More than eight in 10 (85%) of people polled worldwide want a global ban on single-use plastics, according to a new survey.
The Ipsos survey of more than 24,000 people in 32 countries commissioned by WWF and the Plastic Free Foundation also found high support (87%) for reducing global plastic production.
The poll comes as come as delegates prepare for the fourth round of the United Nations plastic treaty negotiations, taking place in Ottawa, Canada later this month (April).
The survey results reveal widespread understanding that bans alone are not enough to end the plastic pollution crisis, with strong support for redesigning the current plastics system to ensure remaining plastics can be safely reused and recycled.
In particular, measures such as mandating manufacturers invest in and provide reuse and refill systems polled 87% support, while 72% support ensuring all countries have access to funding, technology and resources to enable a just transition.
WWF International’s global plastics lead, Eirik Lindebjerg said in an interview the survey results are a “call to action” and he added a “huge sign” that the people from all parts of the world are concerned and aware of the issues around plastic pollution.
“People can see this is wrong and we need to do something about it,” Lindebjerg told me.
“They are saying this is a problem and they are ready to live in a world without these problematic products and they are asking governments to put that in place for them.”
He added the upcoming negotiations on the United Nations plastic pollution treaty in Canada could prove to be a “decisive moment” in creating a dynamic treaty, which will establish a new global regulatory system.
“The majority of countries have said prior to this meeting they see global bans as an essential part of the treaty,” he said. “While a small minority are still saying they think that would be going too far.
“It will be interesting to see if the many government ministers coming to Canada for the negotiations, step up and take the lead to make sure these essential building blocks are part of the treaty.”
Rebecca Prince-Ruiz, founder and executive director of Plastic Free July and the Plastic Free Foundation, said in a statement the survey findings show that public opinion squarely backs a “profound transformation of our relationship with plastics”.
But she added a small minority of governments trying to move in the opposite direction, by demanding an opt-in approach in the treaty negotiations, rather than a set of fair and consistent rules.
“This is out of step with both global public expectations and evidence that strong and legally binding rules are the only way to reverse this global problem,” added Prince-Ruiz.
Last week, Greenpeace International published the results of its own international survey, which found 82% of responses would support a cut in plastic production.
The global survey by Censuswide of more than 19,000 people also found 90% of respondents would back transitioning away from single-use plastic packaging to reusable and refillable alternatives, and 75% would support a ban on single-use plastic packaging.
