Covid-19: Two Pandemics in One?
As of today, the world is now 187 days deep in experiencing the first global pandemic in over a century. The world around us has changed drastically in so many different aspects: politically, scientifically, sociologically and many others. One aspect many individuals possible have not considered is the impact of pandemic-oriented behaviors on the environment.
While people across the globe can easily recognize prevalent adaptations to our prior, “common”, way of life, the impacts of this new climate are being, unintentionally, overlooked. For example, the new pandemic-oriented climate has included an increase in take-out consumption, resorting to shopping online, and, for a short period, a decline in both personal vehicle and public transportation use.
However, one of the greatest changes, especially to American society, is the now dominant ideology of wearing masks and using PPE whenever one leaves the safety of their house, which is a scientifically supported method to combat rising Corona Virus rates. While no one should dispute or discourage this practice and the subsequent use of these items, it is important to recognize the effects of these actions, address them in a rational way, and investigate how you, as an individual, can make changes in order to curb these effects.
Know the Facts
Prior to the lock down that began on March 13th, over eight million tons, the weight of which is equivalent to “90 aircraft carriers” (Waste 360), of plastic waste would enter into the oceans each year. However, since quarantine began, the world has been consuming single-use plastics at a whopping 250-300% increase.
A single person within the span of a year uses over 220 pounds of, primarily single-use, plastic (The Globalist). Now, multiply that by a 300% increase and, then, by 7 billion people.
That’s a lot of plastic.
Much of this plastic is being contributed to the emergence of PPE use, which is necessary in times like this! However, the improper disposal of masks and gloves cause a serious problem. Clear plastic gloves, when introduced into ocean environments, resemble jellyfish which has caused an increase in their consumption by sea turtles.
Improperly disposed masks poses a serious choking hazard to several, land and sea, species due to the elastic loops on the masks, in order to hook the mask around one’s ears. Finally, masks and hand-sanitizer bottles both contain high levels of polypropylene. When polypropylene begins to decompose, which takes at least 450 years, it breaks down into micro-plastics which contaminate water quality and supply.
Another serious issue to look at is the increase in food take-out and online shopping with delivery. According to official corporate quarter figures, UberEats’ revenue is up 103% and Amazon has experienced a 40% increase in profits (Corporate Knights). While ordering from the comfort of our couches has been an efficient way to remain socially distant, one must look at the negative impacts as well to remain a vigilant consumer.
The issue with an increase in take-out food, as well as returning in person dining, is the overwhelming substitution and use of plastic utensils, styrofoam packaging, and plastic bags. Many people who order food out own utensils at home and companies could use environmentally-free packaging, but with the decreasing price of oil and plastic production, businesses are doing what they can to retain profits.
The same can be said for Amazon and other distributing companies. Not only is their sales increase correlated with an increase in plastic packaging materials but it also relates to an increase in transportation vehicles, which contributes to increasing Carbon emissions.
The Silver Lining
While all of these statistics and pitfalls to our new way of life may seem overwhelming, there have been several positive results of quarantine.
In several countries, especially China and Italy, carbon dioxide as well as nitrogen dioxide emission rates dropped significantly due to country-wide lock downs. This is due to a sharp decrease in both industrial operations as well as travel by personal car, especially in China. This a level of visibility in highly populated cities in China that has not been seen in decades.
Another positive result was the apparent clearing of Venice’s canals due to a decrease in boat traffic. While the canals did magically become less polluted, the lack of boat traffic created a scenic view, once again, not seen by Italian citizens in decades. These clean waters views in the canal became a social media sensation!
Hopefully, these silver linings will act as inspiration for country officials and their citizens to work harder to keep their cities clean!
What You can Do
Unfortunately, in terms of masks and PPE, there is not much that individuals can do. The civic thing is to wear masks. The most important thing is that every individual properly disposes their single-use masks and encourage others to do so.
However, individuals can choose to wear reusable fabric masks or, if they use plastic disposable masks, cut the straps off of the mask before disposing them. Cutting off the straps prevent poorly disposed masks from becoming a choking hazards for animals and marine life.
Another measure individuals can take is to decrease their consumption of online shopping and take-out. Many chain stores are offering curbside pickup for online orders which decreases both plastic packing use and emission by transport vehicles. This method provides a contact-less shopping experience while also being more environmentally friendly.
In terms of take-out, the best solution is just to cut down on the number of nights you order take out and opt to cook at home. If you do decide to buy take-out, when you order, request to not have plastic utensils and straws as well as not needing a plastic bag. Another option is to purchase reusable straws and/or bamboo cutlery sets, which are both cheap and offered at local chain stores, and put them in your car for easy take-out use!
These small changes, as well as many others not discussed here, can help reduce your footprint during these tough times. Why create a problem we have to deal with later?
Expand Your Horizons (Sources)
Waste 360: COVID-19 Has Worsened the Ocean Plastic Pollution Problem
Corporate Knights: Curing the Plastic Pollution Pandemic
Earth Org: Another Side Effect of COVID-19: The Surge in Plastic Pollution
CNN: Coronavirus is causing a flurry of plastic waste.
The Globalist: Plastic Consumption
This is really good! I like how detailed you are and how you put more articles at the bottom for more information.
What an important topic. I’m grateful you chose to focus on plastic for this passion blog post.
The waste we are creating has been really upsetting to me. Just heard about the use of “disposable water bottles” in a meeting last night.
Nice work.
Great post! I really liked how you formatted this blog into different sections. By discussing the problem first, then mentioning some positives, and finally ending with the ways we can help, you were able to make readers feel like they can make a difference. Looking forward to reading your future posts!