A STUDY ON WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OF MARIST SCHOOL

AND EFFECTIVE ENVIRONMENTAL PROMOTION

by

SLR Group 2

Lorenzo S. Hermosa

Amiel Melchor L. Herrera

*Louis Donovon S. Mandac

Joseph Christian m.Mendoza

*Koren A. Ramos

A Science Investigatory Project Presented in Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements for the Course
Science & Technology 10

MARIST SCHOOL

March 2013
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We would like to express our sincerest gratitude to the people who went off their

way to help with completion of his study. To the homeroom advisers of the Clusters 4

and 5, your active participation has made the study more comprehensive. Also, we give

our heartfelt thanks to Ms. Janeth B. Cantre, who sacrificed her time in ensuring the

validity of our methods. And most especially, we extend our deepest gratitude to Ms.

Ma. Cristina S. Saman who served as our mentor, to Mr. Eric E. De Guzman for his

valuable advices, and to our families who have supported and provided us since the start

of our study.
 ABSTRACT

A Study on Waste Management System of Marist School

and Effective Environmental Promotion

The growing need for environmental sustainability and awareness has become

apparent in Marist School as cleanliness within the institution and its proximity has

fluctuated to a disappointing response from student respondents. As also shown in rounds

of observations done by the researchers, the problem becomes evident as the Marist

School community fails to maintain its own standards on environmental responsibility.

The study gathers pertinent information to evaluate where the school is currently, and

where it should be heading in the future through survey questionnaires distributed to the

Marist High School Community, coupled with rounds of observations done by the

researchers of the group to randomly selected areas within the school and its proximity in

a five-day period. An analysis on answers of the populace show that (1) there exist a

positive level of awareness within the Marist high School community, (2) the majority of

the student respondents are willing to participate in any of the programs to be made by

the school addressing the issues of the study, and (3) there are more students who actively

participate in the current waste management system of the school. However, in the

observations done by the researchers and based on the collected remarks of the student

respondents themselves, they find the school’s cleanliness as generally unsatisfactory.

Thus, in the interpretation of the researchers, the incoherence exists as (1) there is an

existing population of the Marist High School Community that neglect their

responsibility to the provisions of the waste management system of the school, and (2)
there is a more persistent action on improper waste disposal compared to proper waste

disposal and conformity with rules and regulations. Therefore, the study concludes of a

need in improving the marketing, management, and strong implementation on the waste

management system by ensuring an effective promotion action plan. The study is of

valuable use to the growing need of a stronger waste management system in ensuring a

cleaner Marist School.

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter Page

1. INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Background of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Statement of the Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Hypotheses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Significance of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Scope and Limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Definition of Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Review of Related Literature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Review of Related Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

3. METHODOLOGY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Method of Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Method of Collecting Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Sampling Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

4. PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA . . . . . 11

Presentation of Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Analysis and Interpretation of Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

5. GENERALIZATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

6. RECOMMENDATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

APPENDICES

A. Survey Questionnaire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
B. Letter to Class Advisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figures Page

1. On Awareness (1): I am aware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

2. On Awareness (2): I am conscious . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

3. On Willingness (1): I can take . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

4. On Willingness (2): I can actively participate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

5. On Behavior: I do not . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

 Chapter 1

INTRODUCTUON

This chapter includes the background of the study, the hypotheses, the statement of

the problem, the scope and limitation, the significance of the study, and the definition of

terms.

Background of the Study

The ever-increasing waste of humans is becoming a serious problem for ecology –

putting at risk millions of lives. The problem has developed into a potent way of

poisoning and destroying habits and the existing population. According to the Western

Courier, “As plastic water bottles break down , they can release DEHA, a type of

carcinogen that can cause reproductive problems, liver issues and weight loss (2005),”

which implies that the dangerous effects of improper waste disposal are not mere fiction

anymore; rather, it takes the very foundation of health and safety that we know of today.

