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A STUDY ON WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OF MARIST SCHOOL AND EFFECTIVE ENVIRONMENTAL PROMOTION

by SLR Group 2 Lorenzo S. Hermosa Amiel Melchor L. Herrera *Louis Donovon S. Mandac Joseph Christian m.Mendoza *Koren A. Ramos

A Science Investigatory Project Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Course Science & Technology 10

MARIST SCHOOL March 2013

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We would like to express our sincerest gratitude to the people who went off their way to help with completion of his study. To the homeroom advisers of the Clusters 4 and 5, your active participation has made the study more comprehensive. Also, we give our heartfelt thanks to Ms. Janeth B. Cantre, who sacrificed her time in ensuring the validity of our methods. And most especially, we extend our deepest gratitude to Ms. Ma. Cristina S. Saman who served as our mentor, to Mr. Eric E. De Guzman for his valuable advices, and to our families who have supported and provided us since the start of our study.

ABSTRACT

A Study on Waste Management System of Marist School and Effective Environmental Promotion The growing need for environmental sustainability and awareness has become apparent in Marist School as cleanliness within the institution and its proximity has fluctuated to a disappointing response from student respondents. As also shown in rounds of observations done by the researchers, the problem becomes evident as the Marist School community fails to maintain its own standards on environmental responsibility. The study gathers pertinent information to evaluate where the school is currently, and where it should be heading in the future through survey questionnaires distributed to the Marist High School Community, coupled with rounds of observations done by the researchers of the group to randomly selected areas within the school and its proximity in a five-day period. An analysis on answers of the populace show that (1) there exist a positive level of awareness within the Marist high School community, (2) the majority of the student respondents are willing to participate in any of the programs to be made by the school addressing the issues of the study, and (3) there are more students who actively participate in the current waste management system of the school. However, in the observations done by the researchers and based on the collected remarks of the student respondents themselves, they find the school’s cleanliness as generally unsatisfactory. Thus, in the interpretation of the researchers, the incoherence exists as (1) there is an existing population of the Marist High School Community that neglect their responsibility to the provisions of the waste management system of the school, and (2)

there is a more persistent action on improper waste disposal compared to proper waste disposal and conformity with rules and regulations. Therefore, the study concludes of a need in improving the marketing, management, and strong implementation on the waste management system by ensuring an effective promotion action plan. The study is of valuable use to the growing need of a stronger waste management system in ensuring a cleaner Marist School.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter

Page

1. INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Background of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Statement of the Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Hypotheses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Significance of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Scope and Limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Definition of Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Review of Related Literature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Review of Related Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 3. METHODOLOGY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Method of Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Method of Collecting Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Sampling Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 4. PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA . . . . . 11 Presentation of Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Analysis and Interpretation of Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 5. GENERALIZATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 6. RECOMMENDATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 APPENDICES A. Survey Questionnaire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 B. Letter to Class Advisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LIST OF FIGURES

Figures

Page

1. On Awareness (1): I am aware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 2. On Awareness (2): I am conscious . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 3. On Willingness (1): I can take . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 4. On Willingness (2): I can actively participate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 5. On Behavior: I do not . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Chapter 1

INTRODUCTUON This chapter includes the background of the study, the hypotheses, the statement of the problem, the scope and limitation, the significance of the study, and the definition of terms.

Background of the Study The ever-increasing waste of humans is becoming a serious problem for ecology – putting at risk millions of lives. The problem has developed into a potent way of poisoning and destroying habits and the existing population. According to the Western Courier, “As plastic water bottles break down , they can release DEHA, a type of carcinogen that can cause reproductive problems, liver issues and weight loss (2005),” which implies that the dangerous effects of improper waste disposal are not mere fiction anymore; rather, it takes the very foundation of health and safety that we know of today. Different institutions contribute to the amount of waste a given locality produces, e.g. residential estates, corporate offices, and schools. They each share their own percentage of waste produced. The focus of the study, however, is on the study of the garbage disposal system of schools – particularly Marist School, Marikina – and how the academic institutions could improve it through the researchers’ study. This would be able to assess the performance of the system – ranging from how the population of the indicated school feels about the garbage disposal system to what the numbers taken from

