The pandemic is a double edged sword when it comes down to the environment. Air pollution levels have dropped rapidly ever since precautionary measures, such as quarantines, have been put in place around the globe. Yet, landfills are being stuffed to the brim with non-recyclable plastics, and a large portion of that plastic ends up in the ocean. Plastic and trash in the ocean can lead to hundreds of species choking, being entangled in, and ingesting the waste, which greatly endangers life on earth.
Since the industrial revolution, climate change has been a big concern for the well-being of the earth. According to a 2018 estimate by the UN Environment, up to 13 million tons of plastic goes into oceans each year. We are unable to cope with the climbing numbers of trash and plastic in our landfills and oceans, and the pandemic is not contributing well to this crisis.
Disposable masks have a lifespan of approximately 450 years, meaning that when they build up in our landfills and oceans, they will not decompose quickly enough. When they reach the natural environment, the ear straps can get entangled around animals, which can be harmful, or even fatal to them. In order to prevent more damage from being done, it is vital that we properly dispose of our masks. You can properly dispose of your masks by cutting off the ear straps before throwing them away, or checking if your local recycling facility takes disposable masks. Reusable masks are the most efficient way to protect yourself while simultaneously saving the environment.
According to the CDC, they say wearing a washable, breathable mask with two or more layers is the most effective to combat the virus. Wearing masks that are intended to be worn by healthcare workers should not be worn. This is because healthcare workers need surgical masks, and they are on a limited supply. Effectively wearing masks by covering it over your nose and mouth is just as important as picking the correct mask to wear. Reusable masks not only help the environment, but are effective and safe in order to protect yourself and others from the spread of the virus.
The only way we can fix this climate change crisis and the spread of the coronavirus is through educating our peers and loved ones. Using reusable masks, recycling, properly disposing of disposable masks, and simply being mindful of where you throw your trash away are all ways we can help the environment individually. We only have one earth, so we should treat it with respect and care for it. We should be concerned about climate change; Every step taken towards saving our planet counts.