By Siti Nurzahra Rusdi
No one can deny that COVID-19 gives a glimpse of hope for our nature. Clear skies, fresh air and animals strolling on the street. The air and the water all around the world have gotten fresher and cleaner. And how people agreed that nature is reclaiming what once belongs to them. Nevertheless, on the other side of these moments, is the hidden truth that we all need to embrace and understand.
Not too long ago, we witnessed that people around the world were very enthusiastic to save the Earth. Many of us started to practise sustainability in their lives. Hashtag #savetheearth #savetheturtle #savetheanimals are everywhere. And we have also seen that many countries have started the no-plastics policy, including Malaysia. The policy is meant to address the issue of plastics waste that has been rising over the years. Since then, people have started to carry their own reusable bag when they shop, and some even bring their own food container instead of using polystyrene.
In short, many of us have started to move one step forward to save the Earth upon realising the danger that plastics could bring to the environment. However, the sad truth is that, this moment of realisation does not last long. The sudden wave of COVID-19 has shifted the moment of realisation back to its norms.
The reality of COVID-19 shows that the demands of plastics have increased significantly. Plastics are the key material in protecting people from the pandemic. From frontline workers to those who stay at home, we unconsciously have increased usage of plastics in our daily lives. The demands of plastics are skyrocketing; plastics somehow become a shield – necessary for face mask, gloves, PPE (personal protection equipment) gown, disposable bags – even the main component for medical equipment created by big brands.
For instance, the luxury automotive brand, Ferrari has announced that they will be using thermoplastic as one of the main components to make the respiratory valve and the protective mask. And Apple has designed 20 million of transparent plastic face shields to be donated to various places.
Source: The Forbes/John Koetsier/Tim Cook
Apart from medical and safety purpose, the increase of plastic waste is also contributed by food and grocery delivery services. Since the spread of this pandemic, the delivery system has become a new norm. People have become more comfortable to buy food and groceries through delivery services such as Grab Food and Food Panda. Having food delivered at one’s doorstep no doubt is safer and more convenient, but it incurs usage of plastics against reusable bags or food containers.
The increase of plastics consumption has led to the inclination of plastic waste. Believe or not, plastic waste in Bangkok has soared to 62% by April. This is a bit disappointed as Thailand started their year in 2020 with a banned on single-use plastic bag as an effort to reduce plastic wastes in their country. The significant increase is somehow a great concern as if their effort to reduce plastic wastes has gone back to square one.
On the other side, in Malaysia, it is reported that clinical wastes which include masks, gloves and disposable attire in February has increased by 17% and in March it has doubled to 27%, according to The Malaysia Reserve. What is worst is that many of these clinical wastes are being thrown into the river as workers managed to scoop up lots of used masks, gloves and even sanitiser bottles while cleaning. Again, these ignorance behaviour looks like all efforts by the government to combat plastic wastes has gone to waste.
As the world is battling the pandemic with usage of plastics as the most convenient “shield” to combat the virus, it becomes a tough question for those who are against the single-use plastics. The question has become a dilemma. As admitted by Laura Singer, a US environmentalist, “I sacrificed my values and bought items in plastics. Lots of it… why would I go against something that I have actively prioritised and promoted?”
Her expressed statement reflected her struggle as “torn between her values and her current reality”. COVID- 19 is a big challenge for everyone. It is definitely a challenge for medical practitioners, a challenge for the government, a challenge for patients and their family, and in this case- COVID-19 is a huge deal for the sustainable-conscious people.
Three characteristics of plastics – convenient, affordable and cheaper. These are the things that make plastic a key player to combat this pandemic. Thanks to plastics, we could save many lives and thanks to plastics, our front liners and loved ones can be protected. However, one must remember the long-term effect that plastics could bring. What makes it cheaper and convenient can be a permanent poison for our environment. Plastics are not easily disposable and non-biodegradable. It can last for over 100 years.
Hence, it is extremely important for everyone to control our plastic consumption; do not increase plastic waste and do not litter. What worries us is its implications on the environment, in that the COVID-19 pandemic has somewhat normalised usage of plastics? Once the pandemic is over we need to face the consequences of plastic wastes for a very long time. Having said that, we need to put extra caution in this matter despite our desperate move to battle the COVID-19. Let’s create a sustainable, healthier and better future for all.***