USAID Case Study: Reducing Single-Use Plastics Through Social Behavior Change Research

It presents a study conducted by USAID's Clean Cities, Blue Ocean program in the Maldives, which aimed to reduce single-use plastics through a social and behavior change approach. The study used a method called Trials of Improved Practices (TIPs) to identify behaviors that households and businesses are able and willing to adopt to reduce plastic waste. The study found that households were willing to adopt alternative products, such as reusable bags and water filters, but faced systemic barriers, including lack of access to these alternatives and high costs. The study provides recommendations for policymakers, waste management stakeholders, and community organizations to address these barriers and promote behavior change.