2026 IJRSE – Volume 15 Issue 11
Available Online: 11 May 2026
Author/s:
Bequio, Paulo*
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (Pasacao), Philippines (paulo.bequio@cbsua.edu.ph)
Saliot, Kyla
Apinado, Erlyn
Hegina, Mark Allen
Estela, Norman
Barrameda, John Paulo
Morada, Eduardo
Nolasco, Michael N.
Abstract:
The proliferation of e-commerce has significantly enhanced consumer convenience while simultaneously escalating the accumulation of non-biodegradable packaging waste, particularly in coastal communities with constrained waste management infrastructure like Barangay Caranan, Pasacao, Camarines Sur. Utilizing a mixed-methods descriptive research design involving a one-month waste segregation study and structured surveys of 30 purposively selected frequent-shopper households, this research identified a total accumulation of 7.085 kg of plastic-based residuals. The waste stream was heavily dominated by bubble wrap (4.922 kg) and poly mailers (2.163 kg), whereas durable materials like cardboard boxes were absent due to high rates of domestic reuse. While findings indicated a “Strongly Aware” level of consumer consciousness (x̄ = 4.27) regarding immediate environmental nuisances like increased garbage volume and coastal water pollution, a critical knowledge gap was identified concerning the direct link between thin-film plastics and localized flooding risks. To address these systemic challenges, the study developed the “CY 2027 Waste Management Plan,” which has been institutionalized via a formal Barangay Resolution to prioritize non-punitive, incentive-based systems and logistical take-back partnerships with local courier hubs. Ultimately, this research underscores the necessity of transitioning from general environmental advocacy toward technical skill-building, multi-sectoral accountability, and the institutionalization of dedicated local funding to effectively mitigate the ecological footprint of e-commerce logistics in vulnerable coastal ecosystems. This framework serves as a scalable model for integrating digital consumer trends into grassroots environmental governance.
Keywords: packaging waste, e-Commerce, waste accumulation, sustainable waste management, circular economy
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26190
Cite this article:
Bequio, P., Saliot, K., Apinado, E., Hegina, M. A., Estela, N., Barrameda, J. P., Morada, E., & Nolasco, M. N. (2026). Environmental impacts of packaging and waste accumulation from online shopping platforms in Caranan, Pasacao, Camarines Sur. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 15(11), 207-221. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26190
* Corresponding Author