Public Perceptions and Behavioral Impact of Single-Use Plastic Reduction Policy in Palu City: a Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract
Introduction: Single-use plastic waste significantly challenges environmental sustainability and public health worldwide. As one of the most significant contributors to marine plastic waste, Indonesia has enacted policies to reduce single-use plastics, but their influence on individual behavior is poorly understood. This study evaluates the impact of Palu City’s plastic reduction policy by examining public perceptions and their influence on plastic use behavior.
Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative design was employed, with data collected from 399 respondents using a structured questionnaire covering five aspects: policy advantage, compatibility, complexity, feasibility, and benefits visibility. Chi-square tests were used to assess the relationship between these perceptions and plastic reduction behavior
Results: The study found significant relationships between positive perceptions of the policy and plastic use behavior. Among respondents, 93.1% reduced plastic use when the policy was perceived as effective (p < 0.001). Similarly, 91.4% reduced plastic use when the policy was viewed as compatible with their lifestyle (p = 0.004). Regarding ease of implementation, 93.3% reduced plastic use when the policy was considered easy to follow (p < 0.001). Feasibility also played a key role, with 92.5% reducing plastic use when alternatives were easy to try (p < 0.001). Finally, 91.2% reduced plastic use when the policy's benefits were visible (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of public perception in the success of environmental policies and suggest that enhancing communication and education strategies can increase policy adoption. This study provides recommendations for policymakers in Palu and offers insights for other Indonesian cities in developing behavior-based approaches to address plastic pollution.
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Authors
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Syukran, Mohamad Andri, Ahmad Yani, Indra Afrianto
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