Utilising Gumamela Leaves As An Alternative in Making Edible Straw
Utilising Gumamela Leaves As An Alternative in Making Edible Straw
Utilising Gumamela Leaves As An Alternative in Making Edible Straw
A.Y:2022-202
A Research
Presented to
In Partial Fulfilment
of the Requirement for Inquiries, Investigations, and Immersion
Senior High School
Researchers
BAYOS, CARL SHANDELLE
MAY, 2023
SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
CHAPTER 1
Introduction
Innovative solutions have emerged from nature itself in the search for long-lasting and environmentally
responsible alternatives for plastic straws. The idea of using gumamela leaves (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) as an
alternative edible straw has intrigued researchers and enthusiasts alike. The colorful gumamela plant, well-
known for its lovely flowers and cultural significance in some areas, has the possibility of changing how we
consume beverages while reducing our environmental impact. Considering their unique traits, cultural
significance, and ecological advantages, this article investigates the theories and potential advantages of using
gumamela leaves as an edible straw. Implementing this innovative strategy may help us find a special and long-
lasting solution to the issue of single-use plastic waste while also honoring the wealthy.
The ecosystems of our planet and human health are both at risk from plastic pollution, which is a serious
environmental problem. Millions of single-use plastic straws are used and thrown away each year, making them
one of the most common types of plastic waste (Centre, 2023). Finding alternatives to traditional materials that
are sustainable and friendly to the environment has, therefore, become increasingly popular. Using the leaves of
the tropical plant gumamela, which is common in many places, as an edible straw is one creative idea that has
emerged. Gumamela leaves have potential advantages over conventional plastic straws, including being natural
and biodegradable, edible and secure, and high in antioxidants (GumamelallHibiscus Rosa-Sinensis
Linn./Hibiscus, China Rose Philippine Medicinal Herbs, Philippine Alternative Medicine at StuartXchange,
n.d.). In this study, we will explore the potential use of gumamela leaves as an alternative edible straw, including
their environmental impact and potential health benefits. Using gumamela leaves as a straw alternative could
Plastic pollution has emerged as a pressing global environmental concern, with single-use plastic items, such
as straws, contributing significantly to the accumulation of plastic waste in landfills and oceans. As awareness
of this issue grows, there is an increasing need for sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic straws. One
potential solution lies in exploring natural, biodegradable materials that can serve as edible straws, thereby
reducing plastic waste and promoting environmentally friendly practices Visual Feature | Beat Plastic
Pollution, 2022).
Gumamela (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is a tropical plant commonly found in many regions. It is known for its
lively flowers and has an abundant history of traditional medicinal and cultural uses. The gumamela leaves,
which are often missed, have recently attracted attention due to their potential as an alternative material for
This study aims to investigate the viability and potential benefits of utilizing gumamela leaves as an alternative
edible straw. By using the natural properties of gumamela leaves, such as their biodegradability and safety for
consumption, this research seeks to contribute to the development of sustainable alternatives to plastic straws.
The exploration of gumamela leaves as an alternative edible straw is not only a matter of environmental value
but also holds potential socio-economic and cultural benefits. Embracing locally available and natural
resources can promote community interest, improve local industries, and highlight cultural practices that
utilize gumamela leaves for various purposes. Through a comprehensive examination of the physical and
chemical properties of gumamela leaves, as well as their sensory characteristics and consumer credibility, this
study aims to provide valuable insights into the possible and desired uses of gumamela straws. Additionally, it
seeks to evaluate the potential health benefits associated with consuming beverages through gumamela straws,
such as the transfer of nutrients or other active compounds. (Rd, 2023)
Ultimately, the findings of this research can contribute to the body of knowledge on sustainable alternatives to
plastic straws and offer practical solutions for reducing plastic waste in the food and beverage industry. By
promoting the use of gumamela leaves as an alternative edible straw, this study seeks to support environmental
conservation efforts, foster sustainable practices, and contribute to the well-being of both ecosystems and
communities.
