MEASURING THE EFFECT OF THE SOLID WASTE EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY AT ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS IN DA NANG CITY, VIETNAM

Abstract

Environmental education provides people with knowledge about the biophysical environment and its associated problems. Environmental education of children (ages 6-12) can be used as key inputs to increase environmentally friendly activities associated with solid waste treatment in Vietnam, as it is not systematically done in the country. This study aims to measure the effects of environmental education, which consist of knowledge of environmental problems due to improper treatment of waste as well as the benefits of recycling at two elementary schools in Da Nang city, Vietnam.
In March 2015 three hundred and ten 5th grade students were randomly separated into 2 treatment groups. Group 1 had an activity with a game and group 2 had an activity without. Afterwards students could participate in (1) a garbage separation game, (2) a seminar to learn about the present status of eco-bag systems and voluntary food residue recycling in Da Nang city, and (3) a questionnaire survey to assess the impacts of the environmental education. The results showed that students had limited knowledge about the characteristics of eco–bag (29%) and plastic bag (55%). After environmental education activities, students’ correct answers increased as: eco–bag (87%), plastic bag (71%), food waste (93%), and food waste recycling systems (87%). However, there was no difference in results from the questionnaire between the 2 treatment groups.
Based on the results, an environmental education program should be developed in the schools to improve the future of solid waste management in Vietnam.