People's attitudes regarding plastics and microplastics pollution: Perceptions, behaviors, and policy implications

Abstract

Evidence of microplastics has been found in a variety of marine ecosystems, terrestrial ecosystems, animal species, and sometimes even humans. There is a growing consensus that plastics and microplastics pose a threat to human health and food safety, both in terms of the environment and the food chain. Yet, there is currently no technically viable option for addressing the problem of microplastics in the environment. Understanding people's preferences is therefore critical for minimizing plastics and microplastics contamination. This study employed the ordered logistic regression model to examine the people’s readiness to restrict microplastic pollutions and its influencing elements, as well as their attitudes, perceptions and behaviors concerning plastics and microplastics. Face-to-face interviews were conducted at random, resulting in a total of 465 acceptable questionnaires. The findings expose a concerning lack of awareness about microplastics, as only 22% of respondents possessed prior knowledge, and a notable 66% remained uninformed about microplastics pollution. The desire to minimize microplastics emission was substantially influenced by a variety of factors, including family size, occupation, gender, familiarity with plastics and microplastics related to the health concerns and the environment. Gender differences become evident, with women exhibiting greater willingness than men to mitigate microplastics emission, and environmental practitioners displaying heightened motivation. Familiarity with plastics and microplastics particles enhanced the possibility that respondents would take action to reduce microplastics pollution. The study concludes by offering a number of policy reforms and legislative changes that would limit microplastics contamination during the plastic production and recycling processes.