As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads, more and more people are using disposable face masks, gloves, and bottles of hand sanitizer. It is important to consider the significant effects that this increased waste is having on the ocean. Multitudes of plastic waste already circulates in the ocean gyres, and the pandemic's reliance on cheap, quick, plastic materials are hugely contributing to plastic pollution.
So how can one person help to stop this spread? The steps to take in reducing your plastic footprint are simple. Use a reusable face mask made of cloth or biodegradable material that can be washed and reused time and time again. These types of face masks are available in the hundreds of thousands now. Because face masks are not the only plastic pollutant from the pandemic - even though they may be the majority - consider usage of washable, reusable gloves and refillable hand sanitizer bottles. Stay safe, but also consider your impact on the environment. There are many ways you can do both.
Image from CNN News
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