Two-thirds of consumers cutting down on single-use plastics

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8th February 2019 11:43 - FMCG

Two-thirds of consumers cutting down on single-use plastics: A Keep Britain Tidy survey has found that two-thirds of consumers are buying less single-use plastics. It also found that programmes like Blue Planet II as well as the wider debate around plastics in the media is helping to change the public's attitudes and behaviours around littering.

The survey looked at attitudes towards litter and found that 7 in 10 people believe tackling the problem is more important to them than it used to be, and three quarters have a real appreciation for people who actively pick up rubbish.

According to the report, 42% said they now are more likely to pick up rogue pieces of litter if they see on the ground, rather than leave it. 

The impact of Blue Planet II

The survey also revealed the impact BBC nature programme Blue Planet II on people's attitudes  - with feelings towards litter stronger among respondents who had seen the programme, presented by Sir David Attenborough. 

The poll found that  47% of those who had seen Blue Planet II, which showed the devastating effects of litter in the oceans, said they would volunteer for a litter pick exercise, compared to just 17% who had not seen it. It also found that 78% of those who had seen the programme buy fewer single-use plastics compared to 37% who had not seen it. In addition, 8 out of 10 respondents who had seen or heard of the programme viewed tackling litter more of a priority than they had previously, compared to 5 out of 10 who hadn't.

The wider debate around plastic

The wider media debate in the UK over single-use plastic has also had an effect on the way people view litter according to the poll.

Over half of those who have read or heard about the debate in the national media say they now pick up litter if they see it instead of walking on, compared to just over a quarter (26%) who were not familiar with the debate. In addition, 87% of those who have engaged with the debate admire people who volunteer to litter pick, saying they are 'vital for helping to protect the environment', compared to 59% who haven't.

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