CHAPTER 3: PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND
INTERPRETATIONOF DATA
THE EFFECTS OF NON-UTILIZATION OF ECO-
FRIENDLYPACKAGING ON SMALL FOOD
BUSINESSES IN LEGARDA, MANILA
Examining the packaging practices of small
businesses, Tables 1 and 2 present weighted
mean responses from owners and managers
regarding the materials and methods utilized
for food packaging purposes. Notably, plastic
merges as the predominant packaging
material, with a weighted mean of 3.67 for
Table 1 and 3.68 for Table 2, categorized as
often. This reliance on plastic packaging
underscores the pervasive nature of the plastic
crisis within the business sector. However,
encouragingly, paper emerges as a viable
alternative, with a weighted mean of 3.18 for
Table 1 and 3.25 for Table 2, also categorized
as often.
In contrast, foil/aluminum and polystyrene
foam materials lag behind, categorized as
rarely, with weighted means of 2.43 and 2.33,
and 2.13 and 2.12, respectively. While these
findings shed light on current packaging
practices, they also underscore the imperative
for businesses to embrace sustainable
alternatives to plastic and paper packaging. By
transitioning towards eco-friendly materials
such as plant-based and reusable packaging,
businesses can not only meet consumer
demand for sustainability but also contribute to
the collective effort to combat plastic pollution.
Moreover, such initiatives can yield tangible
benefits for businesses, including enhanced
brand reputation, customer loyalty, and long-
term cost savings.
The indicator "Our business is aware of United
Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13
about urgent action to combat climate change
and its impacts" received the lowest weighted
mean. This reveals a concerning lack of
awareness among small food businesses in
Legarda Manila regarding UN Sustainable
Development Goal 13, which focuses on
climate action (UNDP, n.d.). This lack of
awareness is particularly alarming considering
the significant impact that climate change can
have on food businesses. Failure to address and
mitigate the effects of climate change can result
in disruptions in supply chains, decreased
agricultural productivity, and increased
vulnerability to extreme weather events. It is
essential for small food businesses to familiarize
themselves with SDG13 and implement
strategies to reduce their carbon footprint, such
as adopting sustainable practices, reducing
waste, supporting renewable energy sources,
and investing in eco-friendly packaging (UNDP,
n.d.). By prioritizing climate action within them
operations, small food businesses in Legarda
Manila can play a crucial role in contributing
towards a more sustainable future for the
environment and society as a whole.
Additionally, the government has collaborated
with businesses and civil society organizations
to develop sustainable solutions and promote
corporate social responsibility in reducing
plastic waste (Department of Environment and
Natural Resources, n.d.). Such collaborative
efforts are vital in tackling environmental
challenges effectively and fostering a culture of
sustainability across various sectors.
Problem 2. What are the current challenges
faced by small food businesses when utilizing
non-eco-friendly food packaging?
For small food businesses, cost is a significant
factor when deciding on packaging options.
Traditional packaging materials like plastic and
paper are more affordable compared to
sustainable alternatives such as biodegradable
or compostable materials.
While sustainability is becoming increasingly
important in the eyes of consumers, many
small businesses simply cannot afford the
higher costs associated with eco-friendly
packaging. In addition, traditional packaging
often offers better protection for products
during shipping and handling, reducing the
chances of damage and loss. S mall businesses
must weigh their budget constraints against
their desire to incorporate sustainable
practices, making it challenging to prioritize
environmentally friendly packaging options.
Ultimately, the decision between traditional
and sustainable packaging comes down to
balancing cost considerations with
environmental responsibility for small
businesses.