Plastic pollution is a global crisis impacting natural systems, wildlife, and human health. Nations are currently negotiating a high-level treaty to coordinate efforts to reduce plastic use worldwide (Chen, Sulan et al., 2024). No single solution can solve this crisis. Tackling plastic pollution requires changes at every stage of production and use: governments must enact new regulations, businesses need to shift toward biodegradable materials, and consumers should choose reusable items over single-use products. Individuals and communities play a vital role in reducing plastic waste and improving disposal practices. To be effective, behavior change initiatives must be guided by robust evidence and best practices that match the scale of the problem.
This report examines current approaches, theories, and interventions for reducing plastic pollution. It highlights the untapped potential of behavioral and social insights. By bridging the gap between conventional strategies and these powerful tools, the report provides actionable, science-based recommendations for practitioners and policymakers. These insights into decision-making will help expand behavior change toolkits, enabling stakeholders to design targeted interventions tailored to specific plastic pollution challenges and drive meaningful progress toward a more sustainable future.
