Representação da percepção de estudantes sobre o uso de plásticos descartáveis.

Abstract

Over the years, disposable plastic has been increasingly used recklessly by society. However, its excessive and indiscriminate use has caused great impacts on ecosystems. It is known that environmental perception is an important tool that influences people's attitudes and can be shaped according to socioeconomic factors. Based on this, this research aimed to assess the perception of students in relation to socioeconomic factors, gender and education level, on the impacts caused by disposable plastics. We expected that females and the 3rd year of high school have a greater perception than males and the 9th year of elementary school. The study was carried out in three public schools, in the months of November and December 2019, through a structured questionnaire, with 169 students. Most participants had a perception that favors environmental conservation over disposable plastics, regardless of socioeconomic factors. Students mainly highlighted that students directly affect the ecosystem and the importance of recycling. However, some participants have a negative perception pointing out that plastics are good considering only their usefulness, having a disconnection with the damage caused to the environment. It is assumed that a lack of important gender differences was observed because of social issues coupled with the difference in age of participants. Similarly, in school years, it is assumed that there was no difference in perception because of the grades associated with the high transmission of information via the Internet. Our results indicate that environmental education mechanisms that involve the school community and its surroundings are promising for attitudinal changes that prioritize environmental conservation.