2 the data gathering actually imply. Since the indicated school serves as a learning center for mostly children to adolescents, the study would further target awareness in the early stages of a person’s life. And based on research, the age range of the population fits the “formative years’ of persons, the time in which behaviour is being developed. The whole objective of the study is not to prove that the existing garbage disposal system of the school is flawed; rather, on how the system presently performs and how it could be improved if found unsatisfactory. Consequently, the study reviews the childrento-adolescent population’s take on caring for the environment and appreciation for innovative ideas. It would thereby rekindle any form of existing detachment and possibility open bigger opportunities for the school.

Statement of the Problem This study determines the awareness and willingness of the high school students in maintaining the cleanliness of the campus through its existing waste management system at Marist School, Marikina City during the school year 2012 - 2013. More specifically, it seeks answer to the following questions: 1. Does the Marist High School population find Marist School’s waste management system efficient? and, 2. Does Marist School’s waste management system allow maximum participation of the populace?

3 Hypotheses The hypotheses to be tested in this study are the following: 1. If Marist School doesn’t inform majority of the Marist population about the school garbage disposal system, then Marist population would find the garbage disposal system not efficient; and, 2. If the present waste management system of Marist School is participated by each one of the Marist High School community, then there is maximum participation.

Significance of the Study The garbage disposal system of a school is its process of segregating trash or lessening its amount. It is also the school’s way to maintain cleanliness in the vicinity. However, a poor system could lead to lack of awareness of students which in effect leads to littering, increase in the school’s amount of garbage and simply an unhappy environment. The study becomes the solution to the problem by first measuring and understanding the Marist population’s state of awareness, and emotions towards the subject matter. It follows by analysing the schools present garbage disposal system, and finding a solution to any problems encountered. This study provides greater chance for the school to have a happy and clean environment. This would stimulate the student’s knowledge and participation in taking care of their school and surroundings. Furthermore, the school would be able to lessen its contribution to the ubiquitous pollution which has been threatening the balance of nature. If so, the school’s function as

4 a concerned and active institution would thereby accomplish obligations to the city, nation and hopefully the world. The study tackles the very core of the school’s cleanliness, which is integral to its performance.

Scope and Limitations Though the study encompasses Marist School’s garbage disposal system in general, this would not be able to cover other problems like drainage or the school’s water system, or the school’s contribution to air pollution for that matter. Furthermore, the Marist population would not cover students or faculty from grade school, and it wouldn’t cover all of the high school population when the data is gathered. Rather, the study would focus on a specific group of person to extrapolate the information from. The study wouldn’t also be able to directly tackle the school’s use of plastics and/or Styrofoam products, since the main objective is on how to improve the school’s garbage disposal system of the school in general. Most important is that the study is meant to suggest and recommend, but the implementation is only secondary. Though the study aims the suggestions right to implement the suggestion and recommendation.

Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES This chapter includes the review of related literature and review of related studies.

Review of Related Literature This section presents the works of different authors which are relevant to the study presented. It involves quotations from books and other reference materials which are used as basis for comparison for the development of the study. This part of the research presents summarized fragments of various published resources which would present detailed facts elaboration on the study presented. Thus, on this element of study, possible solutions are presented to the problems. In an article written by Cruz (2011), the tragic fate of Filipinos from Northern Luzon due to the torrential weather systems, victims of the calamity suffered greater loss as many of those who died were buried under the mountain of trash located above the residential areas. It shows how fast the people of Northern Luzon forget as they haven’t learned from a similar tragedy before at the Payatas dumpsite. Obviously, with this recurring tragedy, it leaves most saying that there is an urgent need for a better garbage disposable system that goes beyond simple sorting or segregation of trash, but a drastic implementation of proper waste disposal involving a collective variety of trash.

