Quarantine due to the spread of coronavirus, which introduced various countries, influenced the dramatic reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 5%. However, at the same time increased the speed of the plastic contamination of the environment because of the used masks, protective gloves and packages of disinfectant, says the report of the UN Conference on trade and development (UNCTAD).
according to the report, sales in the world of disposable masks grew from $800 million in 2019 to $166 billion in 2020. In addition, isolation and social distancing requirements has led to increased deliveries of goods at home, which also affects the amount of plastic packaging. According to UNCTAD, about 75% of the plastic used because of the pandemic, will turn into waste, clogging landfills and the sea.
the Conference called on all governments to abandon plastic and go for non-toxic and biodegradable alternative to plastics — use glass, ceramics, natural fibers, paper, cardboard, rice husks, natural rubber and animal proteins. The report notes that the refusal from plastic, among other things, increase the number of jobs — particularly in developing countries that are key suppliers of many substitutes plastics.
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