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Public Perceptions of Legislative Action to Reduce Plastic Pollution: A Case Study of Atlantic Canada

Author

Listed:
  • Shen Molloy

    (School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada)

  • Andrew S. Medeiros

    (School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada)

  • Tony R. Walker

    (School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada)

  • Sarah J. Saunders

    (World Wildlife Fund Canada, Halifax, NS B3J 1P3, Canada)

Abstract

Government-led legislation is a key strategy to reduce plastic pollution; however, societal perception can heavily influence government intervention for environmental issues. To understand the public acceptability of government action to reduce plastic pollution, we examine the perception of existing and upcoming legislative action on single-use plastics (SUPs) by means of a structured survey with additional semi-structured interviews. Our focus is on the four Atlantic provinces of Canada, which was the first region in Canada to implement provincial-wide legislation for plastic reduction at the consumer level in 2019. Results show strong public support (77%, n = 838) for bans of SUP bags at the consumer level, and for further plastic pollution reduction legislation. However, the level of support differed between regions and by demographics. Semi-structured interviews show that decision makers should increase efforts in raising consumer awareness and standardizing regulations across jurisdictions for smoother transitions prior to legislative action.

Suggested Citation

  • Shen Molloy & Andrew S. Medeiros & Tony R. Walker & Sarah J. Saunders, 2022. "Public Perceptions of Legislative Action to Reduce Plastic Pollution: A Case Study of Atlantic Canada," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-24, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:3:p:1852-:d:743277
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    References listed on IDEAS

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