This study aims to investigate the use of gumamela leaves as an alternative edible straw to the community of
a. Name
b. Age
c. Sex
2. What are the opinions of the residents about the newly implemented edible straws compared to the
3. Does the edible straw help reduce the plastic waste problem?
4. What are the potential health benefits or risks associated with consuming beverages through gumamela
straws?
1.4 Objectives
● to examine the perception of the Legian 2 residents of the gumamela edible straw as an
alternative.
● to determine the effectiveness of using alternative gumamela leaves as an edible straw in reducing
plastic waste.
● to identify any potential health benefits of drinking beverages made from gumamela leaves.
1.5 Hypothesis
Na: : Utilising gumamela leaves as an alternative edible straw results in a higher level of sustainability of
N0: There is no significant difference in the suitability and acceptability of gumamela leaves as an alternative
This study's importance lies in its potential to address a relevant problem and gain a deep understanding of use
of gumamela leaves as an edible straw alternative in the Legian 2, Carsadang Bago 1 community. This
investigation seeks to provide insight into a previously understudied area and offer useful insight to the local
community by examining how the uses of gumamela leaves as an alternative effectively in terms of
environmental and health impact. The results of this study have effects for the researcher, the researcher’s family,
the community, and the local governments that may help formulate useful plans, laws, or approaches. The
findings of this study can also be used as a starting point for future research, allowing for more investigation and
advancements in the uses of gumamela as an alternative straw. Overall, this study's importance lies in its potential
to have a significant impact and fill a necessary gap in the existing body of knowledge and pave the way for
further advancements and improvements like Several studies have found that hibiscus tea may lower both systolic
To the researcher. The study will be useful to me because it will enable me to change my perspective
To the researcher’s family. This study may influence how the researcher's family uses edible plastic
straws instead of harmful plastics and could also encourage others to switch to more environmentally-
friendly alternatives.
To the community. The community will gain insights into how to properly manage plastic waste and
explore sustainable alternatives of gumamela leaves as an alternative straw. To reduce the reliance of
the community on plastic straws and decrease the negative impact on the environment, also, the
potential health benefits of gumamela leaves as an edible straw could provide a unique and nutritious
persuade them to adopt more environmentally friendly habits and lessen their reliance on single-use
plastics, the local government can organise campaigns, workshops, or educational programs.
The usage of gumamela leaves as an alternative edible straw in Legian 2 is the only topic covered by this
research, which evaluates its effectiveness in terms of environmental and health factors in implementing the
alternative gumamela leaves as an edible straw and how it will benefit the neighbourhood. The respondents to
the study will be the total population of 17,848 of Legian 2, Carsadang Bago 1. The research will use interviews
as the research tool and the clustered probability sampling method. Additionally, this study's time constraints
prevented it from completing the entire research project; only up to chapter 3 was assigned.
Edible straw- Refer to a kind of straw that is produced from edible based material.
The work focuses on the most developmental studies on reducing plastic waste from the 1970s to 2023. Plastic
waste is one of the biggest environmental problems in our communities. This shows the growth of plastic
waste over the years. From the 1950s to the 1970s, only a small amount of plastic was produced, and as a
result, plastic waste was relatively manageable. Yet the production of plastic more than tripled between the
1970s and the 1990s. A level increase it had in the previous 40 years. That is why, in 2001, the Philippines
enacted a landmark law, Republic 9003. The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2001 because of its
decentralized and community-centred approach to waste management. And it's one of the reasons gumamela
leaves straw must be implemented in Legian 2, Carsadang Bago 1. The gumamela leaves straw is a plant-based
edible straw, and this might be effective, which will have a huge impact on the environmental system of the
community because gumamela leaves edible straws are a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to
traditional plastic and paper straws because the waste generated through plastic straws is difficult to recycle
Also, plastic straws are typically made from harmful chemicals made from polypropylene, a type of plastic
made from petroleum. A chemical made from polypropylene that affects estrogen levels. Unlike the gumamela
leaves, edible straw is healthier than plastic straw and can be made from various edible and biodegradable
This another theory proves that depending on the material used for the edible straw like gumamela leaves,
edible straw has potential health benefits associated with consuming beverages through them. For instance, if
the edible straw is made from plant based material, it could introduce certain phytonutrients,antioxidants, or
other beneficial compounds into the drink. We are the third-largest contributor of plastic waste, which is a
problem if we implement the use of gumamela leaves edible straw in Legian 2, Carsadang Bago 1. A problem
that cannot be addressed without individual and collective behavior changes. Because other people actually
care about their environment but for some they couldn't care less about what was happening around them
(Aruta, 2021).
