IDENTIFYING THE PREVALENCE OF ATTITUDINAL GAP IN CONTROLLING WHITE POLLUTION - A STUDY ON UNOR- GANIZED RETAIL SECTORS OF KOLKATA

Abstract

Despite several legal notifications and awareness programs plastic carry bags of different sizes and thicknesses are incredibly visible in all market places in Kolkata. Availability at free of cost and easy to store make the use of these bags true convenience for both the sellers as well as the shoppers in the unorganized retail sectors especially. Concerning the ill effect of plastic use on the environment and health control of its indiscriminate use is the need of the hour in the city. Under such circumstances a thoughtful understanding of the present scenario in light of knowledge, attitude and awareness of the users (Both Sellers and Shoppers) of this product is fundamental. The present study made a sincere attempt to focus light on this concern in the unorganized retail sector in Kolkata. Primary data, using personal interview, observation and survey method, is collected for two different samples—sellers and customers of non-branded retail shops from six distinctive market places of Kolkata. Factor Analysis is used to estimate the Business As Usual Scenario in light of attitude and opinion of the users of plastic bags. Analysis of data identified existence of gap between knowledge and behavior of the users regarding their action to control white pollution in this sector. This paper argued that such gap determines attitude of both buyers and sellers towards the unlimited use of this product and finally prevent successful implementation of any legal action to control the while pollution originating from the unorganized retail sectors in the city.