HOW DO you solve a problem like the indiscriminate disposal of used facemasks?
Local government units (LGUs) must take swift action to ensure facemasks and other COVID-19 protective items do not end up polluting the ecosystems or worse, spreading the disease. They could adopt new or strengthen existing ordinances to prevent the arbitrary disposal of soiled disposable masks, face shields, gloves, wipes, and tissues, as well as hand sanitizer and rubbing alcohol containers.
The speedy enactment and genuine enforcement of such ordinances, along with effective public information and outreach, will surely help in reducing the volume of COVID-related plastic waste polluting our streets, beaches and seas, and help ensure that the coronavirus does not spread.
Lapu-Lapu City is a good example. Its city council on Sept. 17 enacted an ordinance prohibiting and penalizing the improper disposal of used facemasks and related COVID-19 protective materials. More LGUs should take their cue from Lapu-Lapu City. And it won’t certainly hurt to instill environmental responsibility among the citizens in the face of the pandemic.
Given the unhampered supply of cheap single-use non-medical grade masks in the market, the passage of local measures to check the unsafe disposal of throw-away masks is essential to promote environmental health.
Also, local authorities should expand information, education and communication efforts on the proper use and management of protective masks, including the ecological benefits of reusable or washable cloth masks over disposable plastic ones.
Recently, to discourage the unrestrained use and disposal of throw-away masks that could further spread COVID-19 and adversely affect surroundings, environmental groups have appealed to the public to opt for reusable fabric masks, which can be easily washed with detergent or soap and safely reused.
The call is worth heeding. By opting for reusable or washable facemasks, we avoid generating non-biodegradable and non-recyclable garbage that only adds to the worsening plastic pollution crisis. Of course, limiting people’s use of medical-grade masks will also ensure adequate and steady supply for individuals who need them the most.
If we fail to stop such a practice, littered facemasks may become as common as cigarette butts and plastic bags polluting the streets, beaches and seas. A very worrisome scenario.