1.9 Conceptual Framework
The input-process-output of this conceptual framework was used in carrying out this research on utilising
gumamela leaves as an alternative edible straw in Legian 2, Car. Bag. 1. The input that underwent the procedure
or operation and became the output makes up the system of three frames.
PROCESS
INPUT Designing and
Collection of Planning: OUTPUT
data
Determining
Personal data: Interview
the impact of
Nam
Observatio edible straw by
e
Age n leaves that
Steps: Select implementing
Sex are in3.goodCase study
condition, the gumamela
have a vibrantData
color, leaves as an
The use of analysis
and are unblemished or alternative
gumamela edible straw
damaged-free. The
leaves as an
alternative gumamela leaves
should be washed and Gumamela
edible straw
rinsed. Use scissors to leaves as an
To identify the
use of edible trim and shape the alternative 3
Figure
straw to reduce leaves. Tie several edible straw
pollution gumamela strips
Materials: together by bundling
Gum them with twine or
amela clean string. Use a new
Figure 1
leaves piece of string or twine
Knif to bind several
e or gumamela strips
Figure 2
scissors together. Give the
Wat straws time to dry.
er When the gumamela
Opti leaf straws are
onal: completely dry, keep
string them in a clean, dry
or place until you're ready
twine
to use them.
Figure 1 displays the demographic profile of the respondents as well as each person's personal information.
Figure 2 depicts the designing and planning process for the study's tools, which include the research tools of the
interview and observation. According to the research, a case study research design will be used. Figure 3 shows
the analysis done to assess the impact of using gumamela leaves as an alternative edible straw on the environment
CHAPTER II
2.1 Introduction
This study focuses on the utilization and effectiveness of the gumamela plant in the production of dishwashing
liquid. Gumamela, also known as Hibiscus rosa sinensis, is a shrub cultivated as an ornamental plant in the
The study acknowledges the common use of gumamela flowers in making bubbles and highlights its various
uses, including medicinal purposes. The researchers aim to explore the potential of gumamela in producing
dishwashing liquid, considering the tough stains and grease commonly encountered during dishwashing.
The study emphasizes the importance of dishwashing liquid in facilitating the removal of stains and grease from
kitchen tools. It suggests that gumamela, being an organic material readily available, could be transformed into
By examining the utilization of gumamela in dishwashing liquid production, the study aims to provide insights
into the feasibility and effectiveness of this organic material as a natural cleaning agent. The research highlights
the potential of using simple, locally sourced ingredients for everyday household tasks, promoting sustainability
focus. It appears to include snippets from studies or reports on different topics, such as the cultivation and uses
of gumamela (Hibiscus) flowers, the composition of perfumes, and a study on the nutrients present in "hugas-
bigas." However, due to the fragmented nature of the text, it is difficult to provide a concise summary or make
sense of the overall message. It is important to ensure that information is properly sourced, organized, and
presented in a clear and coherent manner to convey meaningful findings or insights.(Franklingottschalk, 2017)
According consolacion Y. Ragasaand Leslie Ann A. Rufino (2011) this study investigated the chemical
composition of air-dried flowers of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn., also known as gumamela. The study identified
the presence of 5,7,4'-trihydroxy flavanone (naringenin) and a mixture of hydrocarbons and squalene. The
structure of naringenin was determined through extensive 1D and 2D NMR analyses. Antimicrobial tests
revealed that naringenin had low activity against the bacterium S. aureus and fungi C. albicans and T.
mentagrophytes. Furthermore, naringenin did not exhibit cytotoxic effects on human lung non-small cell
adenocarcinoma (A549) cells and normal Chinese hamster ovarian (AA8) cells.