Different institutions contribute to the amount of waste a given locality produces, e.g.

residential estates, corporate offices, and schools. They each share their own percentage

of waste produced. The focus of the study, however, is on the study of the garbage

disposal system of schools – particularly Marist School, Marikina – and how the

academic institutions could improve it through the researchers’ study. This would be able

to assess the performance of the system – ranging from how the population of the

indicated school feels about the garbage disposal system to what the numbers taken from
 2

the data gathering actually imply. Since the indicated school serves as a learning center

for mostly children to adolescents, the study would further target awareness in the early

stages of a person’s life. And based on research, the age range of the population fits the

“formative years’ of persons, the time in which behaviour is being developed.

The whole objective of the study is not to prove that the existing garbage disposal

system of the school is flawed; rather, on how the system presently performs and how it

could be improved if found unsatisfactory. Consequently, the study reviews the children-

to-adolescent population’s take on caring for the environment and appreciation for

innovative ideas. It would thereby rekindle any form of existing detachment and

possibility open bigger opportunities for the school.

Statement of the Problem

This study determines the awareness and willingness of the high school students in

maintaining the cleanliness of the campus through its existing waste management system

at Marist School, Marikina City during the school year 2012 - 2013.

More specifically, it seeks answer to the following questions:

1. Does the Marist High School population find Marist School’s waste management

system efficient? and,

2. Does Marist School’s waste management system allow maximum participation

of the populace?
 3

Hypotheses

The hypotheses to be tested in this study are the following:

1. If Marist School doesn’t inform majority of the Marist population about the

school garbage disposal system, then Marist population would find the garbage disposal

system not efficient; and,

2. If the present waste management system of Marist School is participated by each

one of the Marist High School community, then there is maximum participation.

Significance of the Study

The garbage disposal system of a school is its process of segregating trash or

lessening its amount. It is also the school’s way to maintain cleanliness in the vicinity.

However, a poor system could lead to lack of awareness of students which in effect leads

to littering, increase in the school’s amount of garbage and simply an unhappy

environment. The study becomes the solution to the problem by first measuring and

understanding the Marist population’s state of awareness, and emotions towards the

subject matter. It follows by analysing the schools present garbage disposal system, and

finding a solution to any problems encountered. This study provides greater chance for

the school to have a happy and clean environment. This would stimulate the student’s

knowledge and participation in taking care of their school and surroundings.

Furthermore, the school would be able to lessen its contribution to the ubiquitous

pollution which has been threatening the balance of nature. If so, the school’s function as
 4

a concerned and active institution would thereby accomplish obligations to the city,

nation and hopefully the world. The study tackles the very core of the school’s

cleanliness, which is integral to its performance.

Scope and Limitations

Though the study encompasses Marist School’s garbage disposal system in general,

this would not be able to cover other problems like drainage or the school’s water system,

or the school’s contribution to air pollution for that matter. Furthermore, the Marist

population would not cover students or faculty from grade school, and it wouldn’t cover

all of the high school population when the data is gathered. Rather, the study would focus

on a specific group of person to extrapolate the information from. The study wouldn’t

also be able to directly tackle the school’s use of plastics and/or Styrofoam products,

since the main objective is on how to improve the school’s garbage disposal system of

the school in general. Most important is that the study is meant to suggest and

recommend, but the implementation is only secondary. Though the study aims the

suggestions right to implement the suggestion and recommendation.

 Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter includes the review of related literature and review of related studies.

Review of Related Literature

This section presents the works of different authors which are relevant to the study

presented. It involves quotations from books and other reference materials which are

used as basis for comparison for the development of the study.

This part of the research presents summarized fragments of various published

resources which would present detailed facts elaboration on the study presented. Thus,

on this element of study, possible solutions are presented to the problems.

In an article written by Cruz (2011), the tragic fate of Filipinos from Northern Luzon

due to the torrential weather systems, victims of the calamity suffered greater loss as

many of those who died were buried under the mountain of trash located above the

residential areas. It shows how fast the people of Northern Luzon forget as they haven’t

learned from a similar tragedy before at the Payatas dumpsite. Obviously, with this

recurring tragedy, it leaves most saying that there is an urgent need for a better garbage

disposable system that goes beyond simple sorting or segregation of trash, but a drastic

implementation of proper waste disposal involving a collective variety of trash.

