Evaluating Sustainable Apparel Consumption Practices: Purchasing, Maintenance, and Disposal Behaviours among Ghanaian Youth

Abstract

The study seeks to evaluate sustainable practices in apparel consumption in the area of purchase, maintenance, and disposal behaviours among the youth in Ghana. Disposal of apparel in the environment and its sustainability has been an issue in the 21^st century. Pollution in Ghana is a serious problem and all manner of waste ranging from plastic to clothes is causing the environment so much. The research objectives are to assess how often apparel is purchased, how the apparel is cared for, and disposal behaviours in Ghana.

This research assess the current trend among the youth hence, online questionnaire was administered to collect data for the study. The design used was descriptive and 328 students pursuing different kinds of academic programme at varied levels were conveniently selected since the online questionnaire was not limited to students in the Industrial Art Department of the KNUST. The biographical data and the data for the three research objectives were analysed with frequencies to establish the prevailing situation among the students. The results had established that cost, parents and current styles of apparel won by certain groups of people do influence apparel selection. The results have also shown that the youth care for their apparels by washing them and keeping them safe from being damaged. Proper disposal of old apparel that is no more needed should be disposed of by taking into account the environment.

Keywords: Environment, Behaviour, Apparel, Pollution, Ecosystem, Sustainability

DOI: 10.7176/ADS/110-08

Publication date: July 30^th 2024