Publications

Think before you throw! An analysis of behavioral interventions targeting PET bottle recycling in the United States
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This study aims at investigating the types of interventions that could be most effective in steering recycling behaviour in each US state, taking the case of PET bottles. This study combines agent-based modelling, material flow analysis, system dynamics, and life cycle assessment to assess the effect of four behavioural interventions on the collection rates of polyethylene terephthalate bottle waste, displaced virgin plastic manufacturing, and avoided greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Results from the study reveal that behavioural interventions would require about 300–900 GJ of additional energy at end-of-life due to improved collection rates and would avoid about 500–700 thousand metric tonnes of GHG emissions. Results also illustrate the importance of habits in disposal behaviours and show that different forms of intervention could be better adapted to particular social contexts than others. The study demonstrates that the circular economy and its application to plastic waste should certainly not be restricted to recycling, and that improved collection rates and recycling technologies are also important and can contribute towards reducing the amount of plastic waste polluting our oceans.

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2
Republic of Fiji National Ocean Policy (2020-2030)

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4
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