The coronavirus pandemic has totally derailed the war on plastic
WiredGetty Images / WIRED At first, stories of the pandemic’s environmental impact focused on blue-sky cities suddenly free of pollution, reductions in carbon emissions and jokes about “nature healing”. Efforts to reduce the spread of coronavirus have meant ramped-up hygiene measures, leading to a proliferation of perspex “sneeze guard” screens and single-use plastic packaging. In May, the global market for packaging was projected to grow by 5.5 per cent during the pandemic, led by plastic. The UK’s Foodservice Packaging Association reported in April that single-use cups and wrapped single-use cutlery “are in huge demand”. Citing health concerns, reusable cups – which had become a badge of environmental do-goodism – were temporarily banned from coffee shops, including Starbucks, which had previously introduced charges for its unrecyclable single-use cups made with plastic film.
History of this topic
In Italy, coronavirus lockdowns have meant less garbage, but more plastics
LA Times)
Single-use plastic making 'big comeback' across India amid COVID-19 pandemic, says environment activist
Firstpost
How America Became Addicted To Food Delivery And Takeout
Huff Post
Scientist Professor Peter Doherty reveals how to handle takeaway containers during COVID-19
Daily Mail
Face masks, hand sanitizer and toilet paper: Coronavirus panic shopping hits American stores
CNN
Coronavirus panic buying increase at Australian stores - toilet paper, bottled water first to go
Daily MailCoronavirus fears prompt shoppers to stock up on essential items, stripping supermarket shelves
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