Society Role in the Reduction of Plastic Pollution

Abstract

Globally, plastic pollution generates a dramatic environmental impact, posing an increasing hazard to wildlife and human health. Complex measures are needed at the societal level to curb this pollution trend: from changing consumer behavior, enhanced research for innovative solutions to reduce plastic production and increase plastic recycling ratio, to the usage of environmentally friendlier alternatives, improved awareness raising, and information dissemination at wider scales. There are multiple possibilities for public and stakeholders to break the plastic pollution chain: education, research, environmental NGOs, plastic industry, local authorities, policy makers, and citizens – all can play an active role in the battle against pollution. This chapter presents the ways to induce an attitude shift at the societal level toward reduction of plastic pollution, by emphasizing the risks of plastic pollution, possibilities to change consumer behavior, examples of best practices to reduce pollution and improve plastic waste management, highlighting how education and science can improve our daily decisions toward green solutions, how social media can support with dedicated applications and awareness-raising campaigns, and how each stakeholder can contribute to tackle this global challenge.