An improvement in much of the environment as less people are moving around, contributing to lower carbon emissions, has been attributed to the pandemic. However, recent research shows that single-use plastic consumption is higher than before.
The International Solid Waste Association has estimated that this consumption has risen between 250% and 300% since the coronavirus began spreading across the world.
Single-use plastic consumption has increased significantly.
According to the Economist, the use of online delivery services especially in countries where this infrastructure is already set up and efficient, increased significantly.
Companies such as Amazon use plastic inside their delivery packages to protect against breakage and because materials like styrofoam, packing peanuts and bubble wrap are so cheap it is often used in disproportionate quantities.
The increased public use of single-use surgical masks and plastic gloves has also contributed to this increase. Many choose to use this protective equipment which can only be worn once rather than reusable masks. As a result of these not being confined to hospital and healthcare facilities, incorrect and harmful disposal has also increased.
Other areas with increased plastic use are restaurants as takeaways become the norm. The plastic face shield and screen installed in all customer service locations and the plastic hand sanitiser bottles also contribute.
It had been a difficult fight to reduce single-use plastic consumption, a corner the world had almost turned as the pandemic hit. These efforts appear to have faded away as reusing has been linked with contamination, however, using correct hygiene procedures will lower the risk of spreading the virus through any objects or surfaces significantly.
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