Single use plastic usage in the Maldives: Knowledge, practice and attitude

Abstract Solid waste management in the Maldives is under extreme stress due to the unique nature of its geography and economic structure. Plastic pollution has been a growing concern for the Maldives. The purpose of this research study was to identify the current consumption patterns of the plastic items particularly single use plastics (SUP) as well as identifying the level of knowledge among the consumers about the SUP and consumer behavior to change and the public confidence level in drinking tap water. A questionnaire was used as the key instrument for primary data collection in this study. It enabled researchers to collect data in a standardized way so that the data were internally consistent for analysis. A total 817 out of 1095 responded to the survey from across the Maldives. The overall finding suggested that the majority of the consumers in the Maldives are still using single-use plastic in their everyday life. However, large percentage of consumers know the benefits of reducing plastic on human health and environment. With regard to the challenges or barriers in implementing the single-use plastic, consumers identified lack of available alternatives, higher costs, inconvenient transport, lack of hygiene, and time requirement. In addition, majority of the participants do not trust the quality of tap water in the country for various reasons, therefore, they prefer to consume bottle water. It seems there is an immense and urgent need to explore ways to increase consumers awareness and subsequent efforts to reduce the consumption of plastic in the country.