Public views on plastic pollution: Knowledge, perceived impacts, and pro-environmental behaviours

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Sociology
• Psychology

Background:

• Plastic pollution is a significant global environmental issue stemming from industrial and domestic activities.
• Poor waste management throughout the product lifecycle exacerbates plastic pollution.
• Public perception and behavior are crucial for mitigating plastic release into the environment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze public perceptions of plastic pollution and its impacts in Portugal.
• To identify sociodemographic and psychological factors influencing pro-environmental behaviors related to plastic.
• To understand how awareness of plastic pollution impacts can enhance individual actions.

Main Methods:

• Hierarchical regression analysis was employed to examine predictive factors.
• The study investigated perceptions of bio-ecological and socioeconomic impacts of plastic pollution.
• Sociodemographic data and psychological factors were correlated with pro-environmental behaviors.

Main Results:

• Participants generally acknowledged that plastics degrade in the environment.
• Bio-ecological impacts were perceived as a greater threat than socioeconomic impacts.
• Awareness of plastic pollution's impacts (socioeconomic, health, bio-ecological) strongly correlated with pro-environmental behavior.

Conclusions:

• Sociodemographic variables, knowledge, and perceived impacts predict pro-environmental behaviors.
• Enhanced awareness of plastic pollution's multifaceted impacts is key to promoting sustainable actions.
• Findings can inform strategies to reduce micro(nano)plastics in the environment through public engagement.