Right from the start of our day till the end of it, plastic is a part of everything we do. From our toothbrush and paste and body wash to the smallest bottle - plastic remains to essential to us. Is that good?
As a result of the lockdown, wild animals were seen reclaiming lands, and cities welcomed migratory birds in large numbers. The earth made lesser noise, and CO2 emissions dropped considerably.
Ever since the industrial revolution, almost 200 years later, nature got its much-deserved breather. It took a global lockdown and a pandemic to reduce pollution and revive the health of our environment to some extent.
But as we enter Unlock 1, we walk towards a new lifestyle with bigger responsibilities. Even though globally, the environment seems to be rebounding, environmental concerns do not end here.
The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to bigger worries. While the increase in demand for personal protective kits, hand gloves and masks, experts fear a significant increase in the amount of plastic waste generated post the pandemic.
Though it is crucial to protect ourselves from the virus, experts are concerned about their improper disposal. According to World Bank data, on a global level, two billion tonnes of waste is produced in a year by 7.6 billion people. This was before the pandemic.
Adding to the concern is the erratic climate change worldwide. According to recent reports, experts suggest that anomalously warm temperatures due to climate change have increased the frequency and intensity of cyclonic activities in the seas.
The monsoon has arrived in India and these non-decomposable protective measures are sure to clog drainages and sewage leading to flooding and waterlogging. Currently, recovering from the two most recent cyclones – Amphan and Nisarga. We can only imagine the state of the country in the days to come.
While we have little control over climate change, it is vital to make conscious choices to reduce the effects mass-produced wastes have on the environment. To compensate for the plastic waste produced during the pandemic, we should now make eco-conscious choices to reduce the plastic waste generated by us.
Here are some alternatives to reduce plastic from our everyday life:
Cotton Masks: Masks have already become an addition to our daily essentials, and will continue to be around for a long time. While disposable masks are a cheaper option, cotton masks offer longevity and are easy to maintain. Equally effective, cotton masks are an environmentally clean option that can help ensure sustainable living.
Glass bottles/Steel bottles: Plastic bottles are one of the major contributors to plastic waste. Though affordable, glass and steel bottles are an excellent long-lasting alternative.
Toothbrush: If you visit the beach, you may often come across broken or bristle-less brushes lying by the coast. Dentists suggest that changing toothbrush every six months is a healthy habit, but ever wonder how many toothbrushes that is, per person?
Economical and environmentally friendly – wooden toothbrushes are decomposable alternatives that we can choose.
Cloth bags: As we begin to learn to live with the pandemic, maintaining hygiene is set to become one of the most important parts of our life. Apart from regularly washing our hands, it is also important to wash everything we use daily. Cloth bags are an option to consider.
Produce bags: Another substitute for plastic bags are produce bags. Produce bags can be used for buying grains and dry food items to avoid the use of plastic bags. Available in various sizes. A produce bag can help make shopping eco-friendly.
Bar soaps: While body washes come in plastic bottles, bar soaps can be an alternative, as the packaging serves for a cleaner option.
Steel and ceramic ware: Plastic bowls and utensils are used at home to a large extent. But steel and ceramic ware is an excellent, environmentally clean option that is also more presentable.
Use bamboo products: Since steel and ceramic ware range on the higher side, bamboo ware is an equally clean option as against plastic.
Reusable cotton pouches: Plastic bags and travel accessories can be substituted with reusable cotton pouch.
Buy wholesale: When we buy our monthly groceries, it is essential to realise that every month, we bring in more plastic in the form of packed grains, washing powders and other products. Using produce bags and shopping at wholesale marts considerably reduced the amount of plastic bought every month.