 6

Review of Related Studies

The researchers opt to dwell in the topic because of its current relevance to society

and arising importance for the environment; furthermore, its accessibility to vast

resources. Thus, resources are considered to be imperative in the study for the validity

and accuracy of information. The researchers were able to discover that there are

numerous studies before which are related to what is being presented.

The study done by the Minnesota Pollution Central Agency called “Digging Deep

Through School Trash: A waste composition analysis of trash, recycling and organic

material discarded at public schools in Minnesota” stated that:

There are so many opportunities for reducing the overall quality of waste
generated which has the potential to save schools money in addition to reducing
their environment impact. Though schools are not, per capita, the largest waste
generators I the state, their waste impact is significant because of the sheer number
if schools, students and staff. Furthermore, the way waste is handled at school
sends an important message to all students who will form habits there and carry
them into Minnesota’s future. Making the effort to act on the potential for
improved waste management at our schools will return dividends in schools’ saved
dollars and in conserved natural resources. (2010)

In the research of Linnea Bovinder Ylitalo and Gerdin Peter entitled “No Plastic

Bags: the Influence of Different Factors on Consumer Attitudes towards an

Environmental Initiative” it mentions that.

A consumer’s wish to defend her-/himself towards internal feelings can be related

to the theory of the value-expressive function. This part can be explained as the
consumers need to avoid negative feelings about her/his own person and is closely
related to values and beliefs about what is ‘good’ and what is ‘bad’. In relation to
the case of Strompilen or other environmental issues this could be a consumers
need to feel that her/his behaviour is not environmentally harmful and to be able to
feel good about her-/himself due to the fact she/he is acting environmentally
 7

responsibly.… From the perspective of the ego-defensive function this indicates

that consumers does not necessarily support a company that they perceive as
responsible in order to express opinion or valuation of something, but sometimes
simply feel good about themselves because they believe that it is the right thing to
do. … The other aspect of the ego-defensive function is a consumer’s need to
defend oneself towards external threats. This aspect is highly relevant for our case
since the environment (as previously argued in the background) is one of today’s
commonly discussed external threats for humanity. Reinhardt (1998) argues that
consumers’ willingness to pay premiums is high for good they believe directly
benefit their health. (2009)

It is mentioned in the study how vital the waste management systems in school are as

the systems serve as learning tools for the students. It promotes responsibility and active

participation in the programs as key aspects of a successful waste management system

According to a study presented by UP Baguio on the waste management of

barangay along Balili River, it is concluded that.

…need for governance of the rules, correspondingly its strict implementation.

There should be presence of support system for appropriate infrastructure of
recycling services, community mechanism for information dissemination and
capability building, and cooperation and for individuals to develop attitude to
appreciate the importance of waste and active participation at the household level,
she further stressed. (2012)

It was also stressed in the study of the importance of “enabling factors” (e.g.

advocates, barangay officials, etc.) in prompting proper waste disposal. It was also

emphasized in their case study on home committed some of the enabling factors are, i.e.

going out of their way to pick up trash and wake up early to serve the community.
 Chapter 3

METHODOLOGY

This chapter includes the method of research, the method of collecting data,

materials and the procedure of the study.

Method of Research

The growing problem of the Marist High School community with its waste

consumption and misuse is evident. As a result, the study aims to resolve the deficiency

of the populace by exploring the possibilities of an efficient waste management system

which appeals to their age bracket. Therefore, the study is characterized as a constructive

research which aims to develop solutions to existing problems. It aims to extend to the

whole Marist High School community in developing a feasible and strategic waste

management system that would efficiently regulate the school’s waste consumption (e.g.

on plastic materials) and improve the cleanliness within the proximity.

Method of Collecting Data, Materials and Procedures

Method of Collecting Data

In developing an efficient waste management system which targets a specific age

bracket, the study would require the use of questionnaires in collecting necessary data

focusing on preference and awareness. Thus, besides conducting a survey, the study

requires keen observation from its researchers – detailed assessments on the current

situations regarding littering, improper waste disposal, student behaviour and

administrative stand.
 9

Materials

The study requires the following materials to produce the promotional waste bin:

recycled plastic bottles (25 pieces), illustration board (1 piece, 15 inches by 10 inches),

steel wire (15 meters), long nose pliers (1 item), glue gun (1 item), glue stick (3 sticks),

and plywood (30 inches by 25 inches).

