Rivas ML, Albion I, Bernal B, Handcock RN, Heatwole SJ, Parrott ML, Piazza KA, Deschaseaux E. The plastic pandemic: COVID-19 has accelerated plastic pollution, but there is a cure.
Sci Total Environ 2022;
847:157555. [PMID:
35878850 PMCID:
PMC9304335 DOI:
10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157555]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is now present in all areas of our planet, including its last wilderness, Antarctica, and the plastic crisis has further escalated because of COVID-19. The pandemic has caused a significant increase in the global consumption of single-use protective items such as masks and gloves. These and other plastic items add to the suite of plastic pollution issues, from entanglement of wildlife to microplastic bioaccumulation. Given plastics are a major threat facing humans and wildlife, swift action to reduce plastic pollution is urgently needed. Solutions to plastic pollution are within reach. With collective, impactful action we will ensure a better future for our planet and ourselves. Here, we propose several measures for decision-makers to implement to achieve a solution and tackle plastic pollution as a united, global community.
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