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Beyond the Bag Ban: Voluntary Strategies for Reducing Disposable Bag Use in Athens, Ohio

Dalzell, Jessica L
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1556868382159416

Abstract Details

2019, Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, Geography (Arts and Sciences).
In recent years, single-use grocery bags, predominantly plastic bags, have received a great deal of negative attention. Because of the growing awareness surrounding the environmental impacts of single-use bags, many cities and states are taking action to reduce usage. This is typically in the form of a ban or fee on single-use bags. All these methods tend to be effective, they are not feasible in every community. Because of this, it is important to consider voluntary strategies to increase reusable bag usage as a means to decrease disposable bags. This study uses observations of retail environments along with retailer, resident, and student surveys to examine reusable bag use habits in Athens, Ohio and make recommendations for increasing the city’s reusable bag usage. Findings from this study suggest that some demographic characteristics, as well as grocery store preference, play a role in reusable bag use habits. Motivators to increase reusable bag usage such as financial incentives and free reusable bags are popular methods to increase reusable bag usage. By exploring methods like these, and others, Athens, Ohio can experience a decrease in single-use bags.
Amy Lynch (Advisor)
98 p.
Climate Change; Sustainability; Urban Planning
environmental impact; grocery bags; reusable bags

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Dalzell, J. L. (2019). Beyond the Bag Ban: Voluntary Strategies for Reducing Disposable Bag Use in Athens, Ohio [Master's thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1556868382159416

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Dalzell, Jessica. Beyond the Bag Ban: Voluntary Strategies for Reducing Disposable Bag Use in Athens, Ohio. 2019. Ohio University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1556868382159416.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Dalzell, Jessica. "Beyond the Bag Ban: Voluntary Strategies for Reducing Disposable Bag Use in Athens, Ohio." Master's thesis, Ohio University, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1556868382159416

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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© 2019, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Ohio University and OhioLINK.