For the questionnaires and other promotional items (i.e. posters), the study requires the

following: papers (i.e. short bond papers, long bond papers, and intermediate papers),

black pens, printer, ink, and questionnaires.

Procedure

In the development of the waste management system, the researchers first needed to

collect necessary data through survey. Thus, the researcher created questionnaires which

focused (1) on student awareness (2) on student response (3) on student behaviour.

These surveys were done by random sampling from the Marist High School community.

After, the researchers proceeded on developing an efficient waste management system

based on the answers of the respondents. The waste management system was divided

into the administrative niche and the student niche, which clearly defined the roles of the

two. Then administrative niche focused on increasing student participation by

developing enticing and current plans of actions through prom0tional materials (i.e.

promotional waste bin and posters). Furthermore, it is their duty to regulate and manage

Marist School’s waste output and interpret the results for the Marist High School
 10

community. The student niche focused on the proactive response of the high school

student body on the plans of action of the administrative niche. The plans developed are

structured to address the problems of improper waste disposal, degradation of product

efficiency, and unregulated waste consumption.

Sampling Design
 Chapter 4

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

This chapter of the study includes the presentation (i.e. graphs, and narrative

presentations), analysis, and interpretation of data.

Presentation of Data

The following line graphs presented show the respondents’ conformity on each

statement presented I the questionnaire distributed including their existing disparity

between each response.

12
13
 14

The students of Marist High School community generally commented that the school is

“dirty,” “messy,” “filled with garbage,” and far from being clean campus the whole

school has been eyeing for. They also shared that the school needs a lot more

improvement on the existing system it has presently by saying. “Student’s fail to

understand the concept of self-discipline and throw trash at the surroundings.” Other

respondents further elaborated that the school lacks trash bins and administrative policies

that would improve the performance of both the school and students. Majority of the

respondents commented that they consider the school’s cleanliness unsatisfactory, but say

that they’re willing to participate in the school’s action on improving its performance in

maintaining cleanliness within the campus.

Analysis of Data

The data shows that majority of the students are “aware” to “fully aware” of the

school’s waste management system, and the existing cleanliness programs which the

school implements. It presents that a large percentage of the students” of the situation

represents the minority of the populace. However, there are a similarly sized number of

students who are completely neglectful of the predicament by being neutral to the

situation. The fully aware’ of the school’s situation and those who remain “neither aware

nor unaware” have minuscule disparity between them. It presents that though there is a

secure number of students who have conforming consciousness on the present waste

management system, there is also conflicting data presenting loose knowledge on the
 15

subject matter.

In the graphs “On Willingness I” and “On Willingness 2” it presents a larger

population prepared to participate and assist on any of the school’s programs directed to

improve the current status of the school, i.e. unclean. Similarly, there is conflicting data

between a number of students who are “willing” to those who chose “neither.” This data

presents that there are students of the populace who indirectly chose to dissolve from the

whole system. On the other hand, it presents that an infinitesimal percentage of the

Marist High School students wish not to participate in any of the situational or existing

school programs on waste management.

In finding out the student behaviour of the Marist High School students in maintaining

school cleanliness, data shows that majority of the population is on “participation’ and on

“maximum participation” in terms of proper waste disposal. It shows that students are

relatively proactive in following school policies and school programs on improving the

cleanliness of the campus.

However, I the empirical data gathered by the researcher in a one-week period and

from the comments of the respondents, the school’s current situation on waste

management is undoubtedly unsatisfactory. This shows that there are noticeable

differences between the responses from the survey and the actual condition of the school.

A variety of trash (ranging from candy wrappers, plastic bottles, plastic bags, and tin

cans) is present within five school days with similar intensity, i.e. bad to worse. The
Marist high School students’ were generally unsatisfied with the situation of the school’s
16

waste management system despite the positive margin of student respondents.

