The Zero Waste Movement Will Survive COVID-19

Image Credit: Historical Society of Pennsylvania
April 15, 2020/Ani Kasch/Comments Off on The Zero Waste Movement Will Survive COVID-19
This is a scary time. There is an overflow of information about what to do, where to go, what to touch, how to interact. It’s overwhelming. There are some provocative organizations and individuals out there talking about how folks should not subscribe to reuse (and therefore zero waste) because it will cause contraction of COVID-19. Here are 7 things to keep in mind:

1.) YOU DON’T NECESSARILY NEED NEW CLEANING CHEMICALS TO GET RID OF THE VIRUS.

Many household cleaners that aren’t chemically based do kill the virus. Good old fashioned soap and water, hydrogen peroxide, isopropyl alcohol to name a few. Vinegar, while one of my favorite cleaners, does not disinfect.

2.) KEEP USING REUSABLES!

The coronavirus can travel on many types of surfaces, not just reused materials. It can be attached to brand new never before used single-use disposable plastic bags and straws and they can be transmitted through reusable bags. To avoid getting the virus, wash your hands, wash your reusable bags, and wash your reusable coffee cups.

3.) USE YOUR HANDKERCHIEF, KEEP IT CLEAN.

Don’t sneeze into the air, but do so into the crook of your arm. If you use a handkerchief, make sure you wash it often.

4.) YOU CAN STILL BUY IN BULK WITH YOUR OWN CONTAINER IF YOU’RE CAREFUL.

Although some stores have closed their bulk sections out of fear of virus transmission, Food for Less and Locavore are two stores whose bulk sections are still open. If you do bring your own containers, just be ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN they are freshly washed and totally clean. Your hands should be clean, too.

5.) DON’T WASTE YOUR FOOD: WASTED FOOD IS WASTED MONEY.

Many of us are losing our jobs or having our hours cut. We aren’t eating out as much – although if we can afford to, it’s a good idea to support small businesses! Since we may have less income, it’s as important as ever to use up every last bit of food we have rather than waste it. Want to learn more about how to reduce your food waste? Here‘s some information all about the best ways to store food.

6.) AS IMPORTANT AS EVER: DON’T BE A WISHFUL RECYCLER.

Do you put plastic in your recycling bin simply because it has a recycling symbol on it?
Do you put items in your bin that you’ve heard aren’t recyclable here, but wish were?
Do you put items in your bin that you know aren’t recyclable here, but hope that somewhere down the line someone will recycle them?

You’re a good person, but you’re a wishful recycler. Know what goes in and what stays out. Need help? Check out these resources or watch this helpful video:

Featured Image Credit: Historical Society of Pennsylvania

Posted in ,