The Effects of Proper Garbage Disposal on NENHS STEM Students’ Environmental Awareness"

Ma. Angela M. Salgado

Bleszelle Mariano
John Tyler

CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

Background of the Study

Environmental degradation and the growing waste crisis have become crucial global concerns,
persuading a reevaluation of human behaviors towards the environment. Within educational
settings, students play a crucial role in shaping the future path of environmental sustainability. One
key point of this action is the proper disposal of garbage, a fundamental practice that significantly
influences students' environmental awareness. As highlighted by Nhamo et al. (2019), addressing
waste management is crucial in promoting sustainable habits and implanting environmental
awareness.

The inappropriate disposal of waste present multifaceted challenges to the environment.

Undiscriminating dumping, insufficient waste separation, and need of
recycling practices contribute to pollution, soil degradation, and consumption of natural resources
(Ongondo et al., 2011). Within educational establishment, the school environment becomes a
instance reflecting extensive societal waste management practices. Comprehensing the effects of
correct garbage disposal on students' environmental awareness is necessary in promoting
responsible citizenship and supportable living.

Previous studies highlight the coordinated between waste management practices and
environmental viewpoint among students. For example, research by Hoornweg and Bhada-Tata
(2012) emphasize the role of educational potentiality in waste depletion and the productive impact
on students' environmental behavior. By engaging in correct garbage disposal, students not only
give the instant cleanliness of their surroundings but also interiorize responsible environmental
practices that can expand above the school establishment.

The outcome of correct garbage disposal expand above the physical environment; they pervade
the intellectual and interactive proportions of students' environmental awareness. This is supported
by the findings of Chen et al. (2014), who highlight the importance of empiric learning in shaping
environmental awareness. When students actively get involved in waste management activities,
they evolve a perception of environmental responsibility, recognize the result of inappropriate
disposal, and are more likely to embrace supportable practices in their daily lives.

Additionally the school setting provides an environment, for learning and peer influence. Research
conducted by Cialdini et al. (1990) suggests that observing and participating in actions, such as
garbage disposal within a social context can significantly impact individuals attitudes and
behaviors. Therefore studying the impact of waste management on students environmental
awareness is not important for individual behavioral change but also for comprehending potential
ripple effects, within peer networks.

To conclude, the background of this study is settled in the critical need to address the
environmental challenges constitute by inappropriate waste disposal practices. By focusing on
students and their engagement in correct garbage disposal, this research aims to come up with
valuable perception to the convergence of waste management practices and environmental
awareness. The combination of existing literature reinforces the significance of this study in
accommodating supportable behaviors among students, with inference reaching far beyond the
instant school environment.

Statement of the Problem:

This study aims to evaluate the effects of garbage disposal on the environmental awareness
of NENHS STEM students. Specifically, the study seeks to answer the following research
questions:

1. How does proper garbage disposal impact the environmental awareness of NENHS STEM
students?

2. What are the current waste management practices implemented within the NENHS
STEM school community?

3. How do the levels of environmental awareness differ between NENHS STEM students
who have access to proper garbage disposal practices and those who do not?

By addressing these research questions, the study aims to provide insights into the
relationship between garbage disposal practices and the environmental awareness of
NENHS STEM students.

Significance of the Study:

The study is beneficial for the following purposes, reasons and conditions;

1. For the Educational Institutions.The findings of this study's clarify and expand educational
curriculum. They can explore innovational ways to combine waste management and
environmental awareness into various academic disciplines, ensuring a aggregate approach to
viable education.

2. For the Teachers and Administrators.The results of this study can pave the way for future
research on effective teaching strategies for environmental education. This includes investigating
the impact of professional development programs on educators, allow them to be effective
facilitators of environmental management.

3. For the Students.The findings of the study may route the long-term effects of early submission
to proper garbage disposal on students' environmental attitudes and behaviors. This can provide a
deeper understanding of the lasting impact of supportable practices during developmental years.

4. For the Parents and Families.The results of this study can explore into the agitation of family
engagement in supportable practices. Inspecting on how parental participation influences
children's environmental awareness at different stages of development contributes to a extensive
understanding of family-based intercessions.

5. For the Local Communities. The findings of this study provides an comprehensive
understanding of the impact, on educational institutions. It opens up opportunities to integrate
waste management and environmental awareness across disciplines promoting a holistic approach,
to sustainable education.
6. For the Future Researchers.This study can serves us methodological advancements in
studying the effects of environmental education. This involves improving research tools
experimenting with methods of gathering data and using a combination of disciplines to fully
understand the intricacies of the subject.

