A CROSS MODEL FOR ACADEMIC STAFF REGARDING BIO PLASTIC

Abstract

This study creates a cross model contributing to sustainable plastic management and suggests solutions for future role of universities and academic staff research in young generation orientation and environmental education. We define the importance for academic staff for sustainable plastic management and the environmental damage of plastic material. A survey was applied in same period and 271 academic staff from Turkey, Romania, Italy and Switzerland participates. The survey contains 47 items and was structure in more parts: individual characteristics (gender, age, academic title, country, field of specialization), knowledge about plastic, behavior regarding the dissemination of plastic information and needs (training, special lecturers, conferences, workshops). To be able to create the cross model we take in consideration a new variable for a better understanding of academic staff his/her awareness regarding the plastic waste problem. Our cross model results suggest that academic staff knowledge and needs influence their awareness regarding bio plastic and also academic staff awareness influence their behavior regarding the plastic phenomenon. There are no borders between countries and culture and information about plastic and recycling, as well as bio plastic it is very well know. Finally, we present a synthesis of the barriers and opportunities for academic staff in sustainable plastic management by universities. Barriers frequently mentioned were high costs and lack of new information. Further research should expand the survey, identify the enabling conditions for sustainable plastic management, and determine environmental impact for each country and realize a cross cultural model.