Sustainability Measures for Minimizing Plastic Waste and Carbon Footprints in Greater Shillong, North Eastern India

This case study evaluates sustainability efforts in Shillong, Meghalaya, India, focusing on reducing plastic waste and minimizing carbon footprints. The study assesses public awareness of waste management practices and quantifies their impact on greenhouse gas emissions. Using data from 1,146 respondents, factor analysis and regression models identify two key drivers: prevalence of plastic waste management techniques (PWMT) and awareness of waste management techniques (AWMT). Statistical robustness is demonstrated by a Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin value of 0.79 and Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.85 and 0.78. Findings reveal that both PWMT and AWMT significantly reduce emissions, with AWMT having greater influence. Recommendations include increasing public awareness campaigns and enhancing municipal practices to replicate sustainable urban waste solutions in similar contexts.