Plastic Pollution in Albania: Survey on Citizen's Perceptions and Attitudes

Ani Bajrami, Fundime Osmani and Elvisa Sokoli
Research Center for Flora and Fauna, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana

Abstract

Plastics are polymers synthesized from petrochemicals or from biomass raw materials. In recent decades, worldwide plastics production has increased exponentially. An estimated 8.3 billion tons of plastic have been produced worldwide resulting in an estimated 6.3 billion tons of plastic waste disposed in landfill or discarded into the natural environment. Plastic is widely used: is inexpensive, durable, resource efficient and easily attainable. The article makes some preliminary observations based on questionnaire data distributed through probability stratified random sampling method between November 2021 and July 2022. The data provides some useful insights into citizens perceptions and attitudes about plastic pollution. Most respondents agree on the fact that plastic pollution is harmful to the environment (94%). Additionally, 77% of respondents agree both on the fact that nature conservation activities are necessary and successful if community or citizens are involved. Strategies which can be used to reduce plastic pollution need to provide further incentives for citizens to engage and participate. An example is using citizen science, to address and mitigate plastic pollution both at local and national level. Keywords: plastic pollution, local communities, participation, citizen science, Albania

Presentation