Referencing an article by Ellen MacArthur and Christiana Figueres, Dr. Dilkes-Hoffman emphasised the urgency of addressing plastic pollution, which overwhelms waste management systems and infiltrates our environment and food chains, raising significant health concerns. She stressed that while plastic has societal benefits, its current lifecycle is harmful, necessitating systemic change.
Her research, conducted across the Netherlands, Australia, India, and the Philippines, revealed that plastic pollution is consistently viewed as a top environmental threat. The public’s support for biodegradable plastics and recycling is strong, though more transformative solutions like packaging-free products are less favoured, except in the Netherlands.
Dr. Dilkes-Hoffman noted a gap between public expectations for biodegradable plastics and current material capabilities. Most respondents desired very short lifetimes for biodegradable items, which current materials cannot yet meet. This highlights the need for continued research and clear communication to align public expectations with material realities.
In conclusion, Dr. Dilkes-Hoffman underscored the importance of understanding public attitudes to drive effective change in plastic use and management. Her talk called for targeted strategies and messaging to ensure environmental benefits without encouraging littering.
For those who missed the live event, a recorded webinar of Dr. Dilkes-Hoffman’s talk is available here: https://vimeo.com/1033049894