Interpretation of Data

Though majority of the students responded positively on student awareness,

willingness, and behaviour; there’s a troubling disparity in terms of the current situation

the school campus is suffering from. The difference, however, can be traced back from

the minority of the populace who remain neglectful and neutral to the waste management

system.

The system runs in a conflicting environment of followers and violators. Though

majority of students are aware of the policies, and are willing and presently following

them, a small handful of the population extinguishes the efforts by remaining

insubordinate. The hole in the system can therefore be elaborated on why and how the

problem is addressed. In addressing the situation, do the policies remain rigid and

therefore limit student participation? Does the existing student culture of the school year

towards a smaller yet stronger minority of insubordinate students? Does the school

administration create comprehensive plans and programs, but stagnate in strict

implementation and innovation of its objectives? The actual situation of the school roots

from the hole of the system, despite the majority of the populace being participative in

the existing policy.

Furthermore, from comments of the student respondents of the Marist High School

Community, It coheres with the data from the observations of the researchers. This
 17

interprets that thought students perform positively in the school’s waste management

system, they are aware of the flaws it has.

 Chapter 5

GENERALIZATION

The study shows that majority of the population is aware of the school’s efforts in

maintaining the cleanliness of the campus through its existing waste management system.

A considerably summed up number of students are conscious to fully conscious of what

goes around in the Marist High School community. A considerably smaller part

(minority) of the population remains unaware of the status quo. Furthermore, student

willingness is considerably high under any situational and present plans of the school in

improving the waste management system it currently has. Student behaviour is also

satisfactory, since majority of the population observe a keen understanding on proper

waste disposal. However, there exists a hole in the system which is caused by a strong

minority that disposes all efforts of the administrative and the majority of the population.

The general response on the condition of the school remains unsatisfactory. Though

the respondents performed positively, the enigmatic garbage presents triumphant among

the efforts brought about. This problem is undoubtedly caused by the fallacies of the

system that remain rigid lax, and walled within a state that withstand development. The

Marist High School community is indeed comprised a majority that contributes to the

improvement and implementation of the existing policies, but a powerful black hinders

the objectives from taking into effect. The programs fault is therefore its failure to reach

the minority, and develop a plan that would be able to maximize in the population.
 Chapter 6

RECOMMENDATION

A comprehensive waste management system maximizes on all spectrums of its

population. It is able to teach and act, which encourages student participation and

effective implementation, rather than a promulgation of resistance. I lieu with developing

a comprehensive waste management system, it’s important to create an effective

marketing and advertising campaign, a strong administrative policy, and a curtailment in

the Marist culture of environment awareness.

In creating a marketing and advertising campaign, it’s important to take note of the

target populace. Creating an event would jive well with the Marist culture. A week-long

commemoration at par with earth week could be celebrated. Furthermore, promotional

items like poster s and attractive trash bins should be spread over the vicinity to remind

student of their obligations as a student.

A strong administrative policy is a tool of power and security. It ensures a strong

force of implementation, and exercises the stand of the school in being a responsible and

proactive institution. In developing a strict policy on proper waste disposal for the

targeted population, they’re developing conscious role models for those of younger years.

Lastly, its most important that constant updates on the system should be required to

create a system that’s flexible and able to adapt to any situation. It’s important that this

becomes a compulsive behaviour of the populace in order for the maintenance of the

system.
 REFERENCES

Aro, S. (2012). UP Baguio presents study on waste management of barangays along

Balili River. Philippine Information Agency, Retrieved February 2, 2013, from
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news.php?article=71337069905

Cruz, N. (2011, August 30). Better waste disposal system needed. Philippine Daily
Inquirer. Retrieved February 2, 2013, from http://opinion.inquirer.net/11007/better-
waste-disposal-system-needed.

MCPA (2010). Digging deep through school trash: A waste composition analysis of
Trash, recycling and organic material discarded at public schools in Minnesota.
Retrieved February 2, 2013, from http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/waste-and-
cleanup/waste-management/solid-waste/school-waste-study.httml.

Ylitalo, L.B. & Peter. G. (2009). No Plastic Bags: the Influence of Different Factors on
Consumer Attitude towards an Environmental Initiative. Retrieved from
http://umu.diva-portal.org.