Exploring the Relationship Between Personal Utensil Use and Attitudes Toward Waste Reduction in School

Environmental sustainability is an increasingly important concern in educational settings, particularly regarding waste reduction. This study examines the relationship between personal utensil use and students’ attitudes toward waste reduction at Bartolome R. Luardo National High School. A quantitative research design was employed, utilizing a stratified random sampling method to select 204 students from Grades 7 to 12. Data was collected through survey questionnaires designed to measure students’ attitudes toward waste reduction and their frequency of using personal utensil, such as food containers, water bottles, and cutlery. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis. The results revealed a moderate positive correlation (r = .56, p < .001) between the use of personal utensil and students’ pro-environmental attitudes, suggesting that students who regularly use personal utensil are more likely to exhibit stronger attitudes toward waste reduction. Furthermore, regression analysis indicated that personal utensil use significantly predicted students’ waste reduction attitudes (β = .52, p < .001), emphasizing the potential of such behaviors to foster a culture of environmental responsibility. Grade level also played a significant role, with older students showing slightly stronger waste reduction attitudes (β = .15, p = .036). These findings offer valuable insights for educators and policymakers, reinforcing the importance of promoting sustainable behaviors such as personal utensil use to encourage pro-environmental attitudes and long-term commitment to waste reduction in schools.