The Long-Term Impact of Policy Intervention on Intention to Reduce Plastic Bag Usage in Israel: A Mediation Model Approach to Consumer Behavior and Environmental Attitudes

The global rise in plastic use has severe environmental consequences. To combat these consequences, on 1 January 2017, Israel implemented a law imposing a levy on single-use plastic bags. This study assessed the long-term impact of this levy on plastic bag usage and consumer intentions seven years later. It also examined psychological factors, social attitudes, and sociodemographic influences on reducing plastic bag consumption. Data were collected from 870 Israeli respondents through an online survey, and a mediation model was analyzed using path analysis with AMOS. The results showed that 44% of participants significantly reduced their disposable plastic bag use due to the policy. Overall, levels of intention to reduce plastic bag use ranged from moderate to moderately high. Positive attitudes toward the policy, stronger instrumental beliefs, and higher levels of subjective norms were linked to greater plastic-related environmental concerns, which correlated with stronger intentions to reduce plastic use. The findings highlight the importance of policy interventions in reducing plastic bag usage by shaping attitudes, fostering environmental concerns, and motivating behavioral change.