The Portuguese plastic carrier bag tax: The effects on consumers’ behavior

Martinho, Graça; Balaia, Natacha; Pires, Ana

doi:10.1016/j.wasman.2017.01.023

Cited by 146 publications

(93 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…They reported microplastic concentrations ranging from 12-1,300 items m -2 on the beaches [2] where Martinhoa et al (2017) found that the concentration of micro-plastics in beach sediments of the Southern Baltic Sea varied from 25-53 items kg -1 at highly urbanized beaches [14].…”

Section: Results and Discussion 1) Abundance And Density Of Plastic-dmentioning

confidence: 99%

Preliminary Study of Distribution and Quantity of Plastic-debris on Beaches Along the Coast at Phuket Province

et al. 2019

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The beach sediment samples from Kalim, Tri Trang, and Patong Beaches, Phuket Province, southern of Thailand were collected for preliminary investigation on coastal debris. A total of 9 samples were taken from a 1 x 1 m quadrat at the depth of 5 cm, parallel with the shore during the period of maximum low tides in November, 2018. Microplastics (particles size < 5 mm) were extracted using sodium chloride (1.15 g mL-1) and their characteristics- including abundance (items m-2), weight (g), density (itemsm-2), color and shape- were determined using a stereo microscope. The results showed that microplastic debris varied in abundance from 1 to 35 items m-2 at the three selected beaches, depending on sampling location. In comparison, abundance of macroplastic (> 2.5 cm) and mesoplastic debris (5 mm to 2.5 cm) varied from 1 item m-2 quadrat (Kalim Beach) to 38 items (Patong Beach), 9 items (Tri Trang Beach) and 68 items (Patong Beach) m-2. Blue fibers were predominant among microplastic debris found at Kalim Beach; these are likely to have originated from pieces of rope, safeguard lines and fishing materials. In contrast, microplastic debris found in Patong and Tri Trang Beaches were predominantly green in color. The results of this study provide an overview of the sources of microplastics in coastal environments, which provides a basis for developing long term plastic management plans for these highly popular beaches in Phuket Province.

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Section: Results and Discussion 1) Abundance And Density Of Plastic-dmentioning

confidence: 99%

Preliminary Study of Distribution and Quantity of Plastic-debris on Beaches Along the Coast at Phuket Province

et al. 2019

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“…Throughout the EU, measures have been taken by individual members for the reduction of single use plastic carrier bags, while the Commission policy will enforce pricing of plastic carrier bags, in order to discourage their use. This measure has been proven effective during its effect in member states such as Ireland, France, Portugal, and Spain (Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council Amending Directive, 2013; Martinho et al, 2017).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microplastics Generation: Onset of Fragmentation of Polyethylene Films in Marine Environment Mesocosms

et al. 2017

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The fragmentation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) films from single-use supermarket plastic bags to microplastics under laboratory-simulated onshore and nearshore conditions was investigated for a period of 6 months. The weathering process of the plastic strips either on beach sand or in seawater under direct natural sunlight was monitored by tensile strength, molecular weight measurements, FTIR, weight loss, and image processing of photographs of the plastic strips before and after mild mechanical stress was applied. The latter represents a novel method proposed for determining the onset of fragmentation through the application of mild mechanical stress on the weathered plastic samples emulating the action of sand and wind on a beach. It was found that 12 h of application of mild mechanical stress in rotating glass bottles filled partially with sand was sufficient time to reach the maximum degree of fragmentation that could occur for the weathered plastics samples being tested. For example, applied mechanical stress yielded an area loss of almost 14% for samples weathered for a period of 5 months and about 16.7% after 5.5 months. While tensile strength tests and molecular weight measurements were rather inconclusive till the very last month when the onset of fragmentation was identified; FTIR measurements revealed that samples under ultraviolet irradiation were gradually modified chemically until fragmentation commenced. After 6 months of weathering, molecular weight measurements showed a 60% reduction for sample SMB-1 whereas for sample SMB-2 the measurement was not possible due to extensive fragmentation. The onset of fragmentation for SMB-1 and SMB-2 samples occurred at a cumulative luminance of 5.3 × 10 6 lux•d and in the presence of atmospheric oxygen whereby the polymer films broke down partially to microplastics. When the UV exposure reached 7.2 × 10 6 lux•d the weathered plastic strips broke down fully to microplastics with the application of a mild mechanical stress. Samples placed in seawater proved to be resistant to fragmentation compared to those on sand over the 6-month period of the weathering experiment. The direct implication of this work is that beached macroplastic debris should be regularly collected from the seashore before they are weathered by sunlight and returned to the sea as microplastics by the action of high waves or strong winds.

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“…There are countries that have made an effort to implement circular economy models in the plastic packaging industry, such as Austria [21], the United States [6], Sweden [22], Finland [23], and the Netherlands [24]. Figure 1 below outlines the linear nature of plastic management in Kenya.…”

Section: Linear To Circular Approachmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Finally, the consumer of products packaged using plastic bags must be considered as the post-consumption behavior is important. They need to be educated and advised on handling the waste [6,12]. However, not only education and knowledge influence disposal attitudes, but also local infrastructure and access to convenient disposal systems play a major role [73].…”

Section: Key Partnershipsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…There may be growth in investment as other investors may be attracted by favorable policies, support, or legislation [81]. Furthermore, the government would improve its revenue streams through taxes associated with the management of scrap waste [6]. More business opportunities for other auxiliary players will be created, such as waste picking, transportation, sorting, recyclers, and energy savings.…”

Section: Value Propositionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Designing Business Solutions for Plastic Waste Management to Enhance Circular Transitions in Kenya

2018

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Least-developed countries face many challenges regarding their plastic waste management systems. In 2017, Kenya imposed a selective ban targeting manufacturers and consumers of plastic carrier bags. However, this selectivity does not avoid the continuous use of other plastic products. The present paper states that circular priorities, which have been defined to advanced economies, would not be entirely valid for the rest of the world. While high-income countries face only the impacts of their own consumption, developing nations must endure the externalities of these developed economies. Thus, the focus of the least developed part of the world must not be on reducing its relatively normal (or even low) consumption, but to manage its surplus material flow. According to the employed circular evaluation methodology (CEV-Circular Economic Value), the circularity level in Kenya's plastic material flow stands on a rather low stage with 32.72%. This result outlines the linear deficiencies of the plastic waste management system and urges the prevention of further material leakage (such as energy use). Through the Business Model Canvas (BMC) approach this study offers a holistic business solution which can improve the system's sustainability.

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The Portuguese plastic carrier bag tax: The effects on consumers’ behavior

Cited by 146 publications

References 24 publications

Preliminary Study of Distribution and Quantity of Plastic-debris on Beaches Along the Coast at Phuket Province

Preliminary Study of Distribution and Quantity of Plastic-debris on Beaches Along the Coast at Phuket Province

Microplastics Generation: Onset of Fragmentation of Polyethylene Films in Marine Environment Mesocosms

Designing Business Solutions for Plastic Waste Management to Enhance Circular Transitions in Kenya

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