Survey found that plastic plays an important
role in the lives of New Yorkers across the state
Over 78% of New Yorkers view molecular
recycling as a positive way to help solve the waste
crisis
NEW
YORK, May 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a
new poll* released today by Stagwell's (NASDAQ: STGW) The Harris
Poll, New Yorkers say they do not see a plastic ban or
plastic-free world as a viable solution. Although the waste crisis
is a unifying issue and top-tier environmental concern among people
across the state, 78% of New Yorkers see innovative recycling
methods as a positive solution to the problem and view molecular
recycling as a great step towards solving the plastic waste crisis.
Around 60% of respondents also believe molecular recycling would
ease the burden of recycling and help them live a more sustainable
lifestyle. The study surveyed 1,092 New Yorkers across different
political parties and demographics.
The traditional recycling method that is
most commonly used today cannot break down or recycle most types of
plastic.
Plastic plays an essential role in the lives of New Yorkers.
About 70% of New Yorkers say plastics make their lives easier, and
nearly 60% say they couldn't imagine a world without them.
"I can't begin to think of all the single-use plastics that we
use, and banning them would eliminate jobs, increase the cost of
goods, and make life a lot more difficult for the disabled or
elderly," said a registered voter in the Albany area.
Molecular recycling is a type of material-to-material recycling
that can recycle many types of plastic waste that would typically
end up in a landfill or incinerator. This type of recycling
converts plastic waste back to its building blocks to create
brand-new products made from recycled plastic materials with equal
or improved quality and performance. The traditional recycling
method that is most commonly used today cannot break down or
recycle most types of plastic.
After learning more about molecular recycling, over 70% of New
Yorkers said they would be bothered if they knew their state
representative was working against this new type of recycling. 55%
said they would even vote against their state representative in the
next election if they knew they were actively working against this
new type of recycling. Among registered Democrats, this sentiment
is even more pronounced – 63% say they would vote against their
state representative.
"I feel the biggest benefit of the new type of recycling is that
it is using what would normally be a waste product of the
traditional recycling process and not allowing it to go into the
landfills," said a registered voter from the New York City area.
A deeper look at the findings:
A plastic ban will hurt consumers, including driving up the
cost of goods.
- 65% of New Yorkers said that a plastic ban would increase the
cost of their everyday goods, and 45% said a plastic ban would make
the purchase of everyday goods logistically more difficult. Over
50% of New Yorkers also responded that a plastic ban would
negatively impact people with certain disabilities.
State governments have an important role in helping solve the
plastic waste crisis.
- Nearly 70% of New Yorkers wish the state government did more to
make plastic recycling easier. This is especially true among
African Americans and Hispanics.
New Yorkers want their state legislators to support molecular
recycling initiatives; failing to do so could cost them voter
support.
- About half say they would encourage their friends, family, and
social media following to vote against representatives actively
working against molecular recycling in the next election.
By supporting molecular recycling initiatives, state
legislators could be viewed more positively by constituents and win
votes.
- About 70% of New Yorkers say that a state legislator who
supports this new type of recycling cares more about solving the
plastic waste crisis and the environment than one who doesn't. 66%
say they would be more likely to vote for a state legislator who
supports this new type of recycling, and about half say they would
be more likely to actively campaign for one.
*This study was commissioned by Eastman.
About The Harris Poll
The Harris Poll is a
global consulting and market research firm that delivers proven
intelligence for transformational times. Responsible for one of the
longest-running surveys in the United
States, Harris Poll provides unique context and social
insights based on having analyzed public opinion, motivations, and
social sentiment since 1963. It works with clients in three primary
areas: building modern corporate reputation, crafting brand
strategy and performance tracking, and data-driven thought
leadership. It is now part of
Stagwell, the challenger holding company built to transform
marketing.
About Stagwell
Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW) is the
challenger network built to transform marketing. We deliver scaled
creative performance for the world's most ambitious brands,
connecting culture-moving creativity with leading-edge technology
to harmonize the art and science of marketing. Led by
entrepreneurs, our 13,000+ specialists in 34+ countries are unified
under a single purpose: to drive effectiveness and improve business
results for their clients. Join us at
www.stagwellglobal.com.
About Eastman
Eastman is a global specialty
materials company that produces a broad range of products found in
items people use every day. For more information, visit
Eastman.com.
CONTACT:
Sarah Arvizo
pr@stagwellglobal.com
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SOURCE Stagwell Inc.