Sustainability measures affect everyday people’s lives, particularly those whose livelihoods and practices are directly impacted by environmental policies such as a local plastic regulation ordinance. Through a socio-cultural lens, this study analyzed the symbolic processes of communication and the meanings attached to a single-use plastic-free environment by public market vendors to understand their behavior toward plastic use and their perspectives on the local plastic policy. Often overlooked in policy discussions, symbolic interactions can influence behavior and acceptance of plastic policies. Interviews were conducted with public market vendors who are members of five identified public market associations based on the commodities they sell. Participant observation during market days documented vendor-vendor, vendor-buyer, and vendor-local government interactions. The local plastic policy in Libmanan has raised awareness about alternatives to single-use plastics and brought the issue into people’s conversations. Plastic consumption practices in Libmanan Public Market include default use of plastic bags, bring-your-own systems, shifting to non-plastic alternatives, and continued preference for plastic. The vendors attach complex meanings to plastics—convenient yet harmful, necessary yet avoidable, and tied to feelings of climate anxiety. A plastic-free environment was associated with a clean environment, future generation, safety, and also inconvenience. These reflect recognition of both the benefits and consequences of continued plastic use. The study recommends clearer communication and stricter policy enforcement, making cheaper and durable alternatives accessible, addressing the plastic problem at its source, and having participatory engagement of vendors in policy design and implementation.

Authors:
Jewel Cabrera, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Philippines
Liza Cabrera, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Philippines

About the Presenter(s)
Ms. Jewel Cabrera is currently pursuing a Master's in Environmental Science at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. Her work focuses on the intersection of environmental science, communication, and development.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jewelcabrera/

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