QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES – Health and environmental groups of the #BreakFreeFromPlastic movement welcomed the statement issued by more than 115 scientists from 18 countries to address the safe use of reusable bags, containers and refill systems amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
According to scientists, reusable and refill systems can still be used safely by employing basic and stringent hygiene practices to sanitize it.
“Reusables offer more sustainable packaging solutions and are easier to clean with soap and water or even with common approved household disinfectants. Single-use plastics are not inherently safer than reusables, and not only do they contribute to environmental pollution, they have also been found to cause additional public health concerns once they are discarded, ” quipped Dr. Geminn Apostol, Lead Environmental Health Specialist at the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health and one of the signatories to the said statement.
“Observing physical distancing and limiting outdoor activities remain to be the most cost-effective measure to avoid transmission of COVID-19. It also minimises the need to use disposable PPEs,” he added.
“Moreover, we must advocate for evidence-based, and well-enforced waste management policies and practices,” he further added on the need for a concerted effort in addressing the problem.
While there are safe disposal solutions to COVID-19 related waste such as medical waste autoclaves, the best way to ensure personal and environmental health is the rational use of PPEs and a shift to reusables.
“We welcome this very timely statement made by the global scientific community. Plastic pollution should not be a part of our efforts towards a #BetterNormal future. Unless we turn off the tap and regulate production, plastic will continue to contaminate our food supply and impact our ecosystems,” said Riedo Panaligan of the #BreakFreeFromPlastic Philippines.
“Let us not allow chemical and plastic industries to capitalize on the COVID-19 crisis and continue their business-as-usual operations. It is time for nations to hold them accountable for the plastic pollution crisis,” he also said.
According to BFFP, the experts’ joint statement also builds on the movement’s #JustRecovery principles because it also highlights the need to take a holistic approach to shifting to reusables, such as employing contactless systems and ensuring employee and worker safety and health.