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a 4% gumamela leaf extract ointment in the closure of
venous leg ulcers (VLUs) among patients in a dermatology outpatient department in the Philippines. Twelve
patients with confirmed venous leg ulcers were included in the study and instructed to apply the extract twice
daily for 12 weeks or until wound closure. The ulcer area size was evaluated at each visit, and safety was assessed
for possible adverse reactions. By the end of the study, 83.3% of patients achieved complete
This study highlights the various medicinal uses of gumamela flower, leaves, and roots. According to the
properties. The plant, also known as hibiscus, is commonly found in home gardens and comes in different colors
such as pink, purple, red, orange, white, and yellow. Gumamela is prepared as a decoction or tea to address
conditions like bronchitis, coughs, fever, dysentery, urinary and bladder infections, high blood pressure, and
constipation. Additionally, a poultice or paste made from mashed gumamela flowers is applied to alleviate
According to Yavagal et al. (2020) study emphasises the significant global usage of plastic straws and their
contribution to plastic waste. It proposes edible straws made from a material that resists the use of plastic straws,
providing a flavoured and sustainable option for reducing plastic straw consumption. Another research suggests
the environmental impact of single-use plastic items, including straws, and explores various alternatives. It
discusses sensory experiences and consumer preferences related to alternative straw materials, identifying
cornstarch straws as the closest sensory match to plastic straws (Jonsson et al., 2021). Huaibin et al. (2021) in
adhesives. The edible and microplastic-free nature of this straw provides a healthier and more eco-friendly
substitute for plastic and produces a new type of edible straw made from bacterial cellulose, which offers
improved mechanical performance and avoids the use of straws. But Wearing (2022) focuses on the broader
concept of edible straws made from different materials, such as pasta, rice, and seaweed. It highlights the
environmental benefits, health advantages, and fun aspects of using edible straws. Daley (2003) introduces a
nutritious edible straw made from a mixture of dry and wet ingredients, providing a unique and enjoyable
drinking experience. Collectively, these studies demonstrate the growing interest in finding sustainable
alternatives to plastic straws. Edible straws offer a range of benefits, including reduced plastic waste, improved
environmental sustainability, enhanced sensory experiences, and consumer appeal. The five literature findings
of the reviewed studies indicate that there is a clear need for sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic straws
due to their significant contribution to global plastic waste. Edible straws emerge as a viable solution to address
Yavagal et al. (2020) proposes the use of edible straws made from a material that can resist the need for plastic
straws. This innovation not only provides a sustainable option but also introduces flavours to enhance the
drinking experience. By replacing plastic straws with edible alternatives, the study aims to reduce plastic straw
consumption and contribute to long-term sustainability. Emphasises the negative environmental impact of
single-use plastic items, including straws, and explores various alternatives. It recognizes the importance of
sensory experiences and consumer preferences when considering alternative materials. Cornstarch straws are
identified as the closest sensory match to plastic straws, suggesting that they can potentially provide a seamless
transition for consumers seeking alternatives (Jonsson et al., 2021). Huaibin et al. (2021) introduces a novel
edible straw made from bacterial cellulose, which offers improved mechanical performance and avoids the use
of adhesives. The key advantage of this edible straw is its microplastic-free nature, making it a healthier and
more eco-friendly substitute for plastic straws. The study highlights the potential of this innovation to provide a
Wearing (2022) broadens the scope by exploring edible straws made from various materials, such as pasta, rice,
and seaweed. It emphasises the environmental benefits, health advantages, and fun aspects of using edible straws.
