The use of single-use plastic (SUP) products causes significant harm to both the environment and human health. In Israel, SUP consumption is five times higher than the European average. Despite governmentled campaigns aimed at reducing usage, an upward trend persists. Household consumption accounts for the majority of SUP use in Israel, representing approximately 70%–75% of total consumption. While most of the Israeli public uses SUP, there is considerable heterogeneity in usage patterns and motivations across different population groups, necessitating culturally and behaviorally tailored intervention programs. Among the ultra-Orthodox population, which uses SUP at disproportionately high rates relative to their share of the population, several unique factors have been linked to elevated consumption. These include the need to maintain kosher practices, low rates of dishwasher ownership, larger family sizes, and lower socioeconomic status. Additionally, this group tends to show lower levels of identification with environmental motivations, while demonstrating a strong desire and social need to adapt practices to their intensive lifestyle. The most notable policy effort to reduce SUP usage was the implementation of a tax, which significantly increased prices and led to a marked decrease in consumption, especially within the ultra-Orthodox population, which saw an average reduction of 37%. However, the tax was revoked in early 2023, and SUP purchases began to rise again, though not to pre-tax levels. In the ultra-Orthodox community, the SUP levy was met with opposition and a sense of discrimination. This underscores the need for cultural, social, and iii Roni Lotan, Eyal Peer » Tatiana Malinina / Shutterstock Abstract
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