Tools- of Changes

Driving Voluntary Reduction of Single-Use Plastic Consumption

This study looks at the factors influencing individuals' behavior to reduce single-use plastic (SUP) tableware.

Two online surveys were administered to 354 (Study 1) and 644 (Study 2) Chinese participants.

• Results showed that capability and opportunity are associated with SUP tableware reduction behavior, fully mediated by motivation. Motivation predicts approximately 48% of actual SUP tableware reduction behavior.

Capability, opportunity, and motivation are higher-order constructs measured by lower-order constructs.

• Capability is predicted by action control, action planning, action skills, decision-making, and habits.
• Behavioral Opportunity is associated with social norms, social support, and environment.
• Motivation is affected by identity, reinforcement, goals, and self-efficacy.

Published in December 2025.