Marine plastic pollution has quickly become a defining environmental issue of our time, calling for a dramatic change in the way we produce and consume. An illuminating study that came out in PLOS Sustainability and Transformation last June further demonstrates the importance and timeliness of these actions. The research is led by Siv Marina Flø Grimstad, an associate professor at NTNU School of International Business. It underscores the truth that we can no longer just rely on existing cleanup and recycling programs to address this expanding crisis.
The research reveals an alarming truth. Of those 50+ proposed measures, only three can actually make a truly transformational impact. These measures are not accompanied by specific targets and timelines, calling into question their potential effectiveness to address the problem. The issue of marine debris plastic litter is growing dramatically. Norway’s existing policies largely focus on post-use waste management, like clean-up and recycling, but these approaches are not enough to turn the tide.
Current State of Marine Plastic Pollution
Yet even as awareness of and attention to the crisis of marine plastic pollution has risen dramatically, the situation has only gotten worse. Just last month, the UN reported that plastic litter in the ocean and the world’s waterways has become a massive crisis. Those efforts to mitigate this pollution are mostly focused on cleanup after plastic has been consumed. This reactive, step-by-step approach does not address the bigger picture — the root causes of plastic consumption and waste generation.
Siv Marina Flø Grimstad’s recent PARC study calls for a paradigm shift in how society addresses plastic use and pollution. The study found that current solutions often focus on cleanup instead of prevention — a critical component for long-term change. The findings call for comprehensive strategies that encompass both behavioral and systemic changes to reduce plastic production and consumption fundamentally.
This kind of interdisciplinary collaboration is essential in addressing this multilayered topic. Natalya Amirova is a Ph.D. research fellow at NTNU’s Department of Psychology. She is doing just that with her team as they gears up to raise understanding and inspire the behavioral changes necessary to defeat marine plastic pollution. Her artistry draws attention to what one person thinks and does that makes way for collective change to take place.
Importance of Behavioral Change
We know that changing behavior is key to solving our marine plastic pollution crisis. As the study underscores, real world actions by individuals can have a big effect on climate and conservation goals. Amirova’s research examines how social media can be used to promote everyday behavioral change in view of plastic production and waste. Researchers use social media not only to study behavior, but to advance pro-social and pro-ecological values. Their mission is to inspire people to make simple, sustainable choices.
Long-term change begins with changing attitudes towards the day-to-day use of plastic. Strategic public engagement and awareness campaigns will be necessary to change public mindsets, helping Americans reconsider their use of plastic products. Initiatives such as annual beach clean-ups and programs for collecting old fishing nets exemplify practical measures that individuals can take to contribute positively to the environment.
Place-based efforts are essential to build civic muscle and momentum for inclusive community engagement and collective action. The study suggests that emphasizing local efforts can lead to increased support for small businesses adopting a “zero waste” profile. These initiatives are having a tremendous impact not only by reducing plastic waste but helping instill a culture of sustainability among communities.
Initiatives and Strategies for Change
Right now, many important initiatives are working to curb marine plastic pollution at the international, national, and local levels. The Government of Norway’s Circular Economy Action Plan focuses on developing sustainable production and consumption patterns. This method has the goal of reducing the amount of waste created. It places greater emphasis on maximizing resource efficiency, which is key to addressing the systemic drivers of marine plastic pollution.
International groups such as the International Organization of Local Authorities (KIMO) and the Ocean Panel are moving forward. They’re working with local leaders to create smart, effective solutions to fight plastic waste. Supporting smart policies and practices These nonprofit organizations work to improve the policies and practices that encourage collaboration between stakeholders, such as government agencies, businesses, and communities.
The efficacy of these initiatives depends on the willingness to pursue real initiatives, with specific goals and timelines. Without clear targets established for most proposed measures, it’s hard to see how they will be effective in producing the kind of transformational change that’s needed. It is imperative for policymakers and stakeholders to establish actionable plans that hold all parties accountable in the fight against marine plastic pollution.