Sustainable alternatives to plastic: solutions to reduce environmental pollution

Main problem: Plastic pollution from single-use plastics causes threats to human health,
biodiversity, and ecosystems worldwide. This study explores alternatives to plastic to reduce
environmental pollution in Ust-Kamenogorsk (Oskemen), Kazakhstan.
Methods: We used a mixed-methods approach: a survey (~150 respondents) to quantify daily
plastic use, focus groups (5 students) to discuss usage patterns and alternatives, and semi-structured
expert interviews (2 experts) to examine waste challenges.
Results and their significance: The survey revealed that plastic packaging (bags) and bottles
have the highest daily usage scores (around 3.8 and 3.2 on a 1–5 scale), whereas plastic toys scored
lowest (~2.0). Most respondents expressed neutral or moderate satisfaction with plastic products.
Focus group participants agreed that plastic is integral to food storage, packaging, and medicine, but
suggested reusable bags, water fountains, and paper packaging as local alternatives. Interviewed
experts cited plastic’s low cost and convenience as barriers to replacement, noted insufficient
recycling infrastructure (only about 21.9 % of plastic waste is recycled in Kazakhstan), and advocated
incentives such as government subsidies or bans. Overall, findings emphasize the importance of public
education campaigns, improved recycling systems, and policies (e.g., bans on plastic bags and
incentives) to shift consumer behavior towards sustainable alternatives. Such measures could
significantly reduce plastic pollution and support environmental sustainability.