Behavioural insights can be applied as a complementary or precursor approach to traditional policy instruments to reduce the use of single-use plastics, such as regulation, economic incentives, and awareness campaigns. Building an understanding of what drives individual and collective decision-making mechanisms can help identify the root causes of plastic usage. With this backdrop in mind, the Behavioural Insights Application for Plastic Reduction project identified what choice architecture can nudge consumers from single-use plastic items toward sustainable alternatives. Pilot projects were implemented to test the effectiveness of these nudges in several countries.
A toolkit has been developed from the pilot projects based in four ASEAN countries namely Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam provides practical steps and examples. The toolkit can be accessed here:
Proactive engagement and a commitment to learning drove these pilots, showcasing the potential for scalability. Challenges remain in shifting behaviours, ensuring sustainable alternatives, and engaging governments. Building alliances and establishing clear evaluation measures are crucial for addressing these challenges in future initiatives.
Sep 2022 - Dec 2023
