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Always on my mind: Stakeholder perspectives on (micro)plastic pollution in Indonesia
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Researchers surveyed and interviewed hundreds of people in an Indonesian coastal city to understand what drives them to reduce plastic waste and protect their health from microplastic exposure. They found that people who knew more about plastic pollution were more likely to take eco-friendly actions like cutting waste, but simply seeing plastic litter in their own neighborhood didn't necessarily translate into healthier choices like changing seafood consumption, suggesting that awareness campaigns need to go beyond just pointing out the problem to actually change health-protective habits.
Research into the consequences of, and behavioural adaptation to (micro)plastic pollution is increasing, yet comparatively little focuses on non-WEIRD countries, despite them being disproportionately affected. This study examines self-assessed pro-environmental and health-protective behaviour in Kendari City, Indonesia. It utilises a mixed methods approach of a quantitative online questionnaire ( N = 585) with Multiple Regression Analysis (MRA) and qualitative in-person interviews ( N = 72) while considering psychological variables (subjective knowledge, experience, concern and attitude) and behaviour for different stakeholder groups (combined, civil society, and involved groups). The MRA ( p < .001) showed a significant positive link between subjective knowledge and pro-environmental behaviour among combined stakeholders, civil society, and involved groups. The qualitative questionnaire supported this finding for the reduction of waste production. Experience of plastic pollution in local neighbourhoods and the broader environment, as well as exposure to microplastics through consumption, were associated with pro-environmental behaviours when all stakeholder groups were analysed together. For civil society stakeholders specifically, experience of plastic pollution in the environment and exposure to microplastics through consumption were also linked to increased pro-environmental behaviour. In contrast, observing plastic pollution in their own neighbourhoods was significantly associated with lower levels of pro-environmental behaviour. Psychological links to health-protective behaviour were more nuanced. Overall, our study could not fully establish a link between health-protective behaviour (willingness to consume seafood and seafood consumption) and psychological variables. The qualitative questionnaire found that involved groups (94%), but not civil society (20%), are aware of policies addressing marine litter in Indonesia. The policies are deemed ineffective by 48% of involved groups and 80% of civil society. The pro-environmental results indicate an opportunity to leverage knowledge to extend pro-environmental behaviours to combat plastic pollution, especially if building on existing behaviours focused on reducing plastic waste production.
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Development and Validation of a Questionnaire Assessing Plastic Use Patterns, Knowledge, and Attitudes Toward Microplastics in Relation to Cognitive Function in Indonesia
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Researchers developed and validated a questionnaire to assess plastic use patterns, microplastic knowledge, and attitudes among Indonesian adults, with a focus on potential associations with cognitive function. The study provides a validated tool for measuring public awareness of microplastic exposure in Indonesia, where plastic pollution is particularly severe, and explores the emerging concern about neurocognitive effects of microplastic exposure.
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Researchers surveyed Malaysians about their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding plastic pollution. The study found that while most people were aware of plastic pollution problems, there was a significant gap between awareness and actual behavior change. The findings suggest that education campaigns alone are insufficient and need to be paired with practical infrastructure and policy changes to reduce plastic use.
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Researchers examined awareness, knowledge, and perceptions of marine macro- and microplastic pollution among 70 coastal community residents in Iligan City, Philippines, finding that despite general awareness, plastic handling practices remained inconsistent with pollution reduction goals.
The Influence of Microplastic Content on Sustainable Consumption Behavior
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A recent survey looked at whether learning about microplastics (tiny plastic particles that can end up in our food, water, and even our bodies) changes how young people in Indonesia shop and consume products. This matters because understanding what motivates people to make more sustainable choices could help reduce plastic pollution—and potentially our own exposure to microplastics—over time. Note: this description is based on limited information, since only the study's title and general survey topic were available rather than the actual findings.
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Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.