behavioral solutions to reduce SUP use in this population. Therefore, this study evaluated a behavioral insights-based intervention aimed at reducing household SUP use among ultra-Orthodox families. For the study, 55 ultra-Orthodox women from Modi’in Illit were recruited. The participants were randomly assigned to either a control group or an intervention group that received behaviorally-informed support. Both groups participated in an in-person meeting. The control group received an informational leaflet detailing the health, environmental, economic, and religious considerations related to SUP use. The intervention group received the same leaflet, as well as a lecture elaborating on its content and a facilitated discussion on strategies for reducing SUP use. In addition, intervention participants completed a behavior-based questionnaire, which included personalized goal setting, pre-identification of potential challenges and solutions, and a pre-commitment pledge to adhere to their goals. The effect of the intervention (versus control) was measured over approximately eight weeks through two follow-up phone interviews assessing changes in SUP use at both short-term (2–3 weeks) and longterm (7–9 weeks) intervals. Results showed a 15–22% reduction in weekday SUP use across both groups, with no significant difference between them at either time point. However, among women who fully engaged with all components of the behavioral intervention, a larger reduction of 33– 36% was observed in both the short and long term. When asked about the most influential message, over half of the participants indicated that health-related information was the key factor motivating them to reduce SUP use. In contrast, no significant change was observed in SUP use over Shabbat. Although the intervention group initially showed a greater reduction than the control group in the short term, this difference disappeared over time, even among participants with high engagement. This lack of effect may stem from cultural and religious factors, such as restrictions on dishwashing during the Shabbat. This iv Behavioral Insights to Reduce Single-Use Plastics Consumption in Ultra-Orthodox Society
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