Using plastic, fearing plastic: a regional case study of sociodemographic patterns in plastic awareness, recycling, and risk perception in Rome, Italy

Although plastic is a daily-used material, little is known about public perceptions of its environmental impacts, associated risks, and possible solutions. In this regional study, a 15-item survey about plastic was administered to 111 participants who attended an academic event in Rome through non-probability convenience sampling to assess their perceptions, behaviours, and attitudes toward plastic use and pollution. Participants reported frequent plastic use, consistent recycling habits, and a generally high level of concern about plastic pollution and ingestion. Gender significantly influenced these perceptions: females expressed higher concern and greater scepticism toward proposed solutions, whereas males reported comparatively lower concern. Age also played a role: the youngest respondents (15–19) showed moderate concern and partial awareness of ingestion risks, whereas young adults (20–35) expressed the highest concern and more awareness of plastic ingestion. In contrast, respondents aged 36–60 expressed doubts about regular plastic ingestion. Education level was positively associated with both recycling behaviour and concern, with higher-educated participants showing greater environmental awareness, while those with only primary education exhibited the opposite pattern. This case study provides an exploratory assessment of how sociodemographic characteristics may structure plastic-related perceptions and behaviours among members of the public engaged in a university outreach context.