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Author comment: Uncertainties about waste using an online survey and review approach: Environmentalist perceptions, household waste compositions and views from media and science — R1/PR4
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A survey of 50 participants tracking their household waste found that food packaging was the most common type of nonperishable trash, and all respondents agreed that microplastics are toxic — though many were uncertain about claims around biodegradable plastics. The study reveals a gap between public perception and scientific nuance and highlights where educational messaging about plastic pollution could be most effective.
Waste generation and subsequent plastic pollution pose a major threat to both human and environmental health. Furthering our understanding of waste at individual levels can inform future waste reduction strategies, education and policies. This study explores the components and perceptions among individuals using survey data combined with a mini-review. An online Qualtrics survey was distributed pre-COVID-19 following a global social media challenge, Futuristic February, which directed participants to collect their nonperishable waste during February 2020. Participants were asked about their waste generation, perceptions toward waste and plastic pollution issues, and environmental worldview using the New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) scale (n = 50). We also conducted a mini-review of eight waste and plastic pollution statements from our survey in both popular media and scientific journal articles. Survey results indicated participants had an overall pro-ecological worldview (M = 4.32, SD = 0.88) and reported cardboard and paper (66%) as the most commonly occurring nonperishable waste category. Across categories, food packaging was the most common waste type. Participants were most uncertain about statements focusing on bioplastic or biodegradable plastic, respectively (44% and 30%), while the statement on microplastic toxicity obtained 100% mild or strong agreement among participants. Uncertainty for reviewed statements varied depending on the topic and group. Popular media and scholarly articles did not always agree, possibly due to differences in communication of uncertainty or terminology definitions. These results can inform future policy and educational campaigns around topics of misinformation.
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Author comment: Uncertainties about waste using an online survey and review approach: Environmentalist perceptions, household waste compositions and views from media and science — R0/PR1
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Recommendation: Uncertainties about waste using an online survey and review approach: Environmentalist perceptions, household waste compositions and views from media and science — R0/PR2
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