Plastic Pollution During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Disaster in the Making

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all spheres of human life and the global environmental parameters to a large extent. Research studies by scientists across the globe pointed out that COVID-19 is both a boon and a bane for the environment. While safety restrictions imposed because of this global pandemic led to a substantial reduction in air and water pollution due to the lowering of anthropogenic activities and other associated human interferences, there has been an increasing dependence on plastics in people's lives all over the world. The astronomical increase in online shopping of groceries and associated home supplies, disposable plastic utensils, packaged food containers, and protective gears while under lockdown or in self-isolation have led to plastic pollution being out of control. The solid waste management system in the Indian cities already has its inherent shortcomings due to the lack of human resources, machinery, funds, awareness, etc. Excessive use of plastics has further augmented this problem, thereby jeopardizing the ambient environment. Moreover, the utilization of sealed bags in a clinical setting for the safe disposal of contaminated plastic wastes that need further sterilization adds to the existing burden of plastic wastes. The disposable masks on getting submerged in water result in the leaching of ecotoxic chemicals and nanoplastics into the environment, thereby impacting aquatic life in the long run. Exorbitant use and careless disposal of personal protective equipment (PPE) kits, face shields, gloves, disposable surgical/other masks, and shower caps have been a perennial problem during the ongoing pandemic in all cities (big or small) across the globe. Therefore, the need of the hour is to mitigate this uncontrolled rise in plastic pollution and the introduction of alternatives to conventional plastics for daily medicinal use. The focus should be on sustainable plastic waste management and moving toward eco-friendly materials such as jute, hemp, and bioplastics, etc., along with creating awareness among the public about scientific management and disposal as well as advocating the principle of 4 Rs, i.e., reduce, reuse, recycle, and refuse/recover.