6 Review of Related Studies The researchers opt to dwell in the topic because of its current relevance to society and arising importance for the environment; furthermore, its accessibility to vast resources. Thus, resources are considered to be imperative in the study for the validity and accuracy of information. The researchers were able to discover that there are numerous studies before which are related to what is being presented. The study done by the Minnesota Pollution Central Agency called “Digging Deep Through School Trash: A waste composition analysis of trash, recycling and organic material discarded at public schools in Minnesota” stated that: There are so many opportunities for reducing the overall quality of waste generated which has the potential to save schools money in addition to reducing their environment impact. Though schools are not, per capita, the largest waste generators I the state, their waste impact is significant because of the sheer number if schools, students and staff. Furthermore, the way waste is handled at school sends an important message to all students who will form habits there and carry them into Minnesota’s future. Making the effort to act on the potential for improved waste management at our schools will return dividends in schools’ saved dollars and in conserved natural resources. (2010) In the research of Linnea Bovinder Ylitalo and Gerdin Peter entitled “No Plastic Bags: the Influence of Different Factors on Consumer Attitudes towards an Environmental Initiative” it mentions that. A consumer’s wish to defend her-/himself towards internal feelings can be related to the theory of the value-expressive function. This part can be explained as the consumers need to avoid negative feelings about her/his own person and is closely related to values and beliefs about what is ‘good’ and what is ‘bad’. In relation to the case of Strompilen or other environmental issues this could be a consumers need to feel that her/his behaviour is not environmentally harmful and to be able to feel good about her-/himself due to the fact she/he is acting environmentally

7 responsibly.… From the perspective of the ego-defensive function this indicates that consumers does not necessarily support a company that they perceive as responsible in order to express opinion or valuation of something, but sometimes simply feel good about themselves because they believe that it is the right thing to do. … The other aspect of the ego-defensive function is a consumer’s need to defend oneself towards external threats. This aspect is highly relevant for our case since the environment (as previously argued in the background) is one of today’s commonly discussed external threats for humanity. Reinhardt (1998) argues that consumers’ willingness to pay premiums is high for good they believe directly benefit their health. (2009) It is mentioned in the study how vital the waste management systems in school are as the systems serve as learning tools for the students. It promotes responsibility and active participation in the programs as key aspects of a successful waste management system According to a study presented by UP Baguio on the waste management of barangay along Balili River, it is concluded that. …need for governance of the rules, correspondingly its strict implementation. There should be presence of support system for appropriate infrastructure of recycling services, community mechanism for information dissemination and capability building, and cooperation and for individuals to develop attitude to appreciate the importance of waste and active participation at the household level, she further stressed. (2012) It was also stressed in the study of the importance of “enabling factors” (e.g. advocates, barangay officials, etc.) in prompting proper waste disposal. It was also emphasized in their case study on home committed some of the enabling factors are, i.e. going out of their way to pick up trash and wake up early to serve the community.

Chapter 3

METHODOLOGY This chapter includes the method of research, the method of collecting data, materials and the procedure of the study.

Method of Research The growing problem of the Marist High School community with its waste consumption and misuse is evident. As a result, the study aims to resolve the deficiency of the populace by exploring the possibilities of an efficient waste management system which appeals to their age bracket. Therefore, the study is characterized as a constructive research which aims to develop solutions to existing problems. It aims to extend to the whole Marist High School community in developing a feasible and strategic waste management system that would efficiently regulate the school’s waste consumption (e.g. on plastic materials) and improve the cleanliness within the proximity. Method of Collecting Data, Materials and Procedures Method of Collecting Data In developing an efficient waste management system which targets a specific age bracket, the study would require the use of questionnaires in collecting necessary data focusing on preference and awareness. Thus, besides conducting a survey, the study requires keen observation from its researchers – detailed assessments on the current situations regarding littering, improper waste disposal, student behaviour and administrative stand.

