Reducing or eliminating the use of single-use plastic

Single-use plastic, and the ways in which its use can be reduced or eliminated

What behaviour are you trying to change? E.g Reduction in the use of plastic bags
Whose behaviour are you trying to change? E.g Busy professionals who shop daily to pick up a few food items
Where are you trying to change the behaviour? E.g At small local stores or supermarkets
When are you trying to change the behaviour? E.g In the evening
How often are you trying to change the behaviour? On each weekday

What are the drivers/barriers to reduce or eliminate the use of single use plastic?

Do your communities have the capability to reduce or eliminate the use of single use plastic?	Psychological capability	Do they know that reducing use of single use plastic will help us to protect our environment? Do they remember to not take a plastic bag when offered one? Do they remember to bring a reusable bag with them to the shops? Do they remember to pack a reusable bag in their rucksack, to carry one with them when they are out just in case they need one? Do they plan to take a reusable bag with them?
Do your communities have the capability to reduce or eliminate the use of single use plastic?	Physical capability	Assumed that they have the physical capability
Do your communities have the opportunity to reduce or eliminate the use of single use plastics?	Physical opportunity	Do they own a reusable bag? Are they prompted to use their reusable bag at the checkout instead of being offered a plastic bag?
Do your communities have the opportunity to reduce or eliminate the use of single use plastics?	Social opportunity	Do others around them use plastic bags or reusable bags for their shopping - what is the norm in the local community? What will others think of them if they use a plastic bag, or a reusable one? Do peers, friends and family support them to use a reusable bag? Are they pressured to use a reusable bag?
Do your communities have the motivation to reduce or eliminate the use of single use plastics?	Automatic motivation	Do they want to use a plastic bag over a reusable bag? Are they happier when using a plastic bag? Do they have the habit of using a plastic bag? Do they enjoy using plastic bags over reusable ones e.g do they find it more comfortable?
Do your communities have the motivation to reduce or eliminate the use of single use plastics?	Reflective motivation	Do they believe that using a plastic bag is better to carry their shopping? Do they enjoy using plastic bags over reusable ones e.g do they find it more comfortable? Do they plan to use a plastic bag when they shop? Are they concerned about the many environmental consequences of getting a new plastic bag each time? Do they believe that using a reusable bag is not enough to have a positive impact on the environment?

What interventions could you use?

Persuasion

A poster which says: ‘Plastic bags can kill. Keep our oceans clean.” A picture alongside can evoke emotion (Reflective motivation)

Incentivisation

Like some coffee shops do, offer a discount if someone brings their own cup to shops/events/conferences (Automatic motivation)

Restriction

Restrict the times when you use plastic. Create a rule of when you can use plastic waste – 5 days per week you use a reusable bag, and 2 days of the week, you buy a plastic bag – setting a rule for yourself can help (Physical opportunity)

Enablement

Sponsors at conferences and events could provide a reusable bag (Physical opportunity)