The Influence of Environmental Knowledge and the Availability of Green Spaces on Plastic Waste Reduction Behavior in Urban Communities

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the effect of environmental knowledge and the availability of green spaces on plastic waste reduction behavior in urban communities. The approach used is quantitative with a survey method targeting communities in urban areas with diverse social and environmental characteristics. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using correlation and multiple regression techniques. The results of the study show that environmental knowledge has a positive and significant relationship with plastic waste reduction behavior (r = 0.67; p < 0.01). In addition, the availability of green space also has a significant effect on this behavior (β = 0.41; p < 0.05). Simultaneously, the two independent variables explained 58% of the variation in plastic waste reduction behavior. These findings emphasize that environmentally friendly behavior in urban areas is not only shaped by cognitive aspects such as understanding of environmental issues, butalso by physical factors such as a supportive environment. This study recommends the importance of integrating environmental education programs and green space development policies into urban planning to create an ecologically conscious society. Thus, plastic waste reduction efforts can be carried out systematically through the synergy between individual awareness and support for sustainable environmental policies.