The Lived Experiences of Junior High School Students towards the Implementation of the ‘No Single-Use Plastic Policy’

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe the lived experiences of the Junior High School Students towards the implementation of no single-use plastic policy. The data were obtained from sixteen (16) participants. A purposive sampling technique was used in the selection of the participants of the study. The data are obtained using in-depth interviews. Emerging themes highlights the Implementation and Enforcement, Adaptation and Behavior Change, and Environmental Impact. In addition, there are six core ideas have emerged: declining enforcement over time, inconsistent application, new routines and habits, use of alternatives containers, cleaner campus environment, and enhanced school image. Moreover, the difficulties faced by junior high school students focusses on Food and Beverage Challenges, Economic Implication, and Policy Implementation Issues with six core ideas: packaging limitation, alternative packaging issues, higher costs of alternatives, impact on student’s budget, inconsistent enforcement, and coping strategies. Further, the coping mechanism employed by the students are Replacement Strategies, Behavioral Adaptation, and Compliance Challenges. It six core ideas, use of reusable containers, eco-friendly bags, advance planning and preparation, changing purchasing habit, rule circumvention, and implementation inconsistencies. Moreover, to the recommendations of the students are Policy Implementation and Governance, Support and Infrastructure, and Education and Engagement. It has six core ideas: needs for stricter monitoring, establishing consequences, water refilling station, eco-friendly alternative, awareness campaigns, and incentive systems. Therefore, it is recommended that educational institutions, in implementing similar policies, consider these student experiences to optimize policy effectiveness and foster a sustainable school environment. Administrators should develop comprehensive strategies for consistent policy enforcement, provide accessible and affordable alternatives, and implement robust educational programs to promote student engagement and understanding.