Protecting The Planet During Covid19

I never could have imagined that I’d be writing an article while stuck at home during a world pandemic. With all of this uncertainty floating around it’s hard to keep a positive outlook on the future. I for one have been sucked into reading daily stories about how the virus is affecting the environment around us. I got so excited while reading articles about swans returning to the canals in Venice due to a lack of pollution, only to read an article the next day saying that the swans are usually there regardless. It’s hard to keep track of what is real or not in the news when you’re just looking for some sense of hope. I recently read an article about plastic bag bans being lifted throughout many South Carolina communities because the plastic industry is taking advantage of the pandemic and media hype. The plastic bag industry is even going so far as to say that plastic food containers hinder the spreading of the virus. What kind of an industry capitalizes on a world pandemic? It is one that is feeling the pressure that the environmentalists and lobbyists are putting on governments across the nation and is using widespread panic to their advantage. Although we do not want communities to lift their plastic and styrofoam bans, this reaction that the plastic industry is having to this media hype shows that what we are doing in Congress and in local governments is working. The plastic industry knows that this is one of the only ways that they can try and fit their foot back in the door because plastic is a trend that is fading away.

I have growing frustration while reading these types of articles, but I have found that with these new issues coming into play we are now facing new opportunities to grow as communities and stick up for what we want to protect. Now more than ever we must call our local Mayor’s, Senators, and Congressman expressing our concern with the lifting many environmental bans. Although the lift on these bans are considered “temporary,” what will stop them from becoming permanent if we don’t voice our concerns now? All of our hard work finally paid off when these bans were issued, but now we must protect what we pushed so hard for.

We are now spending more time outdoors and in nature. How long has it been since you’ve taken a walk and be able to go for as long as you want? People are starting to see nature again because it is the only thing that they can do besides staying cooped up inside. We can encourage these people who haven’t taken the time to see nature in a long time to protect what they love. Could you imagine this pandemic hitting and not being able to go outside and enjoy nature because the environment around you is so toxic that you’re safer indoors? This is what citizens who live in countries like India are facing right now. They are safer indoors because the pollution in their country is so bad that there is no safe way to enjoy nature in many parts of the country. We might be sad right now because we can’t spend time with our friends, but what we have right now is even a privilege that many people around the world don’t have. So let’s protect what we do have right now and try to find some glimmer of hope for the future in the middle of this crisis.

I’ve spent more time outdoors during this small period of time than I have in years. It feels like summer as a kid again. When I go on my long walks to get out and breathe in the fresh air I pick up at least three pieces of trash I see, like I usually would when walking on the beach. You can do this too, but make sure to be safe and extra cautious. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it then don’t. We can all do something to protect the environment right now even if it’s taking smaller measures than what we would usually do.

For example, if you don’t want to call your local leaders directly or pick up trash on the side of the road you don’t have to. You could sign a petition about keeping plastic bans in place, or only buy items you need at stores and not hoard things like toilet paper! You can start your own garden, create a compost in your yard, or just rake up the fall leaves. Even the smallest acts can create a huge difference during this time.

I know it’s hard not to get discouraged. I face times where I feel very confident in our nation’s abilities to stay on track with the progress that we’ve made, but then there are days where I feel like we are taking one step back. What I have come to realize is that this is the process that is going to happen for the next few months and we’re going to have to live with this new normal and fight for what we believe in. We have so many things at stake right now. The health of each other, our family members, our friends, and our planet. We want to protect all of these things no matter what and that should never stop just because we can’t physically meet in person. I know these are scary times but we will get through them together. Be safe, enjoy the outdoors, and we will see each other soon.

#environment #Covid19 #plastic #petition