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Summarizing the impacts of policies that limit the use of single-use plastic items: a systematic literature review
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This systematic review summarizes research on policies that restrict single-use plastics, finding they reduce plastic consumption by an average of 62%. The findings matter for human health because less single-use plastic means fewer microplastics entering the environment, our water supply, and ultimately our bodies.
Abstract Single-use plastic (SUP) waste negatively impacts human health. While emerging jurisdictional policies target consumption of SUPs, their effects on environmental and human health remain uncertain. A systematic review of peer-reviewed and grey literature databases, using plastic and policy search terms, generated 16,684 articles. Subsequently, screening selected 51 articles, which were critically appraised. Data characterizing the types of policy and plastic, changes in consumption, and other impacts were descriptively and statistically analysed. The results span 21 countries, addressing SUP bags (49), straws (1), or mix (1). 28 papers represented national, and 23 subnational, policies that use tax-based, ban, mixed, or default-choice modification approaches. Reduction in SUP use averaged 62 %. Median reduction in bag use appeared higher for subnational (75 %) than national policies (66 %, p =0.31) and in G20 countries (75 %, vs. others, 56 %, p =0.40). Some co-benefits and unintended consequences include increased tax revenue, and increased garbage bag consumption, respectively. Considering the dataset’s limitations, policies effectively reduce SUP consumption, optimized through bottom-up policy implementation. However, G20 countries contribute most plastic pollution, which is transboundary, leaving lower-income nations astray with regulatory challenges, thereby perpetuating inequity. While co-benefits encourage policy development as a tool to reduce SUP waste, the unintended consequences must be mitigated. Additionally, knowledge gaps for certain regions, SUPs, and secondary impacts warrant further research. Ultimately, plastic pollution requires global collaboration to strive towards environmental justice.
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