Scope and Limitations:

The study will be conducted within Nueva Era National Highschool, STEM Students’. The
research will essentially focus on evaluating students' insights and behaviors related to garbage
disposal within the school establishment. Nevertheless, limitations include the possible influence
of visible factors such as home environment and societal circumstances on students' environmental
awareness.

Definition of Terms:

1. Proper Garbage Disposal - the collection, processing, and recycling or deposition of the waste
materials of human society.

2. Environmental Awareness - having an understanding of the environment, the impacts of human

behaviors on it, and the importance of its protection.

3. Waste Management Practices - refers to the various schemes to manage and dispose of wastes.
It can be by discarding, destroying, processing, recycling, reusing, or controlling wastes.

Hypothesis:

Null Hypothesis (H0): There is no significant effect of proper garbage disposal on Nueva Era
National High School STEM students' environmental awareness.

Alternative Hypothesis (H1): Proper garbage disposal has a significant positive effect on Nueva
Era National High School STEM students' environmental awareness.

CHAPTER II
LITERATURE REVIEW

In this chapter intends the findings from various sources on how proper garbage disposal
influences environmental awareness among students.

Waste Management Practices: Numerous studies have emphasized the importance of proper waste
management practices in shaping environmental awareness among students. (Hossain et al. 2018)
highlighted the significance of segregating waste at the source to promote recycling and reduce the
environmental burden. Additionally, (Smith 2015) studied the effects of composting as a
sustainable waste management practice, demonstrating its potential to enhance environmental
consciousness among students.

Environmental Education: The integration of environmental education into the curriculum has
been a recurring theme in the literature. (Wang and Kim 2019) explored the impact of
environmental education programs on students' pro-environmental behaviors, indicating a positive
correlation between education and increased environmental awareness. Furthermore, (Jones and
Turner 2017) emphasized the role of hands-on environmental learning experiences in fostering a
deeper understanding of waste-related issues among students.

Behavioral Changes: Research (by Garcia et al. 2016) indicated that exposure to proper waste
disposal practices can lead to positive behavioral changes among students, such as conscious
consumption and reduced generation of non-recyclable waste. Similarly, (Perez and Nguyen 2014)
demonstrated the influence of peer behavior on waste disposal habits, suggesting that promoting
responsible waste management within social circles can positively impact environmental
awareness.

Community Impact: Understanding the wider community impact of proper waste disposal is
crucial for shaping environmental awareness. (Reyes and Evans 2018) examined the relationship
between community clean-up initiatives and environmental consciousness, revealing that active
participation in waste reduction activities fosters a sense of responsibility towards the environment
among students. In a similar vein, (Fernandez et al. 2013) investigated the effects of community-
based recycling programs, emphasizing their potential to instill sustainable waste management
values in young individuals.

2.2 Theoretical Framework/ Conceptual Framework

The theoretical framework for this study will be based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB)
developed by Icek Ajzen. According to TPB, an individual's behavior is influenced by their
attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. In the context of proper garbage
disposal, this theory can help explain how the attitudes and perceived control of Nueva Era
National High School STEM students impact their actions, which in turn affects their
environmental awareness.

Proper Garbage Disposal: This variable encompasses the responsible management of waste
through practices such as segregation, recycling, composting, and reduction of non-biodegradable
materials. It also entails raising awareness about the environmental impact of improper waste
disposal and promoting sustainable waste management practices.
Environmental Awareness: This variable includes students' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors
regarding environmental issues, waste management principles, conservation, and sustainable
living practices. It also considers their level of concern about environmental degradation and their
willingness to engage in pro-environmental actions.

(Research Paradigm)

The indicators for proper garbage disposal practices will include the percentage of waste
segregated at the source, participation rates in recycling programs, adoption of composting
techniques, and overall waste generation per capita. Indicators for environmental awareness
among Nueva Era National High School STEM students will include knowledge of waste
management principles, positive attitudes toward environmental stewardship, involvement in
environmental initiatives, and adherence to sustainable practices.

CHAPTER III
METHODS

Research Design

This experimental research aims to investigate the impact of proper garbage disposal on NENHS
STEM students' environmental awareness. A pre-test/post-test design will be employed, with 15
participants randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group will
receive targeted education on effective waste management practices, while the control group will
not undergo specific interventions. Pre-test and post-test assessments will measure participants'
environmental awareness levels. Statistical analysis, such as t-tests, will be used to compare
results between groups. This research design aims to provide insights into the effectiveness of
proper garbage disposal initiatives in enhancing environmental awareness among STEM students
at NENHS.

