SESSION 2: FIELD TEST OPTION #1

O B S E RV E A P U B L I C LO C AT I O N W H E R E FO O D I S S E RV E D FO R 1 5 M I N U T E S

Collect observational data about how plastic is provided, requested, refused, and discarded by sitting unobtrusively in a
public location and taking notes on what you observe.

S T E P 1 : G AT H E R T H E F O L L OW I N G T O O L S
• A notebook or digital device for taking notes
• A stopwatch or timer

S T E P 2 : S E L E C T A P U B L I C L O C AT I O N W H E R E F O O D I S S E RV E D
(E.G., A KITCHEN, CAFETERIA , OR CAFE)
• Find a spot where you can sit unobtrusively for 15 minutes.
• Determine a reasonable scope for your observation and record the parameters in your notes (e.g. the four
tables closest to you). Don’t try to watch more than you can reasonably observe from your location.
• Set up your notebook or device for note taking. Preview Step 3 and create a table to record your observations
and notes as efficiently as possible during the observation period.

ST E P 3 : O B S E RV E A L L P L A ST I C U S E D U R I N G T H E 1 5 M I N U T E T I M E P E R I O D
• Get comfortable in an unobtrusive position. Set your timer for 15 minutes.
• Record the type of plastic used; for example, reusable, single-use, wrappers.
• Keep a tally of how many of each type you see.
• Record each instance in which someone requests plastic items (such as bags, straws, take-out containers).
• Record each instance in which someone refuses plastic items.
• Record how plastic is disposed in this location.

S T E P 4 : A F T E R 1 5 M I N U T E S H A S E L A P S E D , R E V I E W A N D A N A LY Z E YO U R D ATA
• Tally how many types of plastic you captured in your sketch or photographs. Note any patterns.
• Review your notes and table to identify themes or questions that emerge from your data.
• Write a summary statement* of what you observed; be sure to support the themes and/or questions that
emerged with evidence from your collected data.

*You had a very small sample size, so your findings are not yet representative of your community. For a more
representative sample, you would need to observe more locations on multiple occasions in order to demonstrate that you
have collected data from a group that closely reflects the characteristics of the larger population in your community.

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