Perceptions of environmental impacts of cosmetics and personal care products in Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author

Mugabe, Isheanesu H.

Title

Perceptions of environmental impacts of cosmetics and personal care products in Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study highlights the perceptions of environmental impacts of cosmetics and personal care products in Chinhoyi Ward 1. The production, use and disposal of cosmetics and personal care products have significant impacts into the environment. However, consumer awareness and perceptions of these impacts are not well understood. This study will contribute to a more holistic understanding of the environmental impacts of cosmetics and personal care products, and could inform the development of more sustainable practices and policies in the industry. The aim was to assess consumers and salon workers perceptions on the environmental impacts of cosmetics and personal care products. Mixed approach method was used in the research with simple random sampling of 60 households and 10 salons and purposive sampling for EMA and City council. Questionnaires and interviews were employed to gather thorough information about perceptions of environmental impacts of cosmetics and personal care products. Data was analyzed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel. The study notes that people are moderately aware of the environmental impacts of cosmetics and personal care products and they are no waste strategies / management for cosmetics and personal care waste. The common cosmetics used showed hair relaxer (16.5%), shampoo( 25%), gloves (10.5%), wet wipes (16.5%), Makeup products (9.5%), Hair dyes (11.3%) and skin lightening products (9.7%) in households and wet wipes (14.3%), hair relaxer (28.6%), shampoo (28.6%), hair dyes (5.7%) and gloves (2.9%) in salons. The study of perceptions of environmental impacts of cosmetics and personal care products showed that the participant’s attitude level is high whilst attitude and practices level are moderate. Waste management strategies/ practices being done are local council disposal (29.3%), dumpsite (15.3 %), burning (25.9%), pit (12.1%) in households and local council disposal (58.3%) and pits (41.9%) in salons. There are no specific waste strategies practices for cosmetics and personal care products in Chinhoyi. The people are willing to use eco-friendly cosmetics and personal care products. The study recommends that they should be a strategic waste management plan for cosmetics and personal care products and education and awareness on the environmental effects of cosmetics and personal care products.

Date

May 2024

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Cosmetics and personal care

Impacts

Supervisor

Ms. Masona