Background of the Study

Rice husk, a byproduct of rice production, creates environmental problems due to its large volume and
slow decomposition. In 2021, according to Philippine Statistics Authority, the Philippines produced
around 3.5 million tons of rice husk, much of which ends up in landfills, causing pollution and
greenhouse gas emissions. Improper disposal can also attract pests or lead to air pollution when burned.

This study focuses on turning rice husk into eco-friendly paper plates. Unlike traditional paper plates
made from trees, which contribute to deforestation, rice husk is an abundant and renewable resource. It
can improve paper strength and durability while addressing waste issues and supporting sustainable
practices.

The goal is to explore the feasibility of using rice husk for paper plate production, optimize the process,
assess its environmental impact, and evaluate consumer acceptability. By doing so, the study aims to
reduce waste, promote sustainability, and provide an eco-friendly alternative to conventional disposable
tableware.

Research Instrument

The research instrument was adapted and modified from the study titled "From Waste to Resource:
Transforming Rice H8usk and Banana Peel into Eco-Friendly Paper Plates" by Armamento Mycaela D. et
al. (2024). The original instrument focused on evaluating the feasibility of transforming agricultural
waste, including rice husks and banana peels, into eco-friendly paper plates. Modifications were made
to align with the current study's objectives, particularly emphasizing consumer perceptions, feasibility,
and sustainability of paper plates made from rice husk waste.

Lastly….

Likert Scale

The Likert Scale is a structured evaluation tool designed to assess various product attributes on a scale
of 1 (low performance) to 5 (excellent performance) across three key categories:

1. Appearance

- Surface Finish: Measures how smooth and polished the product looks and feels, from rough (1) to
flawless (5).

- Thickness: Checks the material's sturdiness, from very thin (1) to thick and durable (5).

2. Structural Integrity

- Tensile Strength: Assesses how well the product resists tearing, from weak (1) to very strong (5).

- Edge Durability: Evaluates how sturdy the edges are, from easily damaged (1) to highly durable (5).

- Burst Strength: Tests the product’s ability to handle pressure, from prone to bursting (1) to extremely
resistant (5).
3. Functionality

- Moisture Resistance: Rates how well it handles liquids, from absorbing quickly (1) to fully waterproof
(5).

- Weight-Bearing Capacity: Measures its ability to hold weight, from sagging (1) to supporting heavy
loads (5).

- Heat Resistance: Evaluates how well it withstands heat, from warping (1) to resisting extreme
temperatures (5).

We changed only the sodium hydroxide because it’s the key ingredient that breaks down the rice
husks and helps bind the material together. By keeping the rice husks and water constant, we can
see how differ ent amounts of sodium hydroxide affect the strength and quality of the paper
plates. This helps us find the best formula for making eco-friendly plates.

Purposive sampling is used to select specific participants who meet the study's criteria, like
environmentally conscious and general consumers. Convenience sampling is used to gather data
quickly from participants who are easy to access when finding specific participants is
challenging.

We study this topic because of the growing problem of rice husk waste in the Philippines. Rice
husks are a byproduct of rice farming, and their large volume poses disposal challenges for
farmers, often leading to practices like burning, which can harm the environment. By utilizing
this waste, we aim to create sustainable and eco-friendly paper plates. This not only helps reduce
waste but also provides farmers with an alternative use for rice husks, potentially offering them
additional income and contributing to a more sustainable future.

What sparked our interest in this study is the potential to benefit farmers, who play a vital role in
our lives. Rice is our staple food, and we owe so much to the hardworking farmers who ensure
we have food on our tables. However, they often face challenges in managing the large volumes
of rice husk waste produced during rice milling. This inspired us to find a way to address this
problem while also providing them with an opportunity to benefit economically. By turning rice
husk waste into sustainable and eco-friendly paper plates, we hope to create a solution that not
only reduces waste but also uplifts the farmers who are the backbone of our agriculture.

The main goal of our study is to find out how making eco-friendly paper plates from rice husk impacts
different areas. We want to see how it helps farmers by giving value to rice husk waste, which can
provide them with extra income. We also want to understand the environmental impact, such as
reducing waste and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. On the economic side, we aim to see how this
method can lower costs and create new business opportunities. For consumers, we want to ensure the
plates are useful, affordable, and environmentally friendly. Ultimately, our goal is to understand the
broader societal impact, showing how this innovation can create a positive ripple effect by addressing
environmental concerns, supporting farmers, and promoting sustainable practices.