St.

Albert the Great School

The accumulation of plastic waste in St. Albert the Great High School Canteen

A Research Paper Presented to the Faculty

Of the Senior High School Department

In Partial Fulfillment

Of the Requirements

in Practical Research 1

By

Stephen G. Estimada*

Ryan Seth B. Dela Cruz

Lherielyn A. Dreje

Jhepoy S. Quinto

John Andrei V. Taller

October 6, 2020
 CHAPTER 1 | INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Polymers, also known as plastics, is a non-biodegradable waste which possess a very

wide range of mechanical, physical, and chemical. Plastic is a versatile and affordable material
used in various products, from food packaging to building materials. Generally, it is made from
synthetic or semi-synthetic materials that bring a set of benefits, including a high strength-to-
weight ratio, durability, and the ability to be molded into different shapes This makes it a
valuable material for its function. Hence, plastic has become one of the most pressing
environmental issues, as rapidly increasing production of disposable plastic
products that overwhelms the world’s ability to deal with them.

According to Seed Scientific, the world is facing a global plastic crisis, in the 1950s and
1970s, plastic waste was easily controlled due to the relatively small number of plastics.
However, many manufacturers of plastic have skyrocketed in the following decades, and so does
plastic wastes. Currently, the world produces approximately 300 million tons of plastic wastes
per year based on world plastic waste statistics. This almost equaled the combined weights of the
total human population. Meanwhile, the Philippines was ranked the 3rd top source of
plastic waste worldwide (Ateneo.edu) a staggering 0.75 million metric tons of plastic is
produced every year.  and an estimated 20 percent end up in the ocean. Comprised of more than
7,500 islands, the livelihoods of the Philippines’ coastal communities, and the fishing, shipping
and tourism industries are especially vulnerable to the impacts of marine debris.

 
 In St. Albert The Great School (SAGS), the most typically used plastics from the SAGS
High School Canteen are plastic cups, plastic utensils, and plastic wrappers. Noticeably enough,
these plastics are non - biodegradable and can cause damage to the school's environment. An
estimated of (3.5) kilos of plastics are produced by SAGS High School Canteen every week.
Whereas plastic waste in SAGS is increasing day by day due to the ban on the use of silverware.

Being part of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), the future
researchers of the country, the topic touches the sanitation environmental field which the
researchers want to take on college. The researchers seek to study the topic because it will impart
knowledge to the researchers regarding the Plastic Waste which could be used for future
purposes. Relevantly, the study will help the people learn how to decrease their plastic waste for
the safety of the environment.
 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The study was conducted by the researchers to determine the accumulation of plastic waste in St.
Albert The Great School High School Canteen. More specifically, it is intended to answer the
following questions:

1. What are the kind of plastic does SAGS High School Canteen use? 

2. What are the reasons for the increasing plastic waste in SAGS? 

3. How much plastic does the school consume?

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE

The objectives of the research study are the following:

1. To find out what kinds of plastic does the school use.

2. To determine the increase of plastic waste in SAGS.

3. To determine how much plastic does the school consume.

 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

1. CANTEEN VENDORS - This study will help the canteen vendors to lessen the plastic waste
that are being bought by the students.

2. STUDENTS - The study will benefit the students of SAGS. The study will give them
background knowledge regarding the plastic waste management.

3. SAINT ALBERT THE GREAT SCHOOL - This research will help the SAINT ALBERT
THE GREAT SCHOOL on how they can manage the plastic usage in the canteen.

4. GENERAL PUBLIC - This paper will help the public to be informed about the plastic waste
management.

5. FUTURE RESEARCHERS - This study may be used as a reference for knowledge about

the topic since it has data to prove its hypothesis and claims.
 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The study was focused on the accumulation of plastic waste in SAGS High School
Canteen.

HYPOTHESIS

 The researchers have hypothesized that the accumulated plastic waste of High School

canteen of SAGS is 5 kilos in (8) day period.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK.

Figure 1. Paradigm of the Research

 
 The research team conducted a direct observation and collection of plastic waste in St.
Albert the great school. The expected amount of plastic waste in high school canteen is 5 kilos.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

For purposes of clearer understanding, the following definitions shall apply:

Consumers – A person capable of consuming waste management and plastic waste.

Global crisis – A global problem that has a big impact to our environment.

Non-Biodegradable – Is a material or item that can’t be easily decomposed.

Plastic waste - Is one of the most common and biggest problems on earth. Plastic waste is used in various

products such as plastic candy, plastic wrappers, and plastic cups.

Waste management – Is the process of managing waste.