Back
The plastic pandemic is only getting worse during COVID-19
Jul 1, 2020
Single-use plastics, including surgical masks and plastic cups, have been vital in supporting society during COVID-19. However, plastics and their disposal are still a major global issue. Thailand's Environment Institute reported plastic waste has increased during COVID-19, owing to soaring home deliveries of food. Governments need to make sure waste management systems are well supported to deal with current and future plastic waste.
There is no denying that single-use plastic has been a lifesaver in the fight against COVID-19, especially for frontline health workers. It has also facilitated adherence to social-distancing rules, by enabling home delivery of basic goods, especially food. And it may have helped to curb transmission, by replacing reusable coffee cups and shopping bags in many cities over fears that the virus could stick to them.
But widely circulated images of plastic sacks of medical waste piling up outside hospitals, and used personal protective equipment floating in coastal waters and washing up on the world’s beaches, illustrate yet again the dark side of single-use plastics. If we are not careful, short-term thinking during the pandemic could lead to an even larger environmental and public-health calamity in the future.
Have you read? COVID-19, plastic pollution and the green recovery - live webinar This university student created a plastic alternative out of fish waste This 12-year-old built an underwater robot to fight plastic pollution
4Shares
0Comments
1Favorites
0Likes
Say something to impress...
Loading...
Comments
Hot

No content at this moment.

Relevant people
Technology Eye
43583 Followers
technology
Watch on technology.
Related