Plastics: Minding the (Value-Action) Gap

Plastic waste issues need no introduction. In the fight against COVID-19, plastics have been crucial in protecting public health and safety in the manufacture of personal protective equipment (PPE), single-use medical equipment and surgical face masks. Nonetheless, many of us are aware that the widespread use of plastics has created massive disruptions in our waste disposal systems and increased the global plastic footprint.

Yet, the problem is not only about raising awareness: it is about creating action. Although there is awareness on plastic issues among the public, this has not translated into large-scale pro-environmental behaviour, seen as how domestic recycling rates remain low and decreased from 22% in 2018 to 17% in 2019 (National Environment Agency, n.d.).

What is the value-action gap?

The problem here is the value-action gap, otherwise known as the attitude-behaviour gap. This is the phenomenon where people express concerns about environmental issues but fail to commit to any significant changes to their behaviour (Kollmuss & Agyeman, 2002). Even though combining awareness with action has great potential to contribute to mitigating waste issues, not enough attention has been given to bridging the value-action gap in Singapore. What is needed is collective action on a societal level, by the government, corporates and individuals to create positive change. Although the roles of the government and corporates are crucial, the power of individual actions cannot be ignored.

How can we cross the gap to create change?

Individuals can generate change by committing to lifestyle changes and by engaging their communities to make an impact. Through Project SSUD 3, we have engaged the SMU community through workshops and events to promote the 5Rs (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle). Our Eco Trade-In event was held over seven weeks, where participants could trade in their clean recyclables for eco-lifestyle products, such as collapsible cups and lunch containers. In addition, we held DIY workshops where participants learnt how to upcycle disposed sea glass into jewellery, and milk cartons into wallets and terrariums. These actions may seem small but put together collectively, our actions can make a difference.

The future and the value-action gap

The value-action gap for plastic waste issues is one we cannot ignore. The focus in Singapore when engaging society has been largely centred on education and raising awareness. It is time for society to direct attention to finding ways to bridge the value-action gap. As individuals, we have the power to make consumer choices that will support and enable change. Together, we can cross the threshold between action and inaction.

Nicolle Chan

Programmes Department