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Nudging Away from Plastic Bags with Charitable Donations

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  • Jerrod Penn
  • Sapana Bastola
  • Wuyang Hu

Abstract

To respond to the environmental problems posed by disposable plastic bags, several mechanisms exist, such as bag taxes and bans, but such policies are infeasible in several U.S. states and municipalities. This study uses a social quasi-experiment to examine the effect of a voluntary token-donation program, which reduces disposable plastic bag use by providing a small charitable donation incentive. We find that the token-donation program reduces the probability of disposable bag use by 11.4–12.9 percentage points, representing about 30%–34% decrease in bag use. Our results demonstrate effective mechanisms to reduce plastic bags exist without government-mandated policy.

Suggested Citation

  • Jerrod Penn & Sapana Bastola & Wuyang Hu, 2022. "Nudging Away from Plastic Bags with Charitable Donations," Land Economics, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 98(1), pages 132-149.
    • Handle: RePEc:uwp:landec:v:98:y:2022:i:1:p:132-149
    Note: DOI: 10.3368/le.98.1.011820-0007R1
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    File URL: http://le.uwpress.org/cgi/reprint/98/1/132
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    Cited by:

    1. Antinyan, Armenak & Corazzini, Luca, 2023. "Breaking the Bag Habit: Testing Interventions to Reduce Plastic Bag Demand in a Developing Country," Cardiff Economics Working Papers E2023/7, Cardiff University, Cardiff Business School, Economics Section.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling

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