What you can do to reduce the environmental effects of COVID-19
Although we're in the midst of a pandemic, that doesn't mean we should neglect the environment. Here are a few ways to make sure the environment remains healthy during COVID-19.
Negative environmental effects of COVID-19
A spike in biomedical waste has arisen from the current pandemic. This is a major threat not only to our health but our environment. Physical, chemical, biomedical and infectious waste materials are being generated in hospitals and healthcare centers, with significant total waste increases in countries like China, India, Thailand and more. Newly required disposable protection like needles, gloves, masks, tissues and medicines, are creating even more medical waste than before. Using and disposing of a mask (or more) per day adds up.
Eliminating waste
Although the average person does not have control over the medical waste generated in hospitals, we do have control over our own waste related to the pandemic. Choose reusable options, like making or buying cloth face masks instead of disposable ones. You can even support the local economy as there are local artists who make and sell cloth face masks. Use cloth wipes and cleaning solution to disinfect, rather than single use wipes. Some environmentally friendly companies include Norwex, VibraWipe, Skoy and more.
D.I.Y. reusable masks
It is pretty simple to make your own mask at home, if you have time and want to save money! If you have any extra scraps of cloth lying around, consider sewing your own face mask to add a unique mask to your outfit! Here's a step-by-step tutorial to follow along to create your mask.