This study underscores the versatility and appeal of edible straws as alternatives to traditional plastic straws.
Daley (2003) presents a nutritious edible straw made from a mixture of dry and wet ingredients. This unique
approach adds a dimension of enjoyment to the drinking experience while providing a sustainable solution to
Overall, the findings from these studies collectively demonstrate the increasing interest in finding sustainable
alternatives to traditional plastic straws. Edible straws offer a range of benefits, including reduced plastic waste,
improved environmental sustainability, enhanced sensory experiences, and consumer appeal. These findings
support the notion that edible straws can play a significant role in addressing the plastic waste problem and
promoting a more sustainable future. Further research and development in this field can help refine the
In conclusion, edible straws represent a promising solution to address the plastic waste problem associated with
traditional straws. They offer a sustainable and enjoyable way to consume beverages while reducing the reliance
on single-use plastics. Further research and development in this field can lead to the wider adoption of edible
CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
This study focuses on making a sustainable straw alternative to plastic, for reducing our environmental
problem which is plastic waste among the community of Legian 2, Carsadang Bago 1. This study used a
This study outlines a research plan that uses the case study approach to examine how gumamela leaves might
be used as an alternate material for crafting edible straws. We want to develop a comprehensive understanding
of the real-world applications and effects of this sustainable solution. To do this, we will be undertaking in-
depth research and observations. The case study of turning gumamela leaves into edible straws is the focus of
The study used a qualitative method to better grasp the impact of utilisation of gumamela leaves as alternative
material for edible straw. And uses websites and platforms to gather information and search engines like
google.
3.4 Research Sampling Technique
The researcher uses the concept of simple random technique to gain access to a portion of Legian 2, Carsadang
Bago. 1. Population of 17,848 individuals, and each is to be chosen by chance, and to acquire the relevant data
collection and an accurate conclusion. To develop a complete understanding of the effect of implementing
The gathering of the secondary source of data of this research, the researchers used:
● Interview Questionnaires
The researchers conduct an interview on the selected 100 individual participants in the community of Legian 2,
Carsadang Bago. 1.
The fundamental tools used in qualitative research are open-ended questionnaires, and conducting interviews
and asking questions designed to determine an individual's environmental perceptions. This kind of approach
to gathering information can improve the functionality of the data gathered in this research.
3.8 Research Instruments
The researchers will be conducting an interview questionnaire. This interview has a set of questions that must
be answered by the participants of Legian 2, Carsadang Bago. 1. By posing open-ended questions to the
participants and engaging in dialogue with them, researchers can gather the necessary comprehensive
information. Part I of the research instrument is composed of assets that gathered populations personal
information, like their name, age, sex. Part II of the research instrument, the researcher will be asking the
following questions; (1) For you, are Gumamela straws safe for consumption? (2) Does the use of Gumamela
straws affect the taste or quality of the beverages? Part III of the research instrument consists of the questions
regarding the plastic waste problem; (1) How do edible straws contribute to reducing plastic waste? (2) How do
The data was transcribed, coded, examined, interpreted, and checked after that. By reading the transcribed
questionnaires repeatedly, the researcher can improve his or her comprehension of the subject through the
process of transcription. Once all the data had been thoroughly transcribed, the data was then coded (see
appendix three). The applied codes are keywords, which are used to classify or arrange material and are
regarded as being a crucial component of qualitative research (Sarantakos, 1998). The information was then
examined, classified, and arranged into overarching themes and sub-themes that arose during the coding
process. The themes that surfaced were given a particular code in accordance. The analysis process then
involved emphasising any similarities and contrasts in the data and looking for any recurring patterns. By
double-checking the transcripts and codes as part of the data verification process, the researcher can either
confirm or revise previously formed hypotheses by ensuring their validity (Sarantakos, 1998).
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