that in Romania, the recycling process is on an upward curve. We still do not have this culture of being friendly to the environment, as developed as in the West.
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Dana Copolovici (e-mail: dana.copolovici@uav.ro)
