Reducing Waste in a COVID 19 World
COVID 19 is part of our daily reality and it will be for a while. It has certainly changed the way we live and work. We have to physically distance and wash our hands all the time. We have to wear masks when we know that we will be within 2 m of other people. However, the environmental challenges that we have been facing have not gone away. Plastics and single use plastics are still a scourge on our society. It is disheartening to see people use more and more disposable plastics. Gloves and masks are now a part of the fabric of our society. However, instead of favouring disposables, we are better off to use reusable and washable masks.
There is also some question regarding disposable gloves. Gloves give us a false sense of security. If we touch things and then touch our faces while wearing gloves, we have still contaminated ourselves. Better to avoid the disposable gloves and remember not to touch our faces and wash our hands.
I would also encourage your to avoid fast food and takeout for the same reason. One of the remaining small pleasures that we have is going to the park. Unfortunately, fast food and takeout waste appears to have increased because people can no longer eat in many restaurants. The accumulation of waste breaks my heart.
I still pick up plastic containers that I find and put in the garbage or recycling. Of course I wash my hands after doing so.
I fear that the zero waste / reduce our waste movement will be taking a step backward because of COVID 19. Let’s each of us doing our part to prevent this.
Challenge for the Week: Think reusable and not disposable! If you have been using disposable masks, think about buying reusable ones that can be washed. Avoid eating out to prevent generation of single use plastic waste.
It’s so easy to make a fabric mask, anyone with access to a sewing machine can do it. A good YouTube tutorial is by Jenny Doan of Missouri Star Quilt Co – two pieces of 6”x9” fabric, a bit of elastic, and off you go.
Great suggestion Mary! I made two masks but they did not turn out too well… I will try Jenny’s tutorial. Thanks so much and hope you are well!
My husband and I have several different cotton masks. After each use, we make sure they are washed, washing machine or by hand. This way you always have one available. We hang these clean masks on hooks by the door that opens to our garage. Stay healthy, be safe, be happy! P. S. Happy Birthday Sandra! Love you lots and regards to the family!
So glad to hear this Sandra! Thanks for the birthday wishes and continue to stay safe!!
Hi Sandy, nice to see your blog post and hear your thoughts on environmental issues during these crazy times. I completely agree with your glove assessment. It is also frustrating to see how many people dispose of them incorrectly. My husband & I also have numerous cotton or rayon masks so we always have one available when we go out. P.S. I see that it was your birthday the other day, so a belated very Happy Birthday! Have you heard if Stacey is going to be starting classes again?
Hi Lynn! Thanks for this feedback. Hope you are well! I sent you an email about Stacey 🙂