ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AMONG THE POPULATION OF THE TIJUCA NEIGHBORHOOD, RIO DE JANEIRO: INFLUENCE ON ACTIONS RELATED TO REVERSE LOGISTICS

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.558542505024

• Palavras-chave: Environmental awareness, Environmental education, Reverse logistics.

• Keywords: Environmental awareness, Environmental education, Reverse logistics.

• Abstract:

  The aim of this study was to evaluate, interviews with residents of the Tijuca neighborhood, located in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the level of access to information on reverse logistics, the environmental awareness of those interviewed, and their relationship with the proper disposal of reverse logistics waste. Data was collected through interviews, based on a random approach to residents of the neighborhood, men and women over the age of 18, literate, belonging to all economic classes. A total of 326 interviews were carried out between September and December 2019, using a questionnaire consisting of 23 questions, using two approaches: face-to-face interviews and an online application. The questions aimed to identify the perceptions of
   
  population of the Tijuca neighborhood about the reverse logistics waste contained in the National Solid Waste Policy, with the exception of pesticides, since it is an urban area. The work focused on the analysis of 8 questions related to access to information on reverse logistics and selective collection programs and points, as well as the interviewees' behavior and environmental awareness. Seven questions were also analyzed regarding the destination given by the interviewees to reverse logistics waste. The results indicated little concern about the waste generated by the interviewees, especially in their homes. There was also little access to information, with 23.6% of residents not knowing where waste generated in their homes was disposed of and never being concerned about this issue, and 47.2% saying they did not know about the destination of household solid waste, despite showing interest. In addition, 74% of those interviewed said they were unaware of any selective collection program in their neighborhood. It can also be seen that 60.1% of residents  unaware of collection points in the neighborhood. Only 7.7% were aware of the issue, with the majority showing potential traces of awareness. Finally, when analyzing the results relating to the disposal of waste related to reverse logistics, it was found that, regardless of the type of waste, there was a lack of action on the issue. It was found that there is a direct relationship between the lack information and environmental awareness and the lack  
  of actions aimed at reverse logistics on the part of residents. Encouraging environmental education programs is essential, with widespread and intense publicity about how and where to dispose of waste correctly. Awareness-raising campaigns should be carried out to highlight the problems caused by improper waste disposal, pointing out that mixing waste with recyclable waste reduces the possibility of reusing aggregates due to contamination.