What More Can We Say About Managing Plastic Pollution? Exploring the Cradle–Culture–Consciousness Model for Transformative Global Action

Plastic pollution is a global sustainability challenge particularly in developing economies where global production is expected to surpass 400 million tonnes annually and waste generation is projected to rise by 17.4% by 2050. Despite decades of policy interventions, recycling initiatives, and public awareness campaigns, the crisis continues to outpace global mitigation efforts. In an effort to mitigate the menace of plastic pollution, this study develops the Cradle–Culture–Consciousness (CCC) Model integrating education, culture, and awareness. Using an integrative review of 135 sources published between 2015 and 2025, the study finds that behavioral and cultural dimensions are critical complements to policy and technology. The CCC model offers a novel framework for sustainability transitions fostering environmental consciousness, and a heuristic tool for informing future research, policy experimentation, and value-driven approaches to environmental stewardship.