התערבות התנהגותית להפחתת השימוש בכלים חד-פעמיים בחברה החרדית: [מתוך המדור: חזית המחקר]

The use of single-use plastic products causes substantial harm to the environment and to human health. Their use is significantly higher in the ultra-Orthodox population than among secular and Arab populations in Israel. Patterns of use and underlying reasons for relying on single-use products differ across these groups; therefore, culturally and behaviorally tailored intervention programs are needed.This study examined the effect of a behavioral insights-based intervention program aimed at reducing the use of single-use tableware, compared with information provisional one, among 55 ultra-Orthodox women from Modi'in Illit. The behavioral intervention included personalized goal setting, anticipating barriers to behavior change, identifying solutions, and signing a pre-commitment pledge. Intervention effects were assessed in the short term (2-3 weeks) and long term (7-9 weeks). Results indicate differential effects of the intervention on weekday versus weekend(Shabbath) behavior. On weekdays, a non-significant reduction in single-use tableware use was observed in both groups and was maintained over time. Stratification by adherence level showed a significant reduction among participants who fully adhered to all intervention components compared with those who partially adhered. On Shabbath, in the short term, a larger reduction was reported in the intervention group compared with the control group, although the between-group difference was not statistically significant. In the long term, no differences were found between groups, including when stratified by adherence. These findings suggest the potential value of incorporating non-coercive behavioral tools as a complementary component of policies aimed at reducing single-use plastic consumption. However, further large-scale research is needed to examine the effectiveness, and appropriateness of these tools across diverse settings and populations.