Factors influencing the use of non-plastic reusable shopping bags: A cognitive-normative-habitual approach

Abstract

The widespread use and irresponsible disposal of single-use plastic shopping bags are posing a significant threat to environmental sustainability. The use of non-plastic reusable shopping bags (NPRSBs) is being promoted in several jurisdictions to avert this challenge. However, this form of pro-environmental behaviour is failing to embed among consumers in emerging markets. This study therefore examines the factors influencing the behaviour of using NPRSBs among consumers, using a modified theory of planned behaviour. Data were collected from 487 South African consumers using a structured questionnaire and were analysed using structural equation modelling. The results identified ‘attitudes’ and ‘personal norms’ as the building blocks for the formation of pro-reusable shopping bags use intentions, which, in turn, influence actual behaviour. The findings also pointed to the need to foster the development of descriptive norms related to the use of NPRSBs in order to enhance mainstream use. Accordingly, this study recommends the use of rational and norm-based strategies to stimulate the behaviour of using NPRSBs.

Development of a New Conceptual Model: Consumers’ Purchase Intention towards Eco-friendly Bags

“…Therefore, this study recommends employing rational and normdriven approaches to promote the adoption of NPRSBs. Muposhi, et al (2021). [27] 8…”

“…[42]). According to the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), an individual's likelihood of engaging in a certain behaviour increases when they have a favourable attitude toward it, feel it is doable, and view other individuals as also engaging in it (Muposhi, A. (2018).…”

Green meets food delivery services: consumers' intention to reuse food delivery containers in the post-pandemic era

“…Therefore, subjective norms are social pressures from immediate social networks, which positively impact a person's behavioral intention (Ajzen, 1991). Many past studies have confirmed that subjective norms are a significant factor in pro-environmental behavior, such as the consumption of reusable containers (Ertz et al, 2017)and non-plastic shopping bags (Muposhi et al, 2021), as well as plastic waste minimization intention (So et al, 2021). In the current study, individuals' perceptions of subjective norms will affect their adoption of ITR.…”

“…Researchers have broadly employed the TPB in psychology (Collins and Carey, 2007) to predict environmentally conscious behavioral intention, such as utilizing reusable packaging for food takeaways (Chen et al , 2020). Despite the general usefulness of the theory, various research over the years has attempted to increase its explanatory capacity by adding new constructs (Wen et al , 2022; Muposhi et al ., 2021). For example, Ertz et al (2017) extended the model by adding contextual factors and motivation as predictors for reusing food delivery containers.…”

A Systematic Review of the Scope and Patterns of Green Consumption in Sub-Saharan Africa

“…Less developed countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, have not yet been significantly influenced by this phenomenon [23][24][25]. Some researchers have started to study the premises of green consumption in sub-Saharan Africa in diverse sectors, ranging from timber [26], packaging [27,28], textiles [29,30], hotels [31,32] to organic food [33,34]. However, to date, no systematic review of the scientific literature on green consumption in sub-Saharan Africa has been conducted.…”