According to a recent survey conducted by Ipsos of over 24,000 people in 32 countries, there is widespread support for a global ban on single-use plastics, with 85% of respondents in favor of such a measure. The survey, commissioned by the WWF and the Plastic Free Foundation, also found high support for reducing global plastic production, with 87% of respondents in agreement. These findings come ahead of the fourth round of the United Nations plastic treaty negotiations, which are set to take place in Ottawa, Canada later this month.
The survey results reflect a shared understanding among respondents that simply implementing bans on single-use plastics will not be enough to address the plastic pollution crisis. Instead, there is strong support for redesigning the current plastics system to ensure that remaining plastics can be safely reused and recycled. Measures such as mandating manufacturers to invest in and provide reuse and refill systems received 87% support, while 72% of respondents supported ensuring all countries have access to funding, technology, and resources to facilitate a just transition away from single-use plastics.
WWF International’s global plastics lead, Eirik Lindebjerg, sees the survey results as a call to action and a sign that people around the world are concerned and aware of the issues surrounding plastic pollution. He emphasized that public sentiment is shifting towards a desire to live in a world without problematic plastic products, and that there is an expectation for governments to take action. The upcoming United Nations plastic pollution treaty negotiations in Canada are seen as a crucial opportunity to create a dynamic treaty that will establish a new global regulatory system.
Rebecca Prince-Ruiz, founder and executive director of Plastic Free July and the Plastic Free Foundation, echoed the sentiments of the survey findings, stating that public opinion supports a profound transformation in our relationship with plastics. She expressed concern over a small minority of governments pushing for an opt-in approach in the treaty negotiations, rather than implementing strong and consistent rules. Prince-Ruiz emphasized that strong and legally binding rules are essential to reversing the global problem of plastic pollution.
In addition to the Ipsos survey, Greenpeace International recently released the results of its own international survey, which found that 82% of respondents would support a reduction in plastic production. The survey also revealed overwhelming support for transitioning away from single-use plastic packaging to reusable and refillable alternatives, with 90% of respondents in favor of such a shift. Furthermore, 75% of respondents supported a ban on single-use plastic packaging, indicating a strong public desire for more sustainable practices in the packaging industry.
