Single-use but a permanent responsibility: What are the lessons learnt from the fight against single-use plastic?

This post examines Israel’s experience in attempting to reduce single-use plastic consumption, highlighting how environmental regulation intersects with behavioral economics, social equity, and political realities.

While environmental taxes can be effective in theory, their success depends on cultural and social context. In Israel, a tax on single-use plastics led to a significant initial decline in consumption but was later repealed amid political backlash—especially from the ultra-Orthodox community, which viewed the measure as unfairly targeting them.

Drawing on field research with ultra-Orthodox communities, the post suggests that "soft regulation"—including nudges, health messaging, and cultural framing—can encourage more sustainable behavior without creating resistance. Small, practical behavioral shifts can have a cumulative impact when embedded in a supportive policy environment.

Ultimately, sustainable change requires policies that are not only environmentally sound but also socially sensitive. Effective ESG-oriented governance must consider local norms, motivations, and barriers to ensure long-term impact.

To read the full article, visit our Hebrew main blog