COVID-19 face masks can lead to an environmental disaster
Sometimes the idea for a blog comes from frustration. This is one of those times. Because of all the COVID-19 restrictions and possible lockdown, smart or otherwise, we as consumers have rediscovered the great outdoors.
Experience value of activities
En masse we go into nature and enjoy the “free” available scenery as a backdrop for our activities: walking, hiking, mountain biking etc. From a research perspective it is interesting that the experience value, of our leisure activities, which is normally positively related with a group or a crowd, quickly reaches the threshold of annoyance or even irritation.
Impact of COVID-19 on the environment
The irritation comes from the pollution that we generate in nature and especially the pollution caused by left behind facemasks. It is not only the detrimental impact it has on the way nature presents itself for the next visitors. It is harmful for nature itself. Aluminium and tin cans take about 80-100 years to be resolved. Plastic bottles up to 10 years. Considering the materials facemasks are made of one can equate them to plastic bottles. And to a degree, since one doesn’t know whether they are infectious or not, to be treated like toxic waste.
Human-nature relationship
An interesting article to be found on our current relationship with nature is to be found in a publication by Staatsbosbeheer. In their autumn version of Buiten Bijtanken, they have a story of how our relationship should be a two-way street. Nature is good for us, so why do we trade her so badly?
Face masks could be a coronavirus hazard if not properly disposed
Back to the facemasks. Single use plastics are becoming a big concern to the public and more and more to policy makers. So do the right thing when you go out to enjoy nature and its recreational value. In general taking all garbage with you would be a good advice: don’t dump facemasks.
Which steps should we take to reduce the impact of wearing a face mask and who should be responsible for this? Share your thought with me in the section below.