PPE Pollution in our Oceans

According to scientists, it is estimated that 8 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year. Just for perspective, that is equivalent to the weight of 90 aircraft carriers. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the sudden increase of disposable face masks and gloves is causing concern that the global use of single-use plastics will be hard to tame. It is predicted that the global sales of disposable face-masks will total around 160 billion dollars – a huge increase from 800 million dollars in sales last year. If past data holds true, 75% of these used masks will end up floating in the ocean or in landfills. Masks are a necessary tool in stopping the spread of COVID-19; however, not everyone needs to use a medical-grade, disposable mask. One study found that if every person used a single-use face mask for a year in the UK alone, an additional 66,000 tons of contaminated waste and 57,000 tons of plastic packaging would be created.

Consequences of Marine Pollution

The most visible effect marine pollution has is on wildlife. Many marine animals mistake debris for food. It is not digestible and instead takes up storage volume in the animal’s stomach causing many animals to starve. A less visible, but dangerous effect marine debris has on oceans comes as a result of microplastics. Studies are finding that disposable masks and disposable gloves can shed these microplastics. Research is still being done to understand the specific consequences of microplastics, but many scientists fear that we are consuming them as they make their way through our water supply and seafood.

What can you do?

Choose to reuse! Unless you fall into the high risk or exposure group, opt for a reusable mask. You can check out one of our previous Instagram posts for tips on buying eco-friendly, reusable masks! Spread the word and encourage your friends and family to use reusable masks if possible too. 

Pollution is a problem everywhere, and while community clean-ups may be coming to a halt due to the pandemic, there are still ways to help clean up our community. You can join the trending #trashtag challenge on social media! Go out and pick up some trash at a park or area near you (making sure to follow your local COVID guidelines) and post of picture of it using #trashtag or #trashtagchallange to make it a social experience by sharing it with others virtually.

Pollution is tragic – we all understand this. Just remember that your small changes can make a literal world of difference!