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Understanding Community Awareness, Concerns, and Barriers to Reducing Health Impacts of Plastic Food Ware at the University of British Columbia Final Report
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A UBC study found that college students know plastics and microplastics are an environmental problem, but most don't understand how these materials can shed tiny particles and chemicals into their food and bodies, or what that means for their health. Interestingly, simply learning more practical facts (like avoiding microwaving plastic containers) made students more likely to consider changing their habits, while scary or overwhelming messaging tended to make people feel helpless and give up. The takeaway: clear, actionable information, plus easier access to non-plastic options, may do more to protect your health than fear-based warnings alone.
Plastics are deeply embedded in modern consumer culture due to their affordability, versatility, and convenience. However, they pose great harm to the environment and human health. Emerging research highlights growing concerns around microplastics and chemical leaching from plastic food containers, which can enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. While public awareness of microplastics is generally moderate to high, depth of knowledge regarding health impacts and sources of toxicity remains limited. This gap suggests that improving comprehensive understanding may be more effective in driving long-term behavioural change than relying solely on risk-based messaging. This study aligns with the University of British Columbia’s (UBC) sustainability commitments, including the Okanagan Charter and the Zero Waste Action Plan, which aim to enhance health, wellbeing, and waste reduction on campus. Specifically, this project investigates awareness, concern, behaviours, and barriers related to microplastics and chemical exposure from plastic food wares among UBC Vancouver students. It also explores whether increased information influences behaviour and what institutional changes could support reduced plastic use. A qualitative research design was employed, using semi-structured interviews with five UBC students. Interviews were conducted via Zoom, recorded with consent, and transcribed for thematic analysis using an inductive approach. Findings revealed that while all participants engaged in some plastic-reducing behaviours, those with greater sustainability education demonstrated more intentional and consistent actions. Participants generally showed awareness of microplastics but had limited knowledge of chemical leaching and specific health risks. This indicates a gap between environmental awareness and health literacy. When discussing concerns, participants again focused more on environmental impacts than personal health risks. Notably, feelings of limited control over plastic exposure sometimes led to disengagement rather than action, highlighting how overwhelming or fear-based messaging may reduce motivation. Exposure to informational content during the interviews prompted participants to consider behaviour changes, such as reducing plastic use, using reusable containers, and avoiding microwaving plastic. This suggests that repeated exposure to actionable information can shift individuals from passive awareness toward behavioural intention. Despite these intentions, participants identified several barriers to reducing plastic use. Convenience emerged as the primary obstacle, with plastic valued for its practicality and ubiquity. Participants also emphasized systemic constraints, noting that the prevalence of plastic limits individual choice. While cost was acknowledged, it was not viewed as a primary personal barrier but rather a broader institutional issue. Two key recommendations emerged from this study. Firstly, participants emphasized the need for accessible, solution-oriented education that provides practical strategies for reducing plastic exposure. Secondly, they called for increased availability of non-plastic alternatives on campus, particularly in food service settings such as The Nest. Overall, participants expressed a desire for continued institutional progress, including expanded use of compostable cutlery and containers. Disclaimer: “UBC SEEDS provides students with the opportunity to share the findings of their studies, as well as their opinions, conclusions and recommendations with the UBC community. The reader should bear in mind that this is a student project/report and is not an official document of UBC. Furthermore readers should bear in mind that these reports may not reflect the current status of activities at UBC. We urge you to contact the research persons mentioned in a report or the SEEDS Coordinator about the current status of the subject matter of a project/report.”
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