Sustainable Designers Believe People Have Resumed Their Plastic Consumption Habits During Pandemic

Designers involved with sustainability projects believe that people have resumed their plastic consumption habits as a consequence of the coronavirus outbreak. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which includes single-use masks and gloves has increased during the pandemic. Plastic cups and cutlery have also risen in use, as restaurants have converted to takeaway-only.

Ninke Hoogvliet, a designer who investigates sustainable materials, commented that people now 'focus only on safety and the environment is forgotten'. Dave Hakken, an industrial designer, agreed with this and expressed worry that virgin plastic use is increasing. Hoogvliet also asked why governments haven't made it mandatory for citizens to wear reusable masks, rather than encouraging the use of disposable PPE. This could decrease plastic consumption and eliminate 'covid waste' pollution, that may otherwise contaminate oceans and other water sources.

After the coronavirus outbreak, several US states lifted bans on plastic and imposed new bans on reusable bags. The UK has also delayed a ban on single-use plastic items. The decisions came after the plastic industry exploited the pandemic and lobbied governmental departments, such as the US Department of Health, to eliminate bans on plastic products. The industry claimed that rolling back plastic bans was necessary as they presented a 'public safety risk'.

However, the truth is that plastic is a 'public safety risk'. Studies show that Covid-19 can live on plastic for 3 to 9 days before diminishing. This is a much longer time than it stays on cardboard - 24 hours. As cardboard is made from paper, it could be assumed that it is better to use a paper bag than a plastic one. Additionally, doctors and scientists are encouraging individuals to wash their hands and clothes to ensure that any possible bacteria is removed. Thus, following this advice, it would make more sense to choose a tote/textile bag over a plastic one and wash it, as well as your hands, after use.