Human perceptions and reports of pro-environmental behaviours in the context of plastic pollution in rural communities within a UNESCO subtropical biosphere reserve

Plastic pollution is regarded as a global concern. This environmental issue is caused by human industrial and domestic activities, as well as improper plastic waste management. Pro-environmental behaviour has emerged as one of the strategies that can be used to solve the growing environmental issues in line with achieving sustainable development goals. As such, the current study aimed to assess and understand the pro-environmental behaviour across Mufeba, Mashamba and Masakona villages within the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve through a questionnaire survey in South Africa. Respondents indicated that they preferred using plastics because they are cheap, with plastic bags the most frequently used. A significant relationship was observed for gender, with females separating more plastic waste and contributing less to the amount of plastic waste generated. Age and education had significant positive relationships with selected variables such as plastic preference, separate plastic waste and plastic waste disposal; however, education and plastic re-use times were negatively correlated. For environmental consciousness behaviour, most variables showed positive significant relationships. Overall, promoting a positive attitude towards the environment, encouraging social norms that promote pro-environmental behaviour and providing access to resources and education can all contribute to reducing plastic pollution through pro-environmental behaviour. To ensure equitable and deeper understanding of people’s attitudes, behaviours and motivations about plastic pollution, future studies should combine quantitative survey data with qualitative methods like focus groups, interviews and/or participant observations.