Reducing single-use plastic in everyday social practices: Insights from a living lab experiment

Reducing single-use plastic in everyday social practices: Insights from a living lab experiment

2024 | Rabiu, Mubarik K.; Jaeger-Erben, Melanie
This article explores the challenges and practicalities of reducing single-use plastic (SUP) in everyday social practices through a living lab experiment involving 20 adults. The study used diary records and workshops to examine how SUP is integrated into daily life and the barriers to reducing its use. The findings reveal that SUP is deeply embedded in social practices, particularly in food consumption, commuting, socialising, and personal hygiene. While participants made efforts to reduce SUP, they faced practical challenges such as limited availability of alternatives, convenience, and product variety. Packaging-free shopping was identified as a promising approach, but its adoption was hindered by accessibility and cost issues. The study also highlights the role of social settings and systems of provision in shaping SUP use, emphasizing the need for interventions that align with everyday practices. Participants expressed a complex relationship with SUP, balancing environmental awareness with practical considerations. The research underscores the importance of considering social practices and systemic factors in developing effective strategies to reduce plastic consumption. The study concludes that reducing SUP requires a multifaceted approach that integrates behavioral, technological, and systemic changes to align with sustainable consumption practices.This article explores the challenges and practicalities of reducing single-use plastic (SUP) in everyday social practices through a living lab experiment involving 20 adults. The study used diary records and workshops to examine how SUP is integrated into daily life and the barriers to reducing its use. The findings reveal that SUP is deeply embedded in social practices, particularly in food consumption, commuting, socialising, and personal hygiene. While participants made efforts to reduce SUP, they faced practical challenges such as limited availability of alternatives, convenience, and product variety. Packaging-free shopping was identified as a promising approach, but its adoption was hindered by accessibility and cost issues. The study also highlights the role of social settings and systems of provision in shaping SUP use, emphasizing the need for interventions that align with everyday practices. Participants expressed a complex relationship with SUP, balancing environmental awareness with practical considerations. The research underscores the importance of considering social practices and systemic factors in developing effective strategies to reduce plastic consumption. The study concludes that reducing SUP requires a multifaceted approach that integrates behavioral, technological, and systemic changes to align with sustainable consumption practices.
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