Conduct a global mapping of key communication campaigns and initiatives with the purpose of reducing plastic packaging (e.g., production, disposal, recyclability, alternatives, etc). Based on the mapping, perform an analysis on the effectiveness based on a clear methodology and define a set of recommendations on communicating effectively on plastic pollution.
Trash found on a beach in Spain. Photo by Angela Compagnone/Unsplash
Implemented in
- Africa
- Asia / Pacific
- Europe and Central Asia
- Latin America / Caribbean
- Middle East
- North America
Sectors of activity
Water, Consumer Goods, Waste, incl. Chemicals, Scientific Research, Development and Innovation, Tourism
Type of initiative
Capacity Building & Implementation, Education & Awareness Raising, Research, Analysis, Assessment
Start date
13/01/2021
End date
31/12/2022
Submitted on:
13/01/2021Objectives
This analysis was developed through a collaborative effort led by Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It contributes to the One Planet Network- Wide Plastics Initiative, as a contribution from the Sustainable Lifestyles and Education Programme.
The problems related to our reliance on plastic are well known, ranging from particulate pollution to marine waste. This is why the One Planet Network has adopted plastics as its theme for 2020–2021, and the 4th UN Environment Assembly has passed Resolution 6 on marine litter and microplastics, calling on governments to deliver the “information tools and incentives to foster sustainable consumption and production.”
In this mapping and review of scholarly articles, media reports and surveys of the public, emerges a number of recommendations that can be put to use by anyone creating a campaign concerned with plastic use.
There are also recommendations for governments, businesses and individual consumers with the objective of changing the agenda on plastic use.
use.
Activities
As collected through the One Planet Reporting
Outcome level
SCP changes in practice
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Report: Reducing Plastic Pollution: Campaigns that Work
Report: Reducing Plastic Pollution: Campaigns that Work
Regions
Global / All regions
Lead organization
Stockholm Environment Institute
Objective
This report is intended to provide tangible guidance to align campaign development with behavioral psychology for policymakers or government agencies, international governmental organizations, non-profits, and companies. The specific questions this report aims to answer are: What does the academic and business literature tell us about which campaign strategies are most, or least, effective at influencing sustainable choices on plastic by individuals? How do real life campaigns targeting plastic pollution use these strategies? What can we tell about how effective they have been?
Achievements
There are many approaches to influence sustainable consumption of plastic and address plastic waste pollution - scientific research, education, innovation, policy, communications, and more – and they each have a role to play in addressing the systemic challenge of plastic waste. Campaigns are singled out in this report as one of these tools that will be critical in tackling plastic waste, but campaigns alone cannot solve this problem. What can people designing campaigns to tackle plastic pollution learn from moments and campaigns that have worked and those that haven't? How can campaigns be crafted to drive the shifts in behavior needed to address plastic waste?
Impact and Results
To have real impact on plastic use, we need to see sustained, long-term efforts from governments, businesses and individual consumers and communities with changes in behaviour, policy and practice.
This report, providing guidance in how to create campaigns to reduce plastic waste helps to make sure those efforts are properly directed.
Next steps and how to get involved
More information, including ways to participate, can be found at: www.oneplanetnetwork.org/
sustainable-lifestyles-and-education