Understanding global plastic consumption behaviors is crucial as concerns over plastic pollution rise. This study examines consumer behavior and awareness regarding plastic bottle and shopping bag usage in Japan, France (Paris), USA (New York), Indonesia (Jakarta), and China (Shanghai). Utilizing a web-based questionnaire, we collected data from 4526 residents, focusing on personal information, environmental attitudes, and plastic usage patterns. Results indicate distinct consumption behaviors across the five countries. In 2014, Japan had the highest weekly plastic bottle usage at 3.5 bottles per capita, which decreased to 3 bottles by 2024. Conversely, other countries saw a significant increase in usage over the same period. For plastic shopping bags, Japanese consumers used an average of 0.73 bags per week, the lowest among the countries surveyed, largely due to the 2020 implementation of a plastic bag charge and the availability of eco-friendly alternatives. In contrast, Jakarta exhibited the highest usage at 5.71 bags per week. The study highlights the need for further research on the relationship between environmental awareness and actual behavior. Future research will also expand to include additional countries with successful plastic reduction policies to enhance global management strategies.
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