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The Effect of Construction and Demolition Waste Plastic Fractions on Wood-Polymer Composite Properties
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COVID-19: An Accelerator for Global Plastic Consumption and Its Implications.
Moharana Choudhury1,2, Subhrajeet Sahoo3, Palas Samanta4
1Environmental Research and Management Division, Voice of Environment (VoE), Guwahati, 781034 Assam, India.
Journal of Environmental and Public Health
|October 17, 2022
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic increased plastic waste, especially from hospitals, creating a global waste management crisis. This review examines plastic waste trends and proposes solutions for better management and reduced reliance on plastics.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Waste Management
- Public Health
Background:
- Non-biodegradable plastics pose significant environmental risks.
- The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased plastic consumption due to its affordability and availability.
- Hospitals generated a surge in plastic waste, exacerbating the global waste management crisis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the plastic waste scenario before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To explore alternative disposal methods for plastic waste.
- To recommend practical solutions for reducing reliance on traditional plastics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of plastic waste trends.
- Analysis of waste management challenges during the pandemic.
- Identification of alternative disposal technologies and strategies.
Main Results:
- Significant increase in plastic waste, particularly medical plastic waste, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Current waste management practices are insufficient to handle the escalating volumes.
- Need for innovative solutions and policy interventions.
Conclusions:
- Adopting improved waste management practices and technologies is crucial.
- Exploring alternative disposal options can mitigate environmental impact.
- Collaborative efforts from legislative and regulatory bodies are essential for effective plastic waste management.
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