SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

“UTILISING GUMAMELA LEAVES AS AN ALTERNATIVE IN MAKING EDIBLE STRAW”

A.Y:2022-202

A Research

Presented to

The Faculty of the Senior High School Basic Education

Southern Philippines Institute of Science and Technology

In Partial Fulfilment
of the Requirement for Inquiries, Investigations, and Immersion
Senior High School

Researchers
BAYOS, CARL SHANDELLE

MAY, 2023
 SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

CHAPTER 1

Introduction

Innovative solutions have emerged from nature itself in the search for long-lasting and environmentally

responsible alternatives for plastic straws. The idea of using gumamela leaves (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) as an

alternative edible straw has intrigued researchers and enthusiasts alike. The colorful gumamela plant, well-

known for its lovely flowers and cultural significance in some areas, has the possibility of changing how we

consume beverages while reducing our environmental impact. Considering their unique traits, cultural

significance, and ecological advantages, this article investigates the theories and potential advantages of using

gumamela leaves as an edible straw. Implementing this innovative strategy may help us find a special and long-

lasting solution to the issue of single-use plastic waste while also honoring the wealthy.

The ecosystems of our planet and human health are both at risk from plastic pollution, which is a serious

environmental problem. Millions of single-use plastic straws are used and thrown away each year, making them

one of the most common types of plastic waste (Centre, 2023). Finding alternatives to traditional materials that

are sustainable and friendly to the environment has, therefore, become increasingly popular. Using the leaves of

the tropical plant gumamela, which is common in many places, as an edible straw is one creative idea that has

emerged. Gumamela leaves have potential advantages over conventional plastic straws, including being natural

and biodegradable, edible and secure, and high in antioxidants (GumamelallHibiscus Rosa-Sinensis

Linn./Hibiscus, China Rose Philippine Medicinal Herbs, Philippine Alternative Medicine at StuartXchange,
n.d.). In this study, we will explore the potential use of gumamela leaves as an alternative edible straw, including

their environmental impact and potential health benefits. Using gumamela leaves as a straw alternative could

reduce plastic waste in the communities of Legian 2, Carsadang Bago 1.

1.2 Background of the Study

Plastic pollution has emerged as a pressing global environmental concern, with single-use plastic items, such

as straws, contributing significantly to the accumulation of plastic waste in landfills and oceans. As awareness

of this issue grows, there is an increasing need for sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic straws. One

potential solution lies in exploring natural, biodegradable materials that can serve as edible straws, thereby

reducing plastic waste and promoting environmentally friendly practices Visual Feature | Beat Plastic

Pollution, 2022).

Gumamela (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is a tropical plant commonly found in many regions. It is known for its

lively flowers and has an abundant history of traditional medicinal and cultural uses. The gumamela leaves,

which are often missed, have recently attracted attention due to their potential as an alternative material for

edible straws (Wikipedia contributors, 2023).

This study aims to investigate the viability and potential benefits of utilizing gumamela leaves as an alternative

edible straw. By using the natural properties of gumamela leaves, such as their biodegradability and safety for

consumption, this research seeks to contribute to the development of sustainable alternatives to plastic straws.

The exploration of gumamela leaves as an alternative edible straw is not only a matter of environmental value

but also holds potential socio-economic and cultural benefits. Embracing locally available and natural

resources can promote community interest, improve local industries, and highlight cultural practices that

utilize gumamela leaves for various purposes. Through a comprehensive examination of the physical and

chemical properties of gumamela leaves, as well as their sensory characteristics and consumer credibility, this

study aims to provide valuable insights into the possible and desired uses of gumamela straws. Additionally, it

seeks to evaluate the potential health benefits associated with consuming beverages through gumamela straws,
such as the transfer of nutrients or other active compounds. (Rd, 2023)

Ultimately, the findings of this research can contribute to the body of knowledge on sustainable alternatives to

plastic straws and offer practical solutions for reducing plastic waste in the food and beverage industry. By

promoting the use of gumamela leaves as an alternative edible straw, this study seeks to support environmental

conservation efforts, foster sustainable practices, and contribute to the well-being of both ecosystems and

communities.

