Assessing green practices awareness among fruit and vegetable street vendors in Johannesburg

Abstract: Purpose of the study: Street vending is becoming more popular and is an essential service mostly in the cities or towns of developing countries. The aim of this study was to investigate how well/much fruit and vegetable street vendors in Johannesburg are aware of green practices when conducting their businesses. Design/methodology/approach: In conducting this study, face-to-face interviews with open-ended questions were used. Semi-structured interviews consisting of eight questions were conducted among ten fruit and vegetable street vendors, comprising six males and four females. The interview questions explored matters concerning hygiene or green practices, regulations to follow when doing business, as well as recycling, reducing and reusing of materials. Findings: Findings from this study indicate that most fruit and vegetable street vendors in Johannesburg are not aware of green practices and the regulations for conducting their businesses. Furthermore, the data collected show that not many street vendors selling fruit and vegetables reduce their waste materials; however, they do recycle and reuse some of the materials they use. Recommendations/value: the study mainly recommends the emphasis on educating streets vendors on the importance and benefits of protecting their operating environment, as well as the government to enforce rules and regulations of environment protection. Managerial implications: studies such as this current widen the management scope and suggest that informal trading organisations should form their own management in their areas of operations