OCEAN PLASTIC IS LATEST BIG CONCERN.

• Position: YOUR LIFE

Americans are more concerned about the impact of plastic waste in the oceans than the impacts of climate change, maintains a survey by the Shelton Group, Minneapolis, Minn. When shown a list of 10 environmental issues, 65% of Americans expressed feeling very or extremely concerned about plastics in the ocean, compared to 58% who feel very or extremely concerned about climate change.

Asked about the environmental issues they hear about most often from television, newspapers, friends, and social media, respondents report that discussions about plastic waste polluting the oceans (57%) now is on par with mentions of climate change (59%). Sixty-three percent indicate they have heard some-to-a lot about single-use plastic bans. Eighty percent assert that, if they had the option to buy goods or products that do not employ single-use plastic packaging, they would.

This data suggests that individuals are more spurred to concern and action over environmental issues that immediately are visible and thus more emotionally...