A recent study has found that reliance on single-use plastics remains a significant issue for a quarter of Brits, despite growing concerns about ocean pollution. The study, which surveyed 2,000 adults, revealed that half of those surveyed admitted to discarding plastic items after just one use, demonstrating a lack of consideration for the environmental impact of their actions.
While a small number of respondents openly admitted to littering at the beach, only a quarter acknowledged the harmful effects of their actions on marine life. Even though 54% of participants identified single-use plastics as a major threat to the environment, nearly half continued to purchase and dispose of plastic drink bottles instead of reusing them.
The study also highlighted that 23% of people admitted to pouring harsh cleaning agents like bleach down the drain without considering the long-term consequences on ocean health. These findings come from a survey led by korev lager in partnership with the Marine Conservation Society.
Calum Duncan, the Marine Conservation Society’s Head of Conservation and Policy, emphasized the impact of daily habits on the ocean, urging individuals to make more environmentally friendly choices when shopping and disposing of rubbish. He explained that plastic pollution poses a serious threat to marine life, with plastic items breaking down into harmful microplastics and causing suffering and starvation among marine animals.
Despite concerns about the future of the oceans, the study revealed that 68% of adults are eager to reduce their environmental footprint, with 78% believing they have been effective in their efforts. However, 28% cited confusion as a barrier to adopting more eco-friendly practices.
The study also found that transitioning from fuel-powered vehicles to electric ones was viewed as the most challenging adjustment by 32% of participants. Additionally, 28% expressed difficulties in giving up meat, while 25% felt that growing their own produce would be overly challenging. Notably, 17% admitted to struggling with reducing their usage of plastic.
In response to these findings, a spokesperson for korev lager emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the impact of individual choices on the environment. They announced a commitment to donating 10p to the Marine Conservation Society for every promotional pack of cans sold in supermarkets from January 2025.
The study underlines the urgent need for collective action to address the issue of plastic pollution and safeguard the health of our oceans. With growing awareness and concerted efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle, individuals can contribute to meaningful and positive change for marine ecosystems.