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Article
Aquarium Visitor Engagement with an Ocean Plastics Exhibit: Effects on Self-Reported Intended Single-Use Plastic Reductions and Plastic-Related Environmental Stewardship Actions
Journal of Interpretation Research
  • Britta R. Baechler, Portland State University
  • Elise F. Granek, Portland State University
  • Kerry A. Carlin-Morgan, Oregon Coast Aquarium
  • Tina E. Smith, Oregon Coast Aquarium
  • Max Nielsen-Pincus, Portland State University
Document Type
Citation
Publication Date
6-1-2021
Subjects
  • Microplastics -- Environmental aspects,
  • Microplastics -- Measurement,
  • Microplastics -- Oregon -- Analysis,
  • Waste minimization -- Public opinion,
  • Microplastics -- Public opinion,
  • Aquariums -- Oregon --Exhibitions
Abstract

Plastic pollution requires, among a suite of other interventions, education to inspire behavioral change and reduce consumption of single-use items. We designed and installed an ocean plastics exhibit at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, Oregon, USA. We evaluated visitor engagement and the effects of the exhibit on their reported single-use plastic and plastic-related environmental stewardship intentions. Timed interaction observations (n = 317) revealed children (0–17 years) engaged more with interactive elements than adults (18–80+ years). Ten single-use plastic reduction and plastic stewardship intentions were evaluated through structured questionnaires; the top three behaviors visitors intended to change were: using a reusable straw (37.4%), cleaning the beach (37.4%), and bring-your-own bag to the store or market (33.0%). 18 to 29 year olds had the highest change in desire to address the ocean plastics problem before and after seeing the exhibit, but the lowest likelihood of engaging in either single-use plastics reduction or plastic stewardship actions of all age groups.

Rights

© 2021 SAGE Publications

Description

Supplementary files and the data that support the findings of this study are openly available in PDXScholar at https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/esm_data/3/

DOI
10.1177/10925872211021183
Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/35951
Citation Information
Baechler, B. R., Granek, E. F., Carlin-Morgan, K. A., Smith, T. E., & Nielsen-Pincus, M. (2021). Aquarium Visitor Engagement with an Ocean Plastics Exhibit: Effects on Self-Reported Intended Single-Use Plastic Reductions and Plastic-Related Environmental Stewardship Actions. Journal of Interpretation Research. https://doi.org/10.1177/10925872211021183