The COVID-19 pandemic has shed light on our reliance on unnecessary plastics. In general, there is a pervading belief that using plastics, especially as packaging, would protect us against the spread of COVID-19 but a recent study shows that the virus can survive on plastic for as long as three days.
Globally, the Philippines is the third largest contributor to ocean plastics. As a community, one of the ways that we would collectively act to fight against plastic pollution is through coastal clean-ups. But with the pandemic, we are forced to stay at home. Despite this, we all know that plastic pollution is still a pressing concern, and WWF hopes to address this by ensuring that plastics do not make their way into ecosystems and our food chain.
As we transition into a better normal, we need to continue our work towards a plastic-free nature. What the COVID-19 situation has made us realize is that planetary health is connected with the health of human society. We can stop plastic pollution by refusing unnecessary plastics, choosing reusable containers, learning how you can divert wastes through your local management system, and signing petitions that push for our leaders to act through policy reform.
We are close to 2 million signatures. Make sure your voice is heard by your government leaders and by private sector actors so we can #ChangeTheEnding for the planet, for our people, and for our environment.
Thank you for raising your voice and signing the petition.
