Knowledge, Practice and Involvement of University Community in Environmental Activities Connected to Polystyrene

Abstract

This study can contribute to enhancing knowledge of the impact on polystyrene use and environmental care in the National University of Malaysia efforts to become a sustainable campus by 2020. This study aims to look at the level of knowledge, practices and engagement of UKM residents in the context of polystyrene use within the university campus. There were 381samples consisting of undergraduate students, postgraduate students and staffs of UKM. A questionnaire with Cronbach ’s alpha 0.89 w as used as data collecting tools ; all data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 16). The study found that the level of knowledge about polystyrene among UKM people is at a good level. Practices about the use of polystyrene and its implications for the environment among UKM citizens and involvement in environmental activities were at a moderate level. The knowledge about polystyrene does not lead to good practice and involvement in environmental activities related to polystyrene. This is because UKM management only sets a ban on the polystyrene in café and food premises in the campus and allows residents to carry polystyrene from outside premises from UKM. UKM need s to expand the enforcement of polystyrene use restrictions within the campus to make sure that the campus area is free of polystyrene.