Volunteers load plastic bags for a weekly food pantry service in Everett, Mass., May 10, 2020. Everett has some of the highest COVID-19 infections rates in the state.
Joseph Prezioso /AFP via Getty Images
Pandemic precautions have given new life to disposable plastic products, which the industry claims are more ‘hygienic’ than reusables. But critics say there’s no scientific evidence this is so.
A media study of public criticism of plastic reveals that stigmatisation may result in limited bans, it leaves the vast majority of plastic production and pollution unexplored.
Plastics straws are now hard to find. Are plastic bags next?
AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee
By 2025, Canada’s population could include five million people who live alone. Those who live alone tend to cook less, but the food industry has plans for them.
Plastic pollution on a beach on Bali, Indonesia.
(Shutterstock)
Meet the ‘Yeah-buts’ - those who know plastic is bad for the environment, but can’t get behind the bag ban because it affects their own convenience. This mindset can stall the best-laid green plans.
We’re drowning in plastics. With governments setting un-ambitious targets, corporations are now listening to consumers who are demanding less plastic packaging and food containers.
Sure, ditch the coffee cups. But don’t say goodbye to these too soon.
Lubos Chlubny/Shutterstock.com
We can safely say goodbye to most single-use plastics. But they do have essential uses in some areas, such as for medical or scientific samples, or storing food for humanitarian aid.
Positive messaging wins the day.
AAP Image/Dallas Kilponen
Plastic bags will soon be gone from major supermarkets and many other shops too. Campaigns to reduce plastic even more should focus on positive advice, rather than shaming shoppers for their plastic use.
Undoing shoppers’ engrained behaviours is a tricky job.
AAP Image/Julian Smith
The success of the plastic bag ban announced by Australia’s big two supermarkets will hinge on whether they can persuade customers to change an engrained behaviour - without annoying them.