The COVID-19 pandemic has increased in the consumption of single-use plastic as disposable mask and glove usage has skyrocketed.
Additionally, many businesses have eliminated the option to use reusable shopping bags at a store or to bring your own mug to a coffee shop.
There’s no doubt these measures are important to help stop the spread of the virus but there are simple steps we should be taking to help reduce our single-use plastic consumption and achieve a more sustainable way of living, even during the coronavirus pandemic. Here are six:
Buy local
If possible, get out to your local farmers market or butcher for your grocery shopping. Farmers market vendors often use less packaging, and you can ask your butcher to wrap your meat in wax paper instead of plastic. Shopping local is also a great way to support your community.
Swap your cleaning tools
The leading spray mop uses single-use plastic pads. As the average household uses 1411 of these pads annually, more than eight million pounds of single-use plastic waste is generated every year in the US alone. But it’s easy to make smarter, greener choices.
Plate over bowl, bowl over plate
If you’re doing more cooking at home, you’re likely finding yourself with leftovers. Ditch the plastic wrap and use your dishes as an easy, inexpensive food storage solution. To do this, place a plate or saucer over a bowl to cover its contents or, alternatively, flip any size bowl over leftovers on a plate. It’s a simple solution using what you already have. You’ll be protecting your food from drying out in the fridge while eliminating your plastic waste.