not willing to pay more than €5 to receive green environmental services during their
vacations.
In addition to the above, even though a significant part of the sample identified the
importance of preserving the natural environment and have already stopped (or are
willing to stop) using plastic bags, plastic straws and other single-use plastics
(Fig. 9.2), few were aware of key European policies on plastics (such as the Plastics
Directive). In more structural characteristics, higher levels of awareness were
denoted among younger people, whereas people belonging to older age classes
appear to be more reluctant in understanding core elements of sustainability and
designing adaptation measures. Higher-income families of the sample have not yet
developed the need to purchase greener vacations, a finding which is significantly
different to the tourist sectors of other EU Member States (Italy, Sweden, Norway,
etc.).
Even though a great share of the responses identified the significance of environmental responsibility, it was observed that the WTP was low. Additionally, when the
cost factor was removed from their decision, the respondents were willing to adapt
their needs. When the participants in the study were asked to rate different
behavioural change strategies, they showed preference to methods that do not
involve additional efforts or costs.
9.3.3 Design of the Roadmap
The roadmap is a strategic tool co-created by all partners in the three countries
aiming at providing insight for all involved parties on needed measures to reduce
plastic waste in the Mediterranean Sea. The 10-year roadmap developed for the BL.
EU. Climate project identifies the actions that need to be taken by policy makers, the
private sector and the society in the future in different time spots (2020, 2025, 2028,
2030, 2030 and beyond) so that the environmental footprint of single-use plastics is
reduced drastically. This can happen by avoiding unnecessary packaging and banning non-recyclable plastic. These actions, if properly designed, can lead to modern
business models that stimulate growth and jobs. By complying with the EU regulations, the Member States can support the shift of regulating the plastics industries to
more environmental processes in the production line, to the production of higher
added value materials (e.g. bioplastics, recyclable plastics) and to apply environmental standards in the R&D stage, i.e. in the design of the product.
Also, Member States could promote environmental and sustainable strategies
according to EU regulations, by funding research projects in partnership with private
companies (e.g. European structural and investment funds by European Commission), to identify the best available techniques for alternative materials to replace
single-use plastics and support innovation, by providing necessary infrastructure
(i.e. public fountains for safe drinking water) and by driving public debate and
supporting youth delegations such as “Zero Plastic” ambassadors for international
events.
9 Tackling Single-Use-Plastic Products in the Easter Mediterranean Sea: The. . .
143
vacations.
In addition to the above, even though a significant part of the sample identified the
importance of preserving the natural environment and have already stopped (or are
willing to stop) using plastic bags, plastic straws and other single-use plastics
(Fig. 9.2), few were aware of key European policies on plastics (such as the Plastics
Directive). In more structural characteristics, higher levels of awareness were
denoted among younger people, whereas people belonging to older age classes
appear to be more reluctant in understanding core elements of sustainability and
designing adaptation measures. Higher-income families of the sample have not yet
developed the need to purchase greener vacations, a finding which is significantly
different to the tourist sectors of other EU Member States (Italy, Sweden, Norway,
etc.).
Even though a great share of the responses identified the significance of environmental responsibility, it was observed that the WTP was low. Additionally, when the
cost factor was removed from their decision, the respondents were willing to adapt
their needs. When the participants in the study were asked to rate different
behavioural change strategies, they showed preference to methods that do not
involve additional efforts or costs.
9.3.3 Design of the Roadmap
The roadmap is a strategic tool co-created by all partners in the three countries
aiming at providing insight for all involved parties on needed measures to reduce
plastic waste in the Mediterranean Sea. The 10-year roadmap developed for the BL.
EU. Climate project identifies the actions that need to be taken by policy makers, the
private sector and the society in the future in different time spots (2020, 2025, 2028,
2030, 2030 and beyond) so that the environmental footprint of single-use plastics is
reduced drastically. This can happen by avoiding unnecessary packaging and banning non-recyclable plastic. These actions, if properly designed, can lead to modern
business models that stimulate growth and jobs. By complying with the EU regulations, the Member States can support the shift of regulating the plastics industries to
more environmental processes in the production line, to the production of higher
added value materials (e.g. bioplastics, recyclable plastics) and to apply environmental standards in the R&D stage, i.e. in the design of the product.
Also, Member States could promote environmental and sustainable strategies
according to EU regulations, by funding research projects in partnership with private
companies (e.g. European structural and investment funds by European Commission), to identify the best available techniques for alternative materials to replace
single-use plastics and support innovation, by providing necessary infrastructure
(i.e. public fountains for safe drinking water) and by driving public debate and
supporting youth delegations such as “Zero Plastic” ambassadors for international
events.
9 Tackling Single-Use-Plastic Products in the Easter Mediterranean Sea: The. . .
143