Locale of the Study

The study will be conducted at NENHS, focusing on the STEM student population within the
school premises. NENHS's locale is integral to the research, as it reflects the specific context
where students engage in daily activities, including waste disposal. This localized approach allows
for a targeted investigation into the effects of proper garbage disposal on environmental
awareness within the school community.

By selecting NENHS as the study locale, factors such as the existing waste management
infrastructure, school policies, and the socio-environmental context unique to the institution can
be considered. The findings can then be applied to inform sustainable waste management
practices within similar educational settings. The localized nature of the study ensures that the
results are relevant to the immediate environment in which the students live, learn, and interact.

Research Instruments

The research instrument for investigating the effects of proper garbage disposal on NENHS STEM
students' environmental awareness will consist of a structured questionnaire and an observation
checklist.

The questionnaire will be designed to assess students' baseline environmental awareness,

knowledge of proper garbage disposal practices, and their attitudes towards environmental
sustainability. It will include multiple-choice questions, Likert scale items, and open-ended
questions to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. Questions will cover topics such as
waste separation practices, understanding of recycling processes, and awareness of
environmental consequences related to improper waste disposal.

In addition to the questionnaire, an observation checklist will be employed during scheduled

waste disposal events within the school premises. This checklist will be used to objectively
evaluate students' adherence to proper garbage disposal procedures, such as sorting recyclables,
disposing of waste in designated bins, and minimizing contamination. Trained observers will
document behaviors and note any deviations from recommended practices.

To ensure the reliability and validity of the research instrument, a pilot test will be conducted
with a small group of STEM students not included in the main study. Feedback from the pilot will
be used to refine the questionnaire and observation checklist, enhancing their effectiveness in
capturing meaningful data.

The combined use of a questionnaire and observation checklist allows for a comprehensive
examination of both self-reported knowledge and actual behaviors related to garbage disposal.
This mixed-methods approach aims to provide a holistic understanding of the impact of proper
waste management practices on the environmental awareness of NENHS STEM students.
Data Gathering

Data gathering for this study will involve administering the structured questionnaire to selected
STEM students at NENHS. The questionnaire will be distributed electronically or in print,
depending on participant preferences and accessibility. Clear instructions will be provided to
ensure uniform responses.
Simultaneously, scheduled waste disposal events within the school premises will be observed
using the checklist. Trained observers will document students' adherence to proper garbage
disposal practices, noting any deviations or variations.

To enhance participation and data quality, a pre-survey communication will be sent to inform
students about the study's purpose and encourage their involvement. Informed consent will be
obtained before data collection.

The collected data will be coded and entered into a secure database for analysis. Quantitative
responses from the questionnaire and qualitative observations from the checklist will be
triangulated to provide a comprehensive understanding of the effects of proper garbage disposal
on NENHS STEM students' environmental awareness.

Statistical Treatment of Data

Statistical analysis of the data will involve both descriptive and inferential methods to explore the
effects of proper garbage disposal on NENHS STEM students' environmental awareness.
Descriptive statistics, such as frequencies and percentages, will summarize the participants'
baseline environmental awareness, knowledge levels, and observed behaviors during waste
disposal events.

To examine the treatment effect, inferential statistics, such as paired-sample t-tests or analysis of
variance (ANOVA), will be employed. These tests will help determine if there are significant
changes in environmental awareness scores or adherence to proper garbage disposal practices
after an educational intervention on waste management.

Subgroup analyses based on grade levels or other relevant factors may also be conducted to
identify potential variations in treatment effects. Statistical significance will be set at a
predetermined level (e.g., p < 0.05).

Qualitative data from open-ended questionnaire responses and observational notes will be
subjected to thematic analysis to extract insights into students' attitudes, perceptions, and
experiences related to proper garbage disposal.

The treatment phase may involve implementing targeted educational programs or interventions
aimed at enhancing students' knowledge and promoting responsible waste management
practices. The effectiveness of these treatments will be assessed by comparing pre- and post-
intervention data.

The integration of quantitative and qualitative data will provide a comprehensive understanding
of the impact of proper garbage disposal on NENHS STEM students' environmental awareness,
allowing for nuanced insights into potential changes in knowledge, behavior, and attitudes.