Assessing plastic pollution prevention intentions behaviour among students in coastal universities in Ghana-evidence from University of Education Winneba

Abstract

Plastic pollution has emerged as a critical environmental challenge globally, with significant ecological and socio-economic implications, particularly in coastal regions. In Ghana, coastal universities have witnessed a growing influx of single-use plastic waste due to increased student populations and consumption patterns. This study aimed to assess the determinants of plastic pollution prevention intentions and behaviors among students in coastal universities, using the University of Education, Winneba as a case study. Anchored in the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and extended with the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) behavioral framework, the research investigated the influence of attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control on students’ 3R intentions, the effect of these intentions on actual behaviors, and the moderating role of institutional policy. A quantitative research approach was employed using structured questionnaires administered to 351 students across various academic levels and faculties. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS and SmartPLS to test the proposed hypotheses and structural relationships. The results revealed that all three TPB constructs significantly influenced students’ intentions to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastic. Additionally, 3R intentions were found to be strong predictors of actual 3R behaviors. The study further found that institutional policy significantly moderated the relationship between recycling intention and recycling behavior but showed no significant moderating effect on reduce and reuse behaviors. The findings underscore the importance of enhancing students’ environmental attitudes, strengthening peer norms, improving access to recycling infrastructure, and implementing supportive institutional policies. This study contributes to the existing literature on pro-environmental behavior in higher education and offers practical recommendations for policymakers and university administrators aiming to foster sustainable waste management practices within academic institutions.