How to Deal with Pandemic Plastic

By: ​Hannah Tison

Amidst this pandemic, plastic has made a comeback. Groceries stores have banned reusable bags, takeout and package delivery has increased, and disposable PPE (Personal protective Equipment) is everywhere. It seems almost everywhere you look there's a bombardment of plastic. But all is not lost, even in the midst of a plastic proliferated pandemic, there are still ways you can be more sustainable and limit plastic waste. 

​
​

1. Limit the amount of bags you get
Start at the grocery stores. Although many grocery stores are still only offering plastic bags, if possible, try to bag your own items.This lets you control the amount of bags you use or if you even use them at all. Some grocery stores have started allowing reusable bags again as well (yay!). Just make sure that you get into the habit of taking them into the store with you. If you aren't completely sure if your store is allowing reusable bags, simply call ahead or check their website. 
​

2.Recycle the bags!If there is a chance that you have saved the plastic bags you have acquired throughout the pandemic, then this is for you. Instead of collecting dust in a corner of your house, there are lots of options to reuse and recycle plastic bags. If you have pets, use them for doody bags or you can even use them to help your plants by making a mini greenhouse! Another terrific option is to recycle your bags by bringing them to a grocery store or pharmacy near you. Usually there is a barrel located near the entrance to the store where you can drop off not only plastic grocery bags, but also newspaper bags, Ziploc bags, and white and blue Amazon packaging. These are all items that you cannot put in your home recycling bin so this is an excellent way to ensure they get another life. If you aren't sure whether this is an option near you, click here for a great resource.

3.Use reusable masks
A great way to limit unnecessary plastic waste is to choose reusable masks over a disposable one. Reusable masks can be washed and used over and over again! They protect wildlife, are much more comfortable, and in some cases even safer than their plastic counterparts. Here is a great page for more information on sustainable masks.

So there you have it, just some of the many ways you can limit plastic waste, even during a pandemic. Although it may be a bit more difficult, preventing plastic waste now is even more necessary than ever. With disposable PPE only expected to rise, we need to limit our plastic waste in the ways that we can. So remember to recycle your plastic bags on that next trip to Target and don't forget your reusable mask!