Journal of Recycling Economy & Sustainability Policy

Crisis Management of Dual Training in Sustainable Synergy at a Higher Education Institution

Orsolya Falus — 2023-12-30

Based on the German model, practice-oriented dual training is now widespread throughout the European Union, including Hungary. Higher education institutions, universities of applied sciences in particular, together with their industrial partners, offer training courses that meet the needs of the labour market and are flexible to adapt to them, in a sustainable way. The study presents the results of a questionnaire survey at the University of Dunaújváros to determine the impact of a pandemic, as a crisis, and the possibilities of its management, as well as introduces a new tetrahedron model of change management applicable at the research of sustainability during crises at higher education institutions. The fact that the energy crisis caused by the Russo-Ukrainian war forced the University of Dunaújváros to switch to online education again in the winter months for the sake of sustainability gives the study particular topicality.

Evaluation of Ecopsychology in the Context of Social Work

Zeynep Gökçe Güngör — 2024-02-04

The social work profession acts as a bridge for individuals to access social welfare; It works with individuals, groups and societies that we describe as disadvantaged, such as women, elderly individuals, poor individuals, disabled individuals, immigrants and orphaned children. The social work profession is built on understanding people, today and tomorrow, and advocates that every individual should have equal rights without discrimination in society. In this context, social workers apply original intervention systems, considering the well-being of clients and based on the understanding that each individual and case is unique. At this point, eco-therapy and ecopsychology, which are current concepts, appear. Ecopsychology; It is an approach that argues that people have an unstoppable bond with nature, that the well-being of individuals increases as a result of the beauties that nature offers to humanity, and that the increase in functionality between humans and nature depends on the effective communication between them. Understanding ecopsychology and its purposes is important for social work dealing with human psychology to develop new approaches. For this reason, the ecopsychology approach is now emerging as a concept that is more evaluated in the context of social work. Thus, it is inevitable that ecopsychology practices will be more visible within the social work profession and its application areas will increase day by day.

Modeling Recycling Behavior of Turkish Households: An Application of The Theory of Planned Behavior

Özge Can NİYAZ ALTINOK — 2024-02-04

This study examines the recycling intentions and behaviors of Turkish households to understand the factors influencing household recycling. Solid waste significantly impacts the global economy and environment, making recycling crucial for waste management. Despite limited research on household recycling behavior in Türkiye, understanding these factors can lead to more effective recycling programs. Applying the Theory of Planned Behavior, a self-reported online questionnaire was distributed to 415 Turkish households using random sampling. The recycling intentions and behaviors of households were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling. The findings indicate that recycling-related behavior is influenced by intentions, attitudes, subjective norms, awareness of consequences, concern, and perceived behavioral control of Turkish households. This study highlights the importance of addressing these factors for promoting sustainable recycling practices in Türkiye.

Women's Employment in Line with Sustainable Development Goals: The Example of Azerbaijan

Gamze Yıldız Şeren — 2024-02-09

The aim of this study is to analyze the current situation of women's employment level in Azerbaijan within the scope of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this regard, existing statistics on women's employment were examined and the problems faced by women regarding employment in Azerbaijan were investigated. Strategic and legal documents, reports/statistics of international organizations and information of the State Statistics Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SSCRA) were used in the study. In line with statistics and international reports, in Azerbaijan, as in the rest of the world, women's average monthly salaries are lower than men's, women's unemployment rates are higher, and women's share in the labor force remains behind compared to men. Azerbaijan has made commitments to women's rights in its policy documents, defined rights for women in its legal texts, and certain progress has been made towards gender equality. However, within the scope of SDG (5-8) targets, studies need to be increased and a sustainable structure should be achieved.

Sustainability of Flexible Plastic Packaging for Instant Coffee: Evaluation of Environmental Impact and Recyclability

Raquel Souza — 2024-02-16

In Brazil instant coffees are widely marketed in stand-up pouch based on PET(polyethylene terephthalate)/Al(aluminum)foil/LDPE(low-density polyethylene). Aluminum foil is an efficient moisture barrier layer. However, the post-consumer flexible packaging usually causes environmental problems due to the difficulty of materials separation and incompatibility in the recycling lines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the barrier properties, water vapor and oxygen transmission rate (WVTR/OTR) and recyclability potential of the alternative materials for packing instant coffees: (1)LDPE/HDPE(high-density polyethylene)/LDPE, (2)BOPP(bioriented polypropylene)/BOPPmet(metallized)/PP, (3)PET/PETmet/LDPE and (4)PET/BOPPmet/LDPE. WVTR of the materials was up to 0.37g of water m^-2day^-1 (25°C/75%RH) and OTR was up to 3.95mL (NTP) m^-2day^-1indicating they can guarantee the shelf-life of the product with high market turnover. Recycling tests showed that only (1) is compatible with PE recycling lines. Recycled films from (3) and (4) showed increase in some important mechanical properties. (1) and (4) showed the highest reductions of environmental aspects evaluated.