New poll finds strong appetite to tackle plastic waste

The polling questions

The first poll question – ‘How concerned would you say that you are about the issue of plastic waste?’ – has revealed a large concern among the population regarding plastic waste. 

This concern becomes even more significant when looking at the global picture. When combining those who are moderately and extremely concerned, 75% of the public is concerned about plastic waste on a global scale. This compares to 61% who have a local concern.

Turning attention to the second question, ‘Which of the following impacts of plastic waste are you most aware of?’, we see that people are most aware of the effects on ocean life. 

The impact people were least aware of was the impact on people's lives and livelihoods due to flooding. The other areas with the least amount of knowledge were the effects on fisheries and agriculture followed by the impact on people's health due to open burning or dumping of plastic waste.

The final question looked at to what extent responders thought individuals, businesses and governments should take responsibility for tackling plastic waste.

Regarding businesses, people were much keener to see corporate interests step up and take responsibility. Some 88% of responders felt businesses needed to either take a large responsibility or a very large responsibility. This compares similarly to the level of responsibility responders felt governments needed to take action with 86% of responders expecting governments to shoulder responsibility.

Strong desire to tackle plastic waste

Launching the campaign, Kate Nicholl MLA said, ‘The results of this polling indicate a strong desire from the Northern Irish public to tackle the scourge of plastic waste. As policymakers, we must do everything we can to reduce the level of plastic in society that is being produced.

‘Plastic pollution is acting as a significant threat multiplier when it comes to flood risks. In the developing world, the extent of plastic-aggravated flooding is significant, and the associated health impacts are serious.

‘That's why I'm glad to support Tearfund in this critical campaign. I will be writing to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to raise my concerns and advocate for a positive outcome in the treaty negotiations.’

Activist and columnist Rosalind Skillen said, ‘Overseas plastic piles of waste are also burned as a method to dispose of waste. Breathing in these fumes is causing severe health issues for those with no choice but to live in these conditions.

‘I would encourage everyone to sign Tearfund’s petition calling on global leaders and the UK government to deliver a robust plastics treaty. A successful outcome to the treaty negotiations will have a great outcome for the world's most vulnerable communities.’