By David Okul
Various blogs, NGOs, and news agencies have documented the environmental benefits of coronavirus. Notwithstanding the short-term ecological advantages, coronavirus plastic pollution is rife.
Plastic is a significant component for most of the things we use to manage the virus, such as gloves, masks, sanitizer bottles, and other medical equipment. Unfortunately, most of the public discard plastics poorly such that massive plastic pollution is looming.
The coronavirus pandemic is responsible for massive plastic pollution. This article delves into the solid waste pollution effects of COVID 19, specifically plastic pollution.
Unbanning the use of single-use plastics
Some countries and cities had banned the use of single-use plastic bags. Nonetheless, industry players are pushing for the ban purportedly lifted to supply the much-needed protective equipment.
In response, nations and cities are reinstating the use and manufacturing of single-use plastic bags during the pandemic. After all, many people believe that avoiding the use of reusable bags is limiting the spread of the virus. As such, governments are encouraging supermarkets to give free disposable plastic bags. These developments are a threat to the hard-won environmental benefits associated with the ban on the use and manufacture of plastics.
Environmentalists have expressed worry that lifting the plastic ban will undermine all the efforts aimed at reducing single-use plastics.
Reduced recycling of plastic waste
The recycling industry, like other industries, has been shut down following the pandemic. The shutdown means that recycling plants are not recycling the additional plastic products emanating from the management of the virus.
Even more concerning is the higher cost of recycling plastics. Oil is a primary raw material for the manufacture of plastics. The coronavirus has made the price of oil go to a record low, which means that it is easier to manufacture new plastic instead of recycling.
As such, coronavirus plastic pollution will continue to surge during the pandemic. Worse still, nations will lack the capacity to recycle the massive volumes of plastic waste after the pandemic.
An increase in plastic medical waste
Plastics have been vital for keeping hospitals and health facilities running smoothly during the ongoing pandemic. They are the bedrock of protective gear and medical equipment. The pandemic has resulted in massive production of plastic medical supplies. For instance, Ferrari, which is among the world’s leading automobile companies, recently started production of the thermoplastic components required for respiratory valves.
On the other hand, Apple has embarked on massive production of plastic face shields specifically for medical professionals. Simply put, the pandemic has encouraged the overproduction of plastic medical supplies. As the demand for plastic medical supplies skyrockets, one thing is apparent. The volume of plastic medical waste will rise rapidly. Over time, this waste will contribute to the billions of tons of plastic waste.
Sustainability has been thrown out of the window.
COVID 19 has significantly altered how consumers use plastic bags alongside other disposable products. The dangers of disposable plastics seem to be overly assumed, notwithstanding the concern over hygiene and health during the Coronavirus pandemic. Players in the food industry are encouraged to offer to take away options and home deliveries. Some even prohibit consumers from bringing their food containers. As such, consumers are somewhat forced to switch to disposable food packaging options. Such options only generate extensive plastic waste in the long-run. In such instances, most consumers can do little to cut their plastic waste.
🥊While coronavirus is sweeping our country right now, we shouldn't forget that climate change, plastic pollution and environmental crisis are not going anywhere! 🍏🌲
— Earth Day Network (@EarthDayNetwork) May 22, 2020
This is what #GreenCities can do to help during the recovery periodhttps://t.co/aKOvVBH8s6
Ironically, the same ‘hygienic’ plastic expose others to health risks
Certain groups of the world’s population are at high risk of adverse health risks from exposure to plastic waste. For instance, garbage collectors, cleaners, and people who spend countless hours in public spaces are vulnerable to COVID 19. The people responsible for keeping the environment clean are highly susceptible to coronavirus as well. Droplets lingering on discarded gloves and masks may infect such people. Apart from being exposed to COVID 19, these people can also get other types of infections from pathogens lingering on discarded protective equipment. For instance, they can catch Hepatitis B and meningitis.
The oceans’ plastic burden is worsening
The COVID 19 pandemic has sparked a demand for personal protective equipment across the world. Nations insist that their citizens should wear face masks and gloves in public. While such precaution measures are vital for keeping the coronavirus spreading at bay, the impact of protective equipment is palpable on the streets across the world. There are dozens of discarded masks and gloves all over the residential places in virtually all states.
Eventually, the wastes reach into the oceans following heavy rains. This waste is now worsening the oceans’ plastic burden, which is already choking under the massive volume of plastic waste.
Who else finds this absolutely appalling?
— Ryan Hodgson (@Ryanintheus) April 4, 2020
We have to stop polluting our oceans with plastic.
We must reduce our use of #plastic and go #plasticfree! #plasticpollution #breakfreeofplastic #sustainability #nature #environment #ocean #pollution
pic.twitter.com/tj7ESndmni
The pandemic poses a threat to the fight against plastic pollution
Environmentalists have expressed concerns that the gains made on the war against plastic pollution are quickly being reversed during the pandemic. Before the lockdowns, the use of plastic bags was in retreat. Various governments had subjected plastics to strict restrictions in many places. As such, the world was becoming highly mindful of plastic products. Companies were opting for more sustainable packaging options.
As mentioned before, the use of plastic primarily for making protective gear is surging. Also, suppliers are increasingly using single-use plastic to wrap products as it is more hygienic. The scenario is threatening to undo the many years of progress witnessed after the ban of plastic products.
An overall increase in plastic pollution
The plastic pollution rate was reducing after some nations agreed to ban single-use plastic products. Nonetheless, plastic pollution is now at its peak after governments suspended the ban on these products. During the pandemic, plastic waste is prevalent in public and residential areas. If the COVID-19 situation persists for several months, plastic pollution will continue to rise drastically. Although the UN has called for plastic pollution awareness during the pandemic, coronavirus plastic pollution is fast taking center stage. Plastic pollution poses a risk to human health. Furthermore, plastic pollution is to blame for the death of millions of marine species. It is also a serious threat to human health thanks to the toxins that find their way to human food.
The Coronavirus pandemic has led to an increase in plastic pollution. Apart from creating plastic pollution awareness, the world must focus on more sustainable choices for all the protective equipment needed by citizens during the pandemic. Moreover, recycling plastic waste should be done expeditiously to stop the ongoing massive coronavirus plastic pollution, which is detrimental to humans, wildlife, and marine life.
David Okul is an environmental management professional with over 10 years experience on donor projects, conservation, forestry, ecotourism, and community-based natural resources management. When not working on active environmental management projects, I spend my time writing for Silvica on a variety of topics. Views on this blog post are personal