9 Materials The study requires the following materials to produce the promotional waste bin: recycled plastic bottles (25 pieces), illustration board (1 piece, 15 inches by 10 inches), steel wire (15 meters), long nose pliers (1 item), glue gun (1 item), glue stick (3 sticks), and plywood (30 inches by 25 inches). For the questionnaires and other promotional items (i.e. posters), the study requires the following: papers (i.e. short bond papers, long bond papers, and intermediate papers), black pens, printer, ink, and questionnaires.

Procedure In the development of the waste management system, the researchers first needed to collect necessary data through survey. Thus, the researcher created questionnaires which focused (1) on student awareness (2) on student response (3) on student behaviour. These surveys were done by random sampling from the Marist High School community. After, the researchers proceeded on developing an efficient waste management system based on the answers of the respondents. The waste management system was divided into the administrative niche and the student niche, which clearly defined the roles of the two. Then administrative niche focused on increasing student participation by developing enticing and current plans of actions through prom0tional materials (i.e. promotional waste bin and posters). Furthermore, it is their duty to regulate and manage Marist School’s waste output and interpret the results for the Marist High School

10 community. The student niche focused on the proactive response of the high school student body on the plans of action of the administrative niche. The plans developed are structured to address the problems of improper waste disposal, degradation of product efficiency, and unregulated waste consumption.

Sampling Design

Chapter 4

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA This chapter of the study includes the presentation (i.e. graphs, and narrative presentations), analysis, and interpretation of data. Presentation of Data The following line graphs presented show the respondents’ conformity on each statement presented I the questionnaire distributed including their existing disparity between each response.

12

13

14 The students of Marist High School community generally commented that the school is “dirty,” “messy,” “filled with garbage,” and far from being clean campus the whole school has been eyeing for. They also shared that the school needs a lot more improvement on the existing system it has presently by saying. “Student’s fail to understand the concept of self-discipline and throw trash at the surroundings.” Other respondents further elaborated that the school lacks trash bins and administrative policies that would improve the performance of both the school and students. Majority of the respondents commented that they consider the school’s cleanliness unsatisfactory, but say that they’re willing to participate in the school’s action on improving its performance in maintaining cleanliness within the campus.

Analysis of Data The data shows that majority of the students are “aware” to “fully aware” of the school’s waste management system, and the existing cleanliness programs which the school implements. It presents that a large percentage of the students” of the situation represents the minority of the populace. However, there are a similarly sized number of students who are completely neglectful of the predicament by being neutral to the situation. The fully aware’ of the school’s situation and those who remain “neither aware nor unaware” have minuscule disparity between them. It presents that though there is a secure number of students who have conforming consciousness on the present waste management system, there is also conflicting data presenting loose knowledge on the

15 subject matter. In the graphs “On Willingness I” and “On Willingness 2” it presents a larger population prepared to participate and assist on any of the school’s programs directed to improve the current status of the school, i.e. unclean. Similarly, there is conflicting data between a number of students who are “willing” to those who chose “neither.” This data presents that there are students of the populace who indirectly chose to dissolve from the whole system. On the other hand, it presents that an infinitesimal percentage of the Marist High School students wish not to participate in any of the situational or existing school programs on waste management. In finding out the student behaviour of the Marist High School students in maintaining school cleanliness, data shows that majority of the population is on “participation’ and on “maximum participation” in terms of proper waste disposal. It shows that students are relatively proactive in following school policies and school programs on improving the cleanliness of the campus. However, I the empirical data gathered by the researcher in a one-week period and from the comments of the respondents, the school’s current situation on waste management is undoubtedly unsatisfactory. This shows that there are noticeable differences between the responses from the survey and the actual condition of the school. A variety of trash (ranging from candy wrappers, plastic bottles, plastic bags, and tin cans) is present within five school days with similar intensity, i.e. bad to worse. The

Marist high School students’ were generally unsatisfied with the situation of the school’s 16 waste management system despite the positive margin of student respondents.

