Three-quarters of Brits have seen an increase in PPE waste, a census shows

1. Hand sanitiser vs soap

Hand sanitiser has been in great demand worldwide by 2020, but the 70% alcohol gel that kills bacteria and viruses (including COVID-19) often comes in handy. in a plastic bottle.

To reduce plastic wear, consider switching to a bar of soap and warm water to wash your hands.

Soap bars are often found in a package that is completely biodegradable, making the impact on the environment far less than a hand sanitizer.

On the other hand, opting for a refillable liquid soap will allow you to reduce your plastic consumption without making major lifestyle changes.

Making sure you follow advice on hand washing, the government says that washing your hands is as effective as a hand sanitizer in reducing the risk of getting sick.

2. Sensitive mix vs washing masks

Scientists at UCL have estimated that if everyone in the UK used one single-use mask per day for a year, we would create 66,000 tonnes of contaminated plastic waste and create ten times as much. the impact of climate change rather than the use of reusable masks.

In a hospital environment, single-use protective wear such as masks and gloves are contaminants, and systems are in place for their safe removal, which includes separation and burning.

N95 surgical grade masks offer the highest level of protection against COVID-19 infection, followed by surgical grade masks.

However, evidence suggests that reusable masks perform most of the functions of useless masks without the associated waste stream.

Reusable, material masks provide a good alternative to eco-friendly as long as they are washed after each use.

3. Plastic bags vs material

In October 2015, the government introduced new laws to ban the use of plastic bags in the UK.

Since then, the number of plastic bags in the UK has fallen.

The coronavirus, however, has seen more people turn to disposable bags, with several states in the U.S. banning reusable bags altogether.

While the evidence is not yet clear about how long COVID-19 can survive on clothing, Vincent Munster, of the National Institutes of Health told the BBC that the NIH estimates it will ‘quick release’ of porous materials.

There is general advice instead of condemning reusable bags, to make sure they are washed regularly and anyone who comes in contact with them also washes their hands.

4. Cup of coffee vs reusables

Coffee cups have been a major focus for non-plastic entrepreneurs in recent years.

However, as locking restrictions have eased and coffee shops have begun to reopen, many are returning to disposable coffee cups to reduce the risk of getting the virus.

Several large coffee companies, which have previously adopted reusable coffee cups, have stopped them from using safety concerns.

Despite widespread concerns, more than 100 scientists, physicians, and academics have supported the sensible use of reusable devices as safe and unlikely to contribute to the further release of COVID-19.

Reusable cups should be thoroughly washed with hot water and soap.

5. Takeaway paint glazing vs #PlasticFreePints

As pubs opened at the weekend, many were turning to plastic cups to help takeaway orders and to reduce the need for staff to rub on used glasses.

In the same way as reusable coffee cups, if thoroughly washed, reusing glass or a plunger can be a simple yet sustainable replacement to help reduce the problem of coronavirus wasting. growing.

Ours to Save, a platform for global climate news, and EcoDisco, a sustainable events company, have created the #PlasticFreePints ​​campaign to encourage pubs to use reuse options instead of standard single-use plastic available.

Source: money.co.uk

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