Social perceptions of single-use plastic consumption of the Balinese population

Abstract

The island of Bali has suffered from an increasing amount of single-use plastics being littered into the environment during the past few years. This research aims to determine the social perceptions of plastic bags and bottles in particular, through consumption habits, the degree of awareness of environmental impacts and the willingness to reduce their consumption. The methodology is based on a survey approach and literature review contrasting the characteristics of plastic bottles and bags, their associated impacts, the relationship between consumption behavior and attitudes and the current worldwide alternatives to reduce their consumption, including the usage of reusable bottles and bags, a Container Deposit Scheme (CDS), a ban on plastic bags and taxation. Results indicate that Balinese people alreary undertake a more environmentally friendly choice regarding bottles, the plastic bag usage is moderate, reuse rates are high, the environmental impact awareness is fairly high and the willingness to reduce consumption is elevated. In conclusion, consumption habits of the Balinese population suggest that single-use plastics are percieved rather negatively. However, a set of recommendations is provided for a continued improvement, considering the intermediate acceptance of a CDS to manage plastic bottles, and a contradictory preference for a ban on plastic bags and voluntary actions to reduce plastic bags.