Will you be plastic free after COVID-19?

There are currently many arguments supporting single use plastics. The plastics industry see COVID- 19 as a great opportunity to promote the use of single use plastics. Arguments, without any great supporting evidence, are circulating that single use plastics are better in terms of reducing the spread of the virus. It is an argument that plays to people’s fears about the virus. However, a virus can live any surface, single use plastics or not.

It was less than 6 months ago that the ACT Chief Minister announced that the ACT Government was going to legislate the phasing out of single use plastics starting with polystyrene, plastic cutlery and plastic stirrers. In the same month, the Green Caffeen reusable coffee cups program was launched in the ACT to encourage the circulation of reusable coffee cups. This all seems a long time ago now.

Once again, it comes back to individuals to reduce waste caused by single use plastics. Thankfully, bulk food shops have remained open throughout COVID-19, so you can buy food staples and cleaning items in your own containers. Long lasting bags can continue to be used when shopping for fruit and vegetables. We can all contribute to reducing single use plastic waste by refusing and finding alternatives. The lessening of restrictions will coincide with Plastic Free July, which is a great opportunity to send out a message about reducing single sue plastics. Will you take the challenge to reduce singe use plastic waste in 2020?