Covid-19 Pandemic gave birth to Plastic Pollution Crisis
The new Pandemic of Plastic Pollution is on its way.
The fear of Covid-19 has successfully given birth to Plastic Pollution Crisis within global communities. Though there is a list of side effects caused by Covid-19, still plastic pollution cannot be listed in that existing list. The reason is..surge in plastic pollution has not resulted from the coronavirus effects and nature of the virus. But, this side effect of Covid-19 is ‘man-made’ or we can say ‘man-fear-made’.
It is happening because people think using plastic bags and containers may save them from getting infected. After using it once, they are throwing it to the sea of troubles for future sustainability. Here, it is worth mentioning that rumors, lack of adequate research, misconceptions, and assumptions are the main culprits in the process of Covid-19 giving birth to another Pandemic of Plastic Pollution.
Suddenly, the Covid-19 Pandemic got related to Plastic Pandemic. Why?
Being intelligent species of the earth, we humans need to understand that plastic can be used as ‘Use&Throw’ material to be used for grocery bags, daily use containers, and other purposes. Thus, people from all over the world started using one-time-usable plastic bags, containers, and bottles since the arrival of Covid-19. Somewhere deep down in their minds, the misconception lies that using plastic made bags, containers and other items will save them from the coronavirus as it can be thrown away after utilization at one time. Hence, the problem is growing not in the physical community of the world but in the minds of people living in those communities.
On the other hand, it cannot be overlooked that hand sanitizer and face masks production processes include the extensive use of plastic. It is worth knowing that face masks actually contain polypropylene (PP), which acts as a protective layer for bodily fluid droplets. In addition to that, some more intricate as well as expensive face masks typically include polyurethane (PUR) and/or polyacrylonitrile (PAN). Thus, the story is suggesting that plastic pandemic is on its way while being carried properly by the Coronavirus.
What should we do now?
Covid-19 crisis is temporary, however plastic pollution pandemic can be permanent in the future.
The trending issues of Covid-19 and plastic pollution both are scary and hence need immediate attention. Yet, the recent research data suggests that the Covid-19 Pandemic is temporary whereas plastic pollution pandemic can be permanent in the future if not attended now. From the sustainability perspective, we all know attention to the earth’s climate and environment must be permanent. In this way, people should address the issue with the effective teamwork while working in a global team of different nations, and communities. The possible measures which can be taken into consideration are “Sanitized Reusable Bags and Containers” and “Non-plastic Face masks and PPE Kit (Personal Protective Equipment Kit).
Finally, with the above initiatives, we can save our earth from the upcoming plastic pollution pandemic which may take life away from earth.
