A collaborative survey by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the Plastic Free Foundation (PFF) reveals that a significant portion of the global population is seriously concerned about plastic pollution.
In November 2022, PFF and WWF conducted an online survey of approximately 23,000 individuals across 34 countries.
The results show that, on average, about 7 out of 10 respondents (75%) across all surveyed countries agreed on the need to ban unnecessary single-use plastics, such as e-cigarettes and disposable cutlery.
Furthermore, 77% supported a ban on plastics that are difficult to recycle, and 78% agreed that industries should be responsible for reducing and recycling plastic packaging from their products.
Additionally, 76% supported the idea that all plastic products should be made from recyclable materials, and 77% agreed that plastic products should be labeled to facilitate easier recycling or disposal by consumers.
"Hundreds of millions of people around the world have taken personal action to reduce their plastic waste. However, many also realize that individual responsibility must be accompanied by global and systemic action to create change," said Rebecca Prince-Ruiz, Founder and Executive Director of PFF, in a press release (November 23, 2022).
"This survey is further evidence of widespread public demand for a global plastics pollution treaty that can hold governments and corporations more accountable for the plastics they produce," Rebecca added.
Similar sentiments were expressed by Eirik Lindebjerg, Global Plastics Policy Lead at WWF International.
"People are confused and frustrated by the often complex and contradictory responses of governments and industry to the plastics pollution crisis. Through this survey, we sought to understand what the global community wants," said Eirik.
"We urge governments to ensure the urgency of the plastics pollution crisis, which has damaged the environment, ecosystems, species, and jeopardizes human health. By 2025, we must have an effective global agreement to end plastic pollution," he continued.