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Single-use plastic, and the ways in which its use can be reduced or eliminated
- What behaviour are you trying to change? E.g Reduction in the use of plastic bags
- Whose behaviour are you trying to change? E.g Busy professionals who shop daily to pick up a few food items
- Where are you trying to change the behaviour? E.g At small local stores or supermarkets
- When are you trying to change the behaviour? E.g In the evening
- How often are you trying to change the behaviour? On each weekday
What are the drivers/barriers to reduce or eliminate the use of single use plastic?
Do your communities have the capability to reduce or eliminate the use of single use plastic? | Psychological capability | Do they know that reducing use of single use plastic will help us to protect our environment? Do they remember to not take a plastic bag when offered one? Do they remember to bring a reusable bag with them to the shops? Do they remember to pack a reusable bag in their rucksack, to carry one with them when they are out just in case they need one? Do they plan to take a reusable bag with them? |
Do your communities have the capability to reduce or eliminate the use of single use plastic? |
Physical capability | Assumed that they have the physical capability |
Do your communities have the opportunity to reduce or eliminate the use of single use plastics? | Physical opportunity | Do they own a reusable bag? Are they prompted to use their reusable bag at the checkout instead of being offered a plastic bag? |
Do your communities have the opportunity to reduce or eliminate the use of single use plastics? | Social opportunity | Do others around them use plastic bags or reusable bags for their shopping - what is the norm in the local community? What will others think of them if they use a plastic bag, or a reusable one? Do peers, friends and family support them to use a reusable bag? Are they pressured to use a reusable bag? |
Do your communities have the motivation to reduce or eliminate the use of single use plastics? | Automatic motivation | Do they want to use a plastic bag over a reusable bag? Are they happier when using a plastic bag? Do they have the habit of using a plastic bag? Do they enjoy using plastic bags over reusable ones e.g do they find it more comfortable? |
Do your communities have the motivation to reduce or eliminate the use of single use plastics? |
Reflective motivation |
Do they believe that using a plastic bag is better to carry their shopping? Do they enjoy using plastic bags over reusable ones e.g do they find it more comfortable? Do they plan to use a plastic bag when they shop? Are they concerned about the many environmental consequences of getting a new plastic bag each time? Do they believe that using a reusable bag is not enough to have a positive impact on the environment? |
What interventions could you use?
Persuasion
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A poster which says: ‘Plastic bags can kill. Keep our oceans clean.” A picture alongside can evoke emotion (Reflective motivation)
Incentivisation
- Like some coffee shops do, offer a discount if someone brings their own cup to shops/events/conferences (Automatic motivation)
Restriction
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Restrict the times when you use plastic. Create a rule of when you can use plastic waste – 5 days per week you use a reusable bag, and 2 days of the week, you buy a plastic bag – setting a rule for yourself can help (Physical opportunity)
Enablement
- Sponsors at conferences and events could provide a reusable bag (Physical opportunity)