As the Government works towards 2018 being the year we “Turn Back the Tide on Plastic Waste”, today they publish a report calling for a strict tax on disposable packaging.
But, what will really make the difference to how we tackle environmental issues as a society? And does David Attenborough have the answer?
New data from the largest online search behavioural specialist, Hitwise, shows the power of mainstream TV in educating Brits, along with the “Attenborough effect” – David talks, Britain listens.
Hitwise analysed the actions Blue Planet II drove, and showed its positive impact on increasing awareness in recycling and sustainability. The data shows searches on “plastic recycling” rose by 55 per cent following the programme’s heart-wrenching finale.
In addition, Hitwise found:
- The quantity of people searching for the dangers of plastic in our oceans doubled[2]
- Searches for “plastic recycling” rose by 55 per cent, following the show’s conclusion [3]
- Remarkable growth in charity interest and engagement:
- Marine Conservation Society saw a 169 per cent jump in visits to its website[4]
- The number of people searching for WWF increased 51 per cent either side of the first episode[5]
- There was a 35 per cent increase in visits to Plastic Oceans Foundation[6]
Luke Upchurch, WWF Head of Communications and Digital, reacted:
“The results for us were impressive…some of the best social media engagement figures we’ve ever seen, and a significant increase in new WWF members during and after each episode. We saw Blue Planet II as a fantastic opportunity to engage the public on conservation issues.
We posted on Twitter and Facebook during each episode; reacting in real time to the incredible footage and providing insights on the impact humans are having on our oceans. This allowed us to talk about the threats and the solutions that WWF is working on to a whole new audience.
For us, this is yet further evidence that the UK public care immensely about our planet, and, when presented with easy and inspiring ways in which the can help, are very keen to play their part in protecting our oceans.”
[2] 7 weeks before vs. 7 weeks after w/e 28/10/2017
[3] 4 rolling weeks from w/e 09/12/2017 to w/e 23/12/2017
[4] 4 rolling weeks from w/e 28/10/2017 to w/e 16/12/2017
[5] 7 weeks before vs. 7 weeks after w/e 28/10/2017
[6] 4 rolling weeks from w/e 28/10/2017 to w/e 16/12/2017