Student Perceptions of Sanitary Products Sustainability in Studley Campus Washrooms at Dalhousie University

Abstract

Restroom products play a crucial role in social sustainability, they also pose challenges to sustainable development by negatively impacting the environment (Pejčić & Vranjanac, 2016). The environmental consequences include the generation of significant waste, which can lead to environmental degradation (Pejčić & Vranjanac, 2016). Products such as toilet paper, paper towels, and menstrual products have been particularly controversial due to their single-use nature (Brito, 2023; Aujla et al., 2024). When discarded, toilet paper and paper towels become insoluble pollutants because of their material composition (Wang et al., 2023; Ingwersen et al., 2016). This study explores the sustainability of restroom products (soap, toilet paper, paper towels, and menstrual products) used on Dalhousie University’s Studley campus, focusing on student perceptions of these products and their environmental impacts. While essential for public health and hygiene, these products contribute significantly to environmental degradation, creating waste and affecting water and soil quality. Despite their importance in everyday life, the sustainability of products has been largely overlooked in university sustainability policies. To investigate these perceptions, an anonymous survey was distributed to undergraduate and graduate students on the Studley Campus, focused on their thoughts and understanding on key sustainability criteria such as biodegradability, recycled content, and plastic-free packaging when it comes to different restroom products. A total of 89 responses were received over a ten-day period, but only 81 replies were analyzed due to eight incomplete responses. Chi-squared and T-tests were performed to compare perceptions across different environmental and sustainability focused programs against non-environmental and sustainability focused programs. The findings revealed a gap in student knowledge regarding the environmental impact of restroom products. In addition, it indicated that students are interested in more sustainable alternatives. This research provides valuable insights for Dalhousie University to refine its sustainability policies and practices, offering opportunities to improve waste management, procurement strategies, and overall environmental stewardship. By better understanding student demands, this study contributes to ongoing efforts to align university operations with sustainability goals and environmental responsibility.

Keywords: Sustainability, Hygiene Products, Soap, Paper Towels, Toilet Paper, Dalhousie University, Perspectives, Environmental Impact, Menstrual Products, Restrooms