1.3 Statement of the Problem

This study aims to investigate the use of gumamela leaves as an alternative edible straw to the community of

Legian 2, Carsadang Bago 1. The study sought to answer the following:

1. What is the demographic profile of the residents?

a. Name

b. Age

c. Sex

2. What are the opinions of the residents about the newly implemented edible straws compared to the

traditional plastic straws?

3. Does the edible straw help reduce the plastic waste problem?

4. What are the potential health benefits or risks associated with consuming beverages through gumamela

straws?
1.4 Objectives

1.4.1 GENERAL OBJECTIVE

● To determine the use of gumamela leaves as an edible straw.

1.4.2 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE

● to identify the demographic profile of the residents.

● to examine the perception of the Legian 2 residents of the gumamela edible straw as an

alternative.

● to determine the effectiveness of using alternative gumamela leaves as an edible straw in reducing

plastic waste.

● to identify any potential health benefits of drinking beverages made from gumamela leaves.

1.5 Hypothesis

Na: : Utilising gumamela leaves as an alternative edible straw results in a higher level of sustainability of

plastic use and favourable health effects in the community.

N0: There is no significant difference in the suitability and acceptability of gumamela leaves as an alternative

edible straw compared to traditional plastic straws.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study's importance lies in its potential to address a relevant problem and gain a deep understanding of use

of gumamela leaves as an edible straw alternative in the Legian 2, Carsadang Bago 1 community. This

investigation seeks to provide insight into a previously understudied area and offer useful insight to the local

community by examining how the uses of gumamela leaves as an alternative effectively in terms of

environmental and health impact. The results of this study have effects for the researcher, the researcher’s family,

the community, and the local governments that may help formulate useful plans, laws, or approaches. The

findings of this study can also be used as a starting point for future research, allowing for more investigation and

advancements in the uses of gumamela as an alternative straw. Overall, this study's importance lies in its potential

to have a significant impact and fill a necessary gap in the existing body of knowledge and pave the way for

further advancements and improvements like Several studies have found that hibiscus tea may lower both systolic

and diastolic blood pressure.(Rd, 2023)

To the researcher. The study will be useful to me because it will enable me to change my perspective

on what I should do to help my country using the newly discovered information.

To the researcher’s family. This study may influence how the researcher's family uses edible plastic

straws instead of harmful plastics and could also encourage others to switch to more environmentally-

friendly alternatives.

To the community. The community will gain insights into how to properly manage plastic waste and

explore sustainable alternatives of gumamela leaves as an alternative straw. To reduce the reliance of

the community on plastic straws and decrease the negative impact on the environment, also, the

potential health benefits of gumamela leaves as an edible straw could provide a unique and nutritious

experience for consumers.

 To the local governments. To educate residents about the advantages of gumamela straws and to

persuade them to adopt more environmentally friendly habits and lessen their reliance on single-use

plastics, the local government can organise campaigns, workshops, or educational programs.

1.6 Scope and Limitations

The usage of gumamela leaves as an alternative edible straw in Legian 2 is the only topic covered by this

research, which evaluates its effectiveness in terms of environmental and health factors in implementing the

alternative gumamela leaves as an edible straw and how it will benefit the neighbourhood. The respondents to

the study will be the total population of Legian 2, Carsadang Bago 1. The research will use interviews as the

research tool and the clustered probability sampling method. Additionally, this study's time constraints prevented

it from completing the entire research project; only up to chapter 3 was assigned.

1.7 Definition of Terms

Effectiveness- Is where you have successfully achieved the desired result.

Edible straw- Refer to a kind of straw that is produced from edible based material.

