Ocean plastic crisis—Mental models of plastic pollution from remote Indonesian coastal communities

Abstract

The crisis facing the world's oceans from plastics is well documented, yet there is little knowledge of the perspectives, experiences and options of the coastal communities facing overwhelming quantities of plastics on their beaches and in their fishing waters. In emerging economies such as those in the Coral Triangle, the communities affected are among the poorest of their countries. To understand the consequences of ocean plastic pollution in coastal regions, through the eyes of local people, this study examines the knowledge, use, disposal and local consequences of single use plastics in remote island communities in two archipelagos of southern Sulawesi, Indonesia. Using mixed methods-a survey of plastic literacy and behaviour, household interviews about purchasing and disposal, and focus group discussions to generate shared mental models-we identify a complex set of factors contributing to extensive plastic leakage into the marine environment. The rising standard of living has allowed people in low resource, remote communities to buy more single-use plastic items than they could before. Meanwhile complex geography and minimal collection services make waste management a difficult issue, and leave the communities themselves to shoulder the impacts of the ocean plastic crisis. Although plastic literacy is low, there is little the coastal communities can do unless presented with better choice architecture both on the supply side and in disposal options. Our results suggest that for such coastal communities improved waste disposal is urgent. Responsible supply chains and non-plastic alternatives are needed. Producers and manufacturers can no longer focus only on low-cost packaged products, without taking responsibility for the outcomes. Without access to biodegradable, environmentally friendly products, and a circular plastic system, coastal communities and surrounding marine ecosystems will continue to be inundated in plastic waste.

Impacts of Plastic Pollution on Ecosystem Services, Sustainable Development Goals, and Need to Focus on Circular Economy and Policy Interventions

“…Millions of people still grapple with the hunger, malnutrition, stunting, and waste issues prevalent in the global south [199,200]. Plastics (particularly MPs) in the agricultural soil [201,202], vegetables and fruits [203], and seafood [204,205] are a potential threat to sustainable food production system and food security.…”

“…The global trade of plastic waste has been the model for plastic waste management for decades [235]. Such practices have been widely criticized for dumping the burden of plastic pollution from developed countries to developing countries [199,250,251]. Recently, China banned the import of plastic wastes, and now, its new destinations are Southeast Asian countries that lack recycling facilities and are reported to be dumped in landfills and burned or leaked into the environment [250][251][252].…”

Marine Debris Mitigation – Plastic Neutrality through a Credit System in Southeast Asia

“…The marine ecosystems serve as a significant resource for coastal and island communities, providing for their food, livelihoods and income (Phelan, Ross, & Setiant, 2020). In a 2011 research, it is conservatively estimated that there is a 1-5% decline in marine ecosystem service delivery as a result of marine plastics (Beaumonta, et al, 2019).…”

Pengaruh mikroplastik polietilen dan oxo-degradable (Oxium) pada pertumbuhan Mikroalga Tetraselmis Chuii

“…Selain aspek lingkungan, aspek ekonomi dan sosial juga terkena dampak dari kebocoran sampah plastik di lautan. Studi Phelan et al, (2020) menunjukkan dampak dari polusi laut mampu menurunkan nilai-nilai perikanan, akuakultur, warisan alam sebesar 1-5%, serta kerugian ekonomi seperti penurunan kunjungan wisatawan ke pantai yang diperkirakan sebesar $ 3.300 -$ 33.000 per ton plastik laut per tahun (Leggett et al, 2014;Beaumont et al, 2019). Solusi untuk mengurangi permasalahan polusi di lingkungan terutama di lautan seperti larangan penggunaan kantong plastik sampai mengubahnya menjadi bahan bakar dan daur ulang plastik menjadi produk yang dapat dimanfaatkan kembali masih sulit dicapai (National Plastic Action Partnership, 2020).…”