Just 4 months into 2020 and Australia has faced the most tragic events. From floods to bushfires and now, the coronavirus. Australia, just like the rest of the world is forced to face the coronavirus pandemic. To top it off, studies has revealed that humans are not the only carriers of the disease but surfaces as well.
Coronavirus in Australia: What we know so far
Source: www.pexels.com
COVID-19 is a new virus that targets the victim’s lungs causing respiratory illnesses, its symptoms ranges from mild to deadly. The first case of the virus was reported in December 2019 in China, Wuhan (Department of Health Affairs, 2020). The virus is air-borne and can spread from people to people through physical contact and surfaces.
As of 15th April 2020, Evershed et al. from The Guardian (2020) reported that, we have a total of 6,440 confirmed cases, 64 Deaths and 3,598 that recovered. Further, they also mentioned the number of new coronavirus cases has been reported as “slowing down”.
Despite the good news, it is still important that we stay informed about the measures necessary to stay safe for our own well-being and the well-being of others.
So, what does COVID-19 have anything to do with Recycling?
For months we were unaware just how dangerous COVID-19 actually is. Just last month, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) revealed that the virus can stay on surfaces, surviving for days. The virus stays on a bunch of surfaces such as, cardboards, aerosols, copper, stainless steel, and plastics. Compared to the rest of the surfaces, coronavirus stays on plastic surfaces the longest, of approximately 3 days.
Image: www.economist.com
Even after all this statistics and information, Australia has yet put a stop to plastic imports from overseas. It is highly risky to continue this, Why bring more problems into our country?
Plastics are making a huge COMEBACK due to COVID-19
Calma, J from The Verge (2020) reported at the first week of April, the number of people using single-use plastics and plastic bags due to this outbreak are growing rapidly as citizens are avoiding reusable bags due to being afraid of the virus staying on its surfaces. It is predicted that the number of plastic waste dumping will surely face a tremendous increase due to the pandemic.
Source: www.quotefancy.com
What can we do then, amid this coronavirus pandemic?
1. Stop plastic imports from overseas by:
- Signing our petition
- Urge supermarkets to use plastic packaging which is locally manufactured in Australia
- Encourage farmers to sell their fresh produce in Australian manufactured plastic packaging
2. Buy goods that uses locally recycled plastic packaging or locally recycled plastic goods
3. Reuse your plastic goods so it does not end up in landfills
4. Stay home, wash your hands, and Spread the news to your loved ones
If we all rise and stand together, we can curb plastic imports from overseas altogether, reduce landfill dumping and save our Home for a better Tomorrow. So, Avoid Imported Plastics, Stay Home and Join our cause!
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