The Plastic Monkey Wrench in My Zero-Waste Plans: How COVID-19 is Increasing Plastic Consumption and Why That’s OK
The coronavirus pandemic needs no introduction, and I trust that we won’t forget the details. Among the endless ways the virus has changed our lives, it has increased our use of single-use plastics. Here’s the how, and why that’s OK:
Plastic Bulk Shopping
There weren’t many places to bulk shop in the I.E. to begin with (“Guide to Plastic-Free Shopping in the I.E.” to come at a later, more normal time), and since COVID hit, these stores now sell their bulk items in pre-packaged plastic baggies—not exactly zero-waste friendly anymore. This was personally the hardest pill to swallow because I had made such progress purchasing my groceries without excess waste, but there’s really no other alternative. To slow the spread of the virus, grocery stores needed to implement serious precautionary measures since this virus is highly contagious and lives on surfaces for hours. Keeping the bulk foods section exposed to the environment while people touch the same surfaces to access the food could have had devastating effects on the rate of virus transmission in the Inland Empire. Ultimately, peace of mind that the food you’re purchasing isn’t going to infect you is worth it, in my opinion.
Tip: The food you planned to purchase in the bulk aisle might have less plastic packaging in the other aisles. For example, instead of buying pasta or beans in the now plastic-riddled bulk section, try canned beans or boxed pasta.
Tip: Most grocery stores have banned reusable bags for their ability to spread the virus. Opt for paper bags over plastic bags. Yes, paper bags are better for the environment, but the virus also has a shorter lifespan on paper than on plastic.
Disposable Masks, Gloves, and Disinfectant Products
The I.E. went into a frenzy when the first restrictions were implemented. Everyone felt the seriousness of the virus and depleted stores of basic necessities, non-perishable foods, and disinfectant products. We acted rashly, but we did what we thought we needed to protect ourselves. Seven months in and I hope the urgency is still with us, yet in a more responsible way. Single-use items, especially masks and disinfectant products, give us security against cross-contamination. We have to be OK with it. We’re doing what we need to keep safe.
Tip: Invest in a reusable cloth mask. Unlike at the start of the pandemic, masks are available for purchase everywhere. Walmart. Target. The Internet. OR, you can conserve resources and make one out of spare materials you already own. YouTube has a tutorial for every kind of mask you could think of, with even no-sew options!
Increased Take-Out
With indoor restaurant dining no longer an option, the amount of take-out being ordered has skyrocketed with the single-use packaging that comes along with it. The obvious solution is to avoid outside food and opt for home-cooked meals. By doing this, you’re reducing your waste, eating healthier, and decreasing your chances of being exposed to the virus. If this works for you, then feel free to do it. BUT, we have to acknowledge that for a lot of people in the I.E., fast food is a necessity. It’s how many with a busy schedule in a struggling economy keep their families fed. It’s cheap and convenient, and especially now when many have lost their jobs, we need to file away our judgment of others. That being said, it’s still OK for you to enjoy take-out every once in a while, too. Treat yourself, these are stressful times.
Tip: Offset your impact on the environment. Choose vegan take-out. Reduce your meat or dairy intake. Take quicker showers. Turn off your faucet when you brush. Turn off electronics when not in use. You may be buying more plastics than usual but doing some of these other things to reduce your carbon footprint can help you feel better.
COVID-19 has increased our use of plastic and other waste materials, but that’s hardly the most pressing matter at hand. We can’t fear the future so much that we don’t acknowledge the present. Do your best for yourself, others, and the planet and we will see change. Keep safe and remember: These changes aren’t forever. Once it’s safe we can go back to avoiding plastic like the plague (too soon?). For now, use the wrench and be OK with it.