Acceptance Of The Usage Of Rice-Based Straws Among The Students Of Lyceum Of The Philippines University

This study assessed the acceptance of rice-based straws among students of Lyceum of the Philippines University–Cavite as a sustainable alternative to plastic straws. Specifically, the study examined students’ perceptions in terms of durability, sustainability, usability, advantages, and limitations of rice-based straws. A quantitative descriptive research design was employed, utilizing a researcher-made survey questionnaire administered to 381 undergraduate students from the College of International Tourism and Hospitality Management, the College of Liberal Arts and Education, and the College of Nursing. Data were analyzed using frequency distribution, percentage, weighted mean, and standard deviation through the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings revealed that respondents generally expressed a positive acceptance of rice-based straws. In terms of durability, rice-based straws obtained a grand mean of 4.25, interpreted as “Agree,” indicating that the straws were perceived to maintain their functionality throughout beverage consumption. Sustainability recorded the highest grand mean of 4.52, interpreted as “Strongly Agree,” demonstrating that students recognized rice-based straws as environmentally friendly alternatives capable of reducing plastic waste. Usability also received a favorable evaluation, with a grand mean of 4.37, interpreted as “Agree,” suggesting that respondents considered rice-based straws practical and convenient for everyday use. Among the perceived advantages, “eco-friendly and reduces plastic waste” ranked highest with 30.5%, while “limited availability or options” emerged as the primary disadvantage with 37.4%. Overall, the findings suggest that students perceive rice-based straws as a viable and sustainable alternative to conventional plastic straws, despite concerns regarding accessibility and market availability.