From Masks to Marine Debris: The COVID-19 Plastic Crisis. An Urgent Call to Action.
By Ana Yong
Introduction
Before the COVID-19 pandemic transformed our lives, a walk along the beach was a simple pleasure many of us cherished. The coastal landscape was free from debris and we could roam barefoot without a second thought for our safety.
However, the pandemic has introduced a new and troubling reality. The beaches are now littered with masks, syringes, and other healthcare paraphernalia. The influx of plastic waste has marred our coastal environments by turning what was once an idyllic setting into a potential health hazard. The fear of stepping on discarded syringes or encountering other medical waste has replaced the carefree joy of beach strolls.
Definition and Types of Ocean Plastic Pollution
Ocean Bound Plastic Certification Program
This Program aims to eradicate Ocean Bound Plastic (OBP) before it reaches the sea. Plastic waste that is susceptible to ending up in the ocean is defined as Ocean Bound Plastic and constitutes about 80% of plastic marine litter. This proportion comprises a small quantity of commercially recyclable plastic litter and a huge amount of non-business related reuseable plastic trash.
Fauna & Flora
It has been predicted that aquatic plastics cause the deaths of more than 100,000 sea mammals every year. The effects of these plastics on marine organisms are based on the size of the plastic pieces, as explained in the following table.
Shocking Ocean Pollution Statistics
Condor Ferries
Condor Ferries, a freight and ferry service provider, supplied some alarming 2023 data on ocean contamination. Here is a summary of some of the facts:
- 75 to 199 million tons of plastic litter are estimated to be in our oceans.
- 33 billion pounds of plastic flow into the aquatic environment every year.
- More plastic has been produced in the last 10 years than in the last century.
- 100 million marine animals perish from plastic garbage every year.
- Among the 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic trash in the oceans, 269,000 tons float, 4 billion microfibers (per km2) stay below the surface.
- Out of the 8.3 million tons of plastic thrown into the sea yearly, 236,000 constitute edible microplastics consumed by marine animals.
- Twelve to fourteen thousand tons of plastic are consumed by North Pacific fish every year.
- Only 10 rivers in the world contribute 90% of global marine debris.
- Although plastic take 500-1,000 years to decompose, only 79% is conveyed to landfills or the oceans, 9% is recycled, and 12% is incinerated.
- The largest plastic garbage site is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch which is twice the area of Texas (USA).
National Ocean Service
The National Ocean Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that among the leading 10 types of plastics that were found in their 2017 International Coastal Cleanup were food wrappers, beverage bottles, grocery bags, straws, and take out containers.
Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Plastics Use and Waste
The onset of the pandemic saw a significant increase in plastic production, primarily driven by the need for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as masks, gloves, and face shields. These items, made predominantly from various types of plastics, became essential for personal and public health. Additionally, the rise in e-commerce and food delivery services further boosted the use of plastic packaging materials.
The heightened use of plastics inevitably led to an increase in plastic waste. A large proportion of this waste includes single-use items that are not easily recyclable. The improper disposal of PPE and other plastic products has resulted in environmental contamination, affecting land, water bodies, and marine ecosystems. This surge in plastic waste has placed additional pressure on waste management systems, many of which were already struggling to handle pre-pandemic waste levels.
The environmental impact of increased plastic waste is overwhelming. Plastics that are not properly disposed of can enter waterways, eventually making their way to the oceans. This has led to a noticeable rise in plastic pollution in marine environments, posing threats to marine life and ecosystems.
The pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for improved waste management practices and the development of sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics (refer to the infographic below for more details).
The rapid increase in plastic waste during the pandemic has overpowered existing waste management infrastructures. Many facilities have struggled to keep up with the influx of waste, leading to increased landfilling and incineration. These methods, while necessary in the short term, contribute to environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The pandemic has underscored the importance of investing in robust and sustainable waste management systems to mitigate these issues.
The existing waste management infrastructure has struggled to cope with the sudden influx of plastic waste. Many facilities were not equipped to handle the increased volume, leading to more waste ending up in landfills, incinerated, or, worse, leaked into the environment. This has had dire consequences for both terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
Improperly managed plastic waste poses significant risks to natural ecosystems and public health. Marine life is particularly vulnerable to plastic pollution, with animals ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic debris. Additionally, the degradation of plastics into microplastics has long-term implications for environmental health and safety.
Impact on Marine Life, Ecosystems and Economies
Marine Life
Marine animals, including fish, seabirds, sea turtles, and marine mammals, often become entangled in or ingest plastic debris, leading to suffocation, starvation, and drowning. For example, some sea turtles mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, which can cause blockages in their digestive systems. Additionally, microplastics are consumed by small marine organisms and subsequently enter the food chain, affecting larger animals and potentially humans.
