| dc.description.abstract | The human anatomy is a practical route to bring the issue of waste to better
understanding. A comparison between buildings and the human body shows similarities
therein, mechanisms for air to flow in and out, pipe-work for various functions, walls
protecting entities within from dangers without, amongst other matching features seeing
as buildings are an extension of ourselves. A major difference would be that we are in
charge of our own grooming whilst buildings are not. This is the essence of waste
management plans. They are important tools that help us keep the environment within
and without the building from the ‘harms’ of waste.
An increasing population leads to a growing demand in plastic goods and generation of
plastic waste. Nairobi’s population has been growing consistently. This has led to a
comparable increase in plastics consumption and consequently an increase in plastic
waste generation and pollution. The informal sector is however seen to engage actively in
the resource recovery of plastic waste in both of these neighbourhoods. Studies done on
plastic waste pollution in ocean waters give ground for constructive brainstorming of
possible solutions to the grave problem that threatens human existence. Plastics are
consumed by wild life and organisms in the ecosystem and end up traveling through the
food chain. Human beings consume (from abattoirs, through hunting and fishing etc.,)
foods that contain the same plastics alongside micro-organisms and toxins that may have
accumulated in the same.
The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of plastics on the environment and the
need for integration amongst stakeholders. This research takes to task segregation as a
much required human behavior for plastic waste management. It however begs the
question, are residents motivated to participate in this impactful activity? With constantly
changing innovations to meet our constantly changing needs and solving the world’s
problems through practical solutions, the end of plastics is not in sight.
The design proposed for this study is hypothesis testing because it explains the nature of
the relationships between the variables. Questionnaires and interviews are used to collect
primary data while secondary data is gathered from perusing books, journals, working
papers amongst other research documents. The area of study is Runda Estate in Nairobi.
It is served by a private waste management company called Taka Taka Solutions (TTS)
who offer sustainable services. This study focuses on Runda Estate because it is an
affluent estate where the researcher studies the important consumer habits emanating
from their status. The relevant samples for this study are selected through area sampling
method and a formula relevant for sample sizes for small populations.
The researcher arrived at the conclusion that reduction, reuse and recycling highly
involve and depend on changes in human attitudes, behaviours and patterns. Runda
residents were found knowledgeable of the problem of plastics and the existing linkages
with the variables aforementioned. However, they have not shown their application of
this knowledge in practical terms despite having access to resources. The analysis of the
research questions shows that these residents are indifferent to the way and/or manner
their behaviours impact plastic waste management. Recommendations and areas of
further study to improve efficiency and effectiveness of waste management point to the
need for structures that enable a circular economy. | en_US |