Pollution free- A level that is no longer considered harmful.

Environment-Is a surrounding in which a human, animal, plant resides or functions.

Community- A different kind of group of people living in the same place.

1.8 Theoretical Framework

The work focuses on the most developmental studies on reducing plastic waste from the 1970s to 2023. Plastic

waste is one of the biggest environmental problems in our communities. This shows the growth of plastic

waste over the years. From the 1950s to the 1970s, only a small amount of plastic was produced, and as a

result, plastic waste was relatively manageable. Yet the production of plastic more than tripled between the

1970s and the 1990s. A level increase it had in the previous 40 years. That is why, in 2001, the Philippines

enacted a landmark law, Republic 9003. The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2001 because of its

decentralized and community-centred approach to waste management. And it's one of the reasons gumamela

leaves straw must be implemented in Legian 2, Carsadang Bago 1. The gumamela leaves straw is a plant-based

edible straw, and this might be effective, which will have a huge impact on the environmental system of the

community because gumamela leaves edible straws are a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to

traditional plastic and paper straws because the waste generated through plastic straws is difficult to recycle

Also, plastic straws are typically made from harmful chemicals made from polypropylene, a type of plastic

made from petroleum. A chemical made from polypropylene that affects estrogen levels. Unlike the gumamela

leaves, edible straw is healthier than plastic straw and can be made from various edible and biodegradable

materials. (Visual Feature | Beat Plastic Pollution, 2022)

This another theory proves that depending on the material used for the edible straw like gumamela leaves,

edible straw has potential health benefits associated with consuming beverages through them. For instance, if

the edible straw is made from plant based material, it could introduce certain phytonutrients,antioxidants, or

other beneficial compounds into the drink. We are the third-largest contributor of plastic waste, which is a

problem if we implement the use of gumamela leaves edible straw in Legian 2, Carsadang Bago 1. A problem

that cannot be addressed without individual and collective behavior changes. Because other people actually

care about their environment but for some they couldn't care less about what was happening around them

(Aruta, 2021).
1.9 Conceptual Framework

The input-process-output of this conceptual framework was used in carrying out this research on utilising

gumamela leaves as an alternative edible straw in Legian 2, Car. Bag. 1. The input that underwent the procedure

or operation and became the output makes up the system of three frames.

PROCESS
INPUT Designing and
Collection of Planning: OUTPUT
data
Determining
Personal data: Interview
the impact of
Nam
Observatio edible straw by
e
Age n leaves that
Steps: Select implementing
Sex are in3.goodCase study
condition, the gumamela
have a vibrantData
color, leaves as an
The use of analysis
and are unblemished or alternative
gumamela edible straw
damaged-free. The
leaves as an
alternative gumamela leaves
should be washed and Gumamela
edible straw
rinsed. Use scissors to leaves as an
To identify the
use of edible trim and shape the alternative 3
Figure
straw to reduce leaves. Tie several edible straw
pollution gumamela strips
Materials: together by bundling
Gum them with twine or
amela clean string. Use a new
Figure 1
leaves piece of string or twine
Knif to bind several
e or gumamela strips
Figure 2
scissors together. Give the
Wat straws time to dry.
er When the gumamela
Opti leaf straws are
onal:
Figure 1 displays the demographic profilecompletely
of the respondents as well as each person's personal information.
dry, keep
string them in a clean, dry
Figure 2 depictsorthe designing and planning process for the study's tools, which include the research tools of the
place until you're ready
twine
interview and observation. According to thetoresearch,
use them.a case study research design will be used. Figure 3 shows
the analysis done to assess the impact of using gumamela leaves as an alternative edible straw on the environment

and human health.

SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.1 Introduction
 SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Research Design

3.3 Research Methodology

3.4 Research Sampling Technique

3.5 Sources of Data

3.6 Participants of the Study

3.7 Data Gathering Procedure

3.8 Research Instruments

3.9 Data Analysis