arc21 urges residents to use reusable cloth face coverings

Although demand for single use plastic in consumer products such as disposable coffee cups has fallen in recent years, arc21 is concerned that progress may be undermined by the impact of the pandemic.

This has created demand for billions of disposable PPE items in the UK alone and prompted health concerns which have increased demand for non-recyclable plastic such as fresh food plastic-wrapping.

arc21 believes that switching from disposable to reusable face masks could help reduce demand for single use plastic and avoid the growing litter problem caused by disposable masks which are potentially contaminated with Covid-19.

Tim Walker, arc21’s acting CEO, said: “In line with Government advice we’re encouraging the public to strongly consider using reusable rather than disposable face coverings.

“Single use plastic was already a major environmental headache before the pandemic, creating litter in our streets and waterways. It is disappointing that potentially contaminated disposable masks are now adding to that problem.

“The thrust of environmental policy is to reduce waste at source, increase recycling and move away from our unhealthy dependency on landfill and exporting waste overseas.

“Given that some single use plastic items are unavoidable due to health concerns, it’s even more important than ever that we all think carefully about choosing environmentally friendly solutions when possible.”

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