Plastics

Public
perceptions,
attitudes and
behaviours
A number of studies have shown that attitudes
towards the marine environment are influenced
by age, educational level, gender and cultural
background. Very few studies have been conducted
on attitudes to marine litter and on the factors that
contribute to littering behaviour (Whyles et al. 2014).
A study of attitudes of European populations found
that Governments and policy were considered to be
most responsible for the reduction of marine litter,
whereas environmental groups were considered to be
most capable of making a difference (Bonny Hartley
pers. comm.).
Human perceptions influence personal behaviour,
legislative and commercial decisions. Some, albeit
limited evidence suggests that some people are
attracted by ‘technological solutions’ as an alternative
to changing behaviour. In the present context, labelling
a product as biodegradable may be seen as a technical
fix that removes responsibility from the individual. A
perceived lower responsibility will result in a reluctance
to take action (Klöckner 2013). A survey of littering
behaviour in young people in Los Angeles revealed
that labelling a product as ‘biodegradable’ was one
of several factors that would be more likely to result
in littering behaviour (Keep Los Angeles Beautiful,
2009). Whether similar attitudes occur in different age
and cultural groups and in different regions globally
is unknown, and more research is justified. 1.002 millimeters
0.0004 millimeters
Labelling a product as biodegradable
may be seen as a technical fix that removes
responsibility from the individual.
1.0542 millimeters
Photo: © Richard Masoner / CREATIVE COMMON
1.24 millimeters
0.002 millimeters
29
BIODEGRADABLE
PLASTICS AND
MARINE LITTER
Misconceptions,
concerns and impacts
on marine environments