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The use of disposable items are on the loose. People are taking safety precautions so that the said virus won't infect them and their loved ones. But after this COVID-2019 outbreak, we will see every thing that we have disposed. From plastics to Styrofoams, we will see negative effects on our environment.
The way we respond to such pandemic is both acceptable and unacceptable. Acceptable because we need to survive thus we take all safety measures; unacceptable because it can cause severe implications in our environment.
The question here lies on how can we still be sustainable despite taking necessary actions for our safety?
Here are few reminders we can share:
1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
Nowadays, it is important to thoroughly wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, and rinse with water, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food. Remember to conserve water by turning off the faucet.
2. Use your own cutlery and tumbler.
As much as possible, avoid lending your personal belongings to anyone. According to experts, COVID-2019 is not airborne. It transmitted person-to-person who are close contact with each other (within about 6 feet) or through respiratory droplets cause by an infected person's sneeze or cough. Bring your own cutlery (or Funkutlery) and tumbler (or Bambler) to work or wherever you go.
3. Disinfect things you always use, especially your mobile phones.
Possibly tissue paper are mostly out of stock in groceries and supermarkets, you you can always go for the reusable ones which are made from cloth. Pour a safe amount of alcohol on the cloth and disinfect. Remember do not disinfect with alcohol the things you use for food intake (i.e. spoon, fork, cups lids).
4. Use your own sponge in cleaning your utensils.
This a common way to not spread any virus to your officemates and even to your loved ones. An alternative to yellow and green sponges are plant-based loofas. Plant-based loofas are more eco-friendly than the regular sponges.
5. Do not waste food, especially the healthy ones.
During these times, wasting food should not be an option. Eating enough enough healthy food helps boost our immune system thus avoiding the possible risk. Avoid junk food as much as possible. And remember to exercise because it's a healthy and sustainable activity we can all do.
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With all the posts on social media, we literally do not know where to get the right facts. Let us all be mindful of what we post to avoid panic. Let us share the safety precautions issued by the World Heath Organization and other organizations from the science and medicine industry because they are the experts.
