USAID/CCBO Case Study: Reducing Single-Use Plastics in the Maldives

It presents the approach and findings of a project conducted by the Small Islands Geographic Society (SIGS) in partnership with USAID's Clean Cities, Blue Ocean program. The study employed a novel, year-long Trials of Improved Practices (TIPs) approach to identify how easy or difficult it was for households to switch to more sustainable products and practices. The study found that households were willing to adopt alternative products, but faced systemic barriers, such as lack of access to alternatives and high costs. The document highlights the importance of qualitative research, understanding local context, and addressing systemic barriers to behavior change. It also provides recommendations for policymakers, waste management stakeholders, and community organizations.