THE IMPACT OF FOOD PACKAGING ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND WAYS OF MANAGING WASTES IN SELECTED GHANAIAN COMMUNITIES

Authors

  • Dr. Bartholomew Johnson Sebbeh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47672/ajes.810

Keywords:

Packaging, Packaging waste, Degradable, Biodegradable, waste management

Abstract

Purpose: The author sought to investigate into how food packaging wastes are handled in the Ghanaian communities, the impact of the wastes on the environment and ways by which the menace can be curbed.

Methodology: The study was descriptive in nature and observation was the main instrument adopted to gather information on the phenomenon of the threat of packaging waste on the Ghanaian environment. Such observations were conducted in parts of the three namely Accra, Kumasi and Sekondi - Takoradi major cities in Ghana. At least, five (5) suburbs in each of the metropolitan areas were studied.

Findings: The study revealed that plastic packaging waste generated in the country is currently the most post-consumer waste. Majority of the consumers in Ghana do not take cognizance of the environmental impacts of the products they consume and thus throw or dump packaging waste products indiscriminately.  They do not care about what will happen to it, to themselves as individuals and to the environment in general.

Unique contribution to theory and Practice and policy: The outcome of the study will enlighten the average Ghanaian on how to manage food packaging waste to help save the natural environment from unnecessary pollution, depletion and extinction of animals and marine habitat. This will enable policymakers in Ghana enact appropriate laws that will ensure the proper handling and management of the waste generated by manufacturers and consumers of food packaging.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biography

Dr. Bartholomew Johnson Sebbeh

Department of Graphic Design Technology, Takoradi Technical University, Takoradi

References

Alimentarium. (2021, March 21). Alimentarium. Retrieved from Alimentarium: https://www.alimentarium.org/en/knowledge/packaging-communication-medium

Bahraini, A. (2021, July 22). waste4change. Retrieved from waste4change Web site: https://waste4change.com

Bridgewater, A., & Bridgewater, G. (2007). The Self-Sufficiency Handbook: A Complete Guide to Greener Living. USA: Skyhorse Publishing Inc.

Britannica. (2021, June 22). Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved from Encyclopedia Britannica Web site: https://www.britannica.com/technology/papermaking

Coles, R., McDowell, D., & Kirwan, M. J. (2003). Food Packaging Technology. London: Blackwell Publishing.

Eunomia. (2021, August 16). Eunomia. Retrieved from Eunomia Web site: https://www.eunomia.co.uk/uk-overestimates-plastic-recycling-by-a-third/

Fales, J. F., Kuetemeyer, V. F., & Brusic, S. A. (1997). Technology Today and Tomorrow 3rd Ed.: . New York: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill.

Herdeg, W. (1961). Packaging- An International Survey of Packaging Design. Zurich: Amstutz and Herdeg Graphics Press.

Inc. (2020, March 06). Inc. Retrieved from Inc, Web site: https://www.inc.com/paper-and-packaging/five-reasons-why-paper-based-packaging-is-the-go-to-solution.html

Kortei, N. K., & Quansah, L. (2016, September 19). Graphic Online. Retrieved from Graphic Online Web site: https://www.graphic.com.gh/features/opinion/plastic-waste-management-in-ghana-a-complete-failure-and-the-consequences.html

Kotler, P. (2004). Marketing Management 11th Ed. Milano: Pearson-Prentice Hall, Inc.

Kwarteng, F. ( February 24, 2021). Filth Returns to Accra Markets. Accra: Daily Graphic.

PG Paper Company Ltd. (2018, January 18). PG Paper Company Ltd. Retrieved from PG Paper Company Ltd Web site: https://pgpaper.com/types-of-paper-used-for-packaging/

Plaine Products. (2021, July 05). Plaine Products. Retrieved from Plaine Products Web site: https://www.plaineproducts.com/how-plastic-packaging-can-impact-our-health/

Ryan, V. (2020, November 10). Technology student. Retrieved from Technology student: http://www.technologystudent.com

Soroka, W. .. (1996). Fundamentals of Packaging Technology. Illinois,USA: Institute of Packaging.

Stewart. (1995). Coursehero. Retrieved from https://www.coursehero.com/file/peeosf7/Packaging-Preserves-Packaging-must-preserve-product-integrity-by-protecting-the/: https://www.coursehero.com

The Unique Group. (2017, April 12). Retrieved from The Unique Group Web site: https://theuniquegroup.com

The World Bank. (2019, September 23). The World Bank. Retrieved from World Bank Web site: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/urbandevelopment/brief/solid-waste-management

UPS. (2021, July 14). UPS. Retrieved from UPS Web site: https://www.ups.com/us/en/help-center/sri/wood-packaging-material.page

Vandersteop, S. W., & Johnston, D. D. (2009). Research Methods for Everyday Life. San Francisco: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Watts, F. (1990). Finding Out About Packaging. London, U K: Hubson Publishing plc.

Wharton, J. (2019, April 2). Metro. Retrieved from Metro Web site: https://metro.co.uk/2019/04/02/pregnant-sperm-whale-died-50lbs-plastic-stomach-9092713/?ito=cb

Downloads

Published

2021-10-04

How to Cite

Sebbeh, B. (2021). THE IMPACT OF FOOD PACKAGING ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND WAYS OF MANAGING WASTES IN SELECTED GHANAIAN COMMUNITIES. American Journal of Environment Studies, 4(2), 28–46. https://doi.org/10.47672/ajes.810

Issue

Section

Articles