Ecosystems
Coral reefs, which are vital to marine biodiversity, are particularly affected. Plastics can smother reefs, blocking sunlight and hindering the growth of these essential structures, leading to their degradation.
Furthermore, plastic pollution affects all land, freshwater, and marine ecosystems, driving biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. As plastics break down, they release toxic chemicals that can be absorbed by marine organisms, further exacerbating the impact on marine life and ecosystem health.
Economies
The economic consequences of plastic pollution in the oceans are substantial. Marine ecosystems provide numerous benefits, including tourism, fisheries, and coastal protection. The degradation of these ecosystems due to plastic pollution can lead to significant financial losses. For instance, the fishing industry suffers as fish populations decline and contaminated catches become unmarketable.
Tourism industries are also impacted, as polluted beaches and oceans deter visitors, reducing revenue for coastal communities. Additionally, the costs of cleaning up plastic pollution and mitigating its effects place a financial burden on governments and local authorities.
Recommendations for Mitigating Ocean Plastics Pollution
Reduce Consumption of Single-Use Plastics
One of the most effective ways to reduce ocean plastic pollution is to decrease the use of single-use plastics. Items such as plastic bags, straws, bottles, and utensils contribute greatly to plastic waste. By opting for reusable alternatives like cloth bags, metal straws, and glass containers, individuals can make a substantial impact.
Improve Existing Waste Management Infrastructure
This involves improving recycling facilities, expanding waste collection services, and supporting the development of biodegradable and recyclable materials. Successful waste management can reduce the environmental footprint of plastic waste.
Recycle Appropriately
Proper recycling can help ensure that plastic waste does not end up in the oceans. Educating the public on what can and cannot be recycled, as well as improving recycling options, can greatly reduce the amount of plastic contamination entering marine environments.
Support Laws to Limit Plastic Production and Litter
Supporting policies and legislation that aim to diminish plastic production and control waste more effectively is crucial. Governments can implement bans on single-use plastics, endorse recycling programs, and invest in waste management infrastructure to tackle plastic pollution on a larger scale.
Take Part in Beach Cleanups
Managing and participating in beach cleanups can help remove plastic debris from coastal areas before it enters the ocean. These events not only spruce up the environment but also raise awareness about the impact of plastic pollution.
Educate and Raise Awareness
Informing the public about the sources and effects of plastic pollution is vital for driving change. Awareness campaigns, school programs, and community events can help remind people about how their actions impact the environment and encourage more sustainable practices.
Support Research and Innovation
Encouraging research into plastic pollution and its effects on marine environments can lead to the development of more efficient solutions. Research can provide insights into how plastics behave in marine environments and identify new methods for mitigating pollution.
Endorse Emerging Technologies
Investing in and supporting developing expertise that prevent plastics from entering waterways or collecting marine and riverine plastics is another effective approach. Innovations such as ocean cleanup devices and biodegradable plastics can help address the problem at its source.
Q&A Section
How significant was the increase in plastic waste during the Covid-19 pandemic?
The Covid-19 pandemic led to a substantial increase in plastic waste, with estimates indicating an additional 1.5 billion facemasks entered the oceans in 2020.
What are the main challenges in managing Covid-19-related plastic waste?
Key challenges include the sheer volume of waste, the mixed materials in PPE making recycling difficult, and the lack of infrastructure to properly handle and recycle the increased waste.
What can individuals do to reduce plastic pollution during and after the pandemic?
Individuals can reduce their use of single-use plastics, properly dispose of PPE, support policies promoting sustainable practices, and participate in cleanup efforts.
What role can governments and businesses play in addressing pandemic-related plastic pollution?
Governments can implement stricter regulations on plastic production and waste management, promote reusable alternatives, and fund research and cleanup initiatives.
Businesses can adopt sustainable practices, reduce the use of single-use plastics, and support recycling and waste management efforts to mitigate the impact of plastic pollution.
What are some challenges in recycling pandemic-related plastic waste?
Challenges include the contamination of PPE, the mixed materials used in PPE making recycling difficult, and the increased volume of plastic waste overwhelming recycling systems.
Is there any positive outcome from the pandemic regarding plastic pollution awareness?
The pandemic has increased public awareness of plastic pollution and may drive future policy changes and innovations aimed at reducing plastic waste in the environment.
Last Word
The pandemic has highlighted vulnerabilities in our waste management systems and underscored the need for more sustainable practices and materials. It has also prompted a reevaluation of our reliance on single-use plastics, pushing for innovations in biodegradable alternatives and better public awareness regarding proper disposal practices.
Moving forward, it is vital that global efforts intensify to address plastic pollution through policy changes, improved waste management infrastructure, and a shift towards sustainable consumption. The lessons learned from the pandemic should serve as a catalyst for more robust environmental protection measures, ensuring that future public health crises do not further jeopardize our planet’s marine ecosystems.