This part of the solution follows the elaboration likelihood model, which focuses on the use of persuasive messages, and addresses the social facet of behavioural change at a community level. In order to get Singaporeans to care, personal relevance must be increased, as personal relevance affects how easily a person can be persuaded.

The two routes to persuasion are (a) the central route, and (b) the peripheral route. This table below explains the difference between both routes:

In the case of environmental issues, persuading people through the central route is more ideal, as it leads to longer lasting attitude changes. However, as previously suggested, people are not motivated to think deeply about environmental issues because the consequences of their actions now are not immediate.

As such, solutions should begin by explicitly stating the consequences of people’s actions – in this case, Singaporeans can be personally appealed to with practical arguments such as the following:

• Impact of global warming on Singapore’s temperatures – if the temperature is unbearable now, imagine what it would be like if Singaporeans continued to use disposable products so liberally?
• Consequences of climate change for future generations – emphasising this message especially to parents and grandparents, who care about their children and grandchildren. If the Earth is not cared for now, future generations will suffer.
• The total cost of the additional charges for takeaway containers is likely equivalent to or more than the cost of one reusable container – so why not make an investment in reusable containers?