Atitude dos consumidores com relação ao uso de sacolas plásticas nos supermercados da cidade de Fortaleza/CE

Abstract

The use of plastic bags in the urban areas in Brazil and around the world has become a serious environmental problem for the public decision makers. This research investigates consumer's attitudes in supermakerts towards the plastic bags use in the city of Fortaleza/CE. the primary data were raised out in four supermarkets in different neighborhoods using a structure questionnare. The data were analyzad using methods of descriptive and inferential statistics in order to identify factors which could contribute to minimize the plastic bags demand. the results showed that the great majoritary of consumers prefer to carry on their groceries in plastics bags rather than in returnable bags. The impacts of the perceived use of plastic bags by consumers were related to visual and water pollution as well as garbage accumulation. A significant proportion of the consumers were incapable of associating adverse impacts of this product on the environment. Concerning voting on forbidding free provision of plastic bags in supermarkets, the referendum results showed a technical tie between the consumers who accepted the proposal and those against it.