Interpretation of Data Though majority of the students responded positively on student awareness, willingness, and behaviour; there’s a troubling disparity in terms of the current situation the school campus is suffering from. The difference, however, can be traced back from the minority of the populace who remain neglectful and neutral to the waste management system. The system runs in a conflicting environment of followers and violators. Though majority of students are aware of the policies, and are willing and presently following them, a small handful of the population extinguishes the efforts by remaining insubordinate. The hole in the system can therefore be elaborated on why and how the problem is addressed. In addressing the situation, do the policies remain rigid and therefore limit student participation? Does the existing student culture of the school year towards a smaller yet stronger minority of insubordinate students? Does the school administration create comprehensive plans and programs, but stagnate in strict implementation and innovation of its objectives? The actual situation of the school roots from the hole of the system, despite the majority of the populace being participative in the existing policy. Furthermore, from comments of the student respondents of the Marist High School Community, It coheres with the data from the observations of the researchers. This

17 interprets that thought students perform positively in the school’s waste management system, they are aware of the flaws it has.

Chapter 5

GENERALIZATION The study shows that majority of the population is aware of the school’s efforts in maintaining the cleanliness of the campus through its existing waste management system. A considerably summed up number of students are conscious to fully conscious of what goes around in the Marist High School community. A considerably smaller part (minority) of the population remains unaware of the status quo. Furthermore, student willingness is considerably high under any situational and present plans of the school in improving the waste management system it currently has. Student behaviour is also satisfactory, since majority of the population observe a keen understanding on proper waste disposal. However, there exists a hole in the system which is caused by a strong minority that disposes all efforts of the administrative and the majority of the population. The general response on the condition of the school remains unsatisfactory. Though the respondents performed positively, the enigmatic garbage presents triumphant among the efforts brought about. This problem is undoubtedly caused by the fallacies of the system that remain rigid lax, and walled within a state that withstand development. The Marist High School community is indeed comprised a majority that contributes to the improvement and implementation of the existing policies, but a powerful black hinders the objectives from taking into effect. The programs fault is therefore its failure to reach the minority, and develop a plan that would be able to maximize in the population.

Chapter 6

RECOMMENDATION A comprehensive waste management system maximizes on all spectrums of its population. It is able to teach and act, which encourages student participation and effective implementation, rather than a promulgation of resistance. I lieu with developing a comprehensive waste management system, it’s important to create an effective marketing and advertising campaign, a strong administrative policy, and a curtailment in the Marist culture of environment awareness. In creating a marketing and advertising campaign, it’s important to take note of the target populace. Creating an event would jive well with the Marist culture. A week-long commemoration at par with earth week could be celebrated. Furthermore, promotional items like poster s and attractive trash bins should be spread over the vicinity to remind student of their obligations as a student. A strong administrative policy is a tool of power and security. It ensures a strong force of implementation, and exercises the stand of the school in being a responsible and proactive institution. In developing a strict policy on proper waste disposal for the targeted population, they’re developing conscious role models for those of younger years. Lastly, its most important that constant updates on the system should be required to create a system that’s flexible and able to adapt to any situation. It’s important that this becomes a compulsive behaviour of the populace in order for the maintenance of the system.

REFERENCES

Aro, S. (2012). UP Baguio presents study on waste management of barangays along Balili River. Philippine Information Agency, Retrieved February 2, 2013, from http://www.pia.gov.ph/news.php?article=71337069905 Cruz, N. (2011, August 30). Better waste disposal system needed. Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved February 2, 2013, from http://opinion.inquirer.net/11007/betterwaste-disposal-system-needed. MCPA (2010). Digging deep through school trash: A waste composition analysis of Trash, recycling and organic material discarded at public schools in Minnesota. Retrieved February 2, 2013, from http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/waste-andcleanup/waste-management/solid-waste/school-waste-study.httml. Ylitalo, L.B. & Peter. G. (2009). No Plastic Bags: the Influence of Different Factors on Consumer Attitude towards an Environmental Initiative. Retrieved from http://umu.diva-portal.org.