How much environmental pollution has increased during the epidemic? EU single-use plastic report released
According to the European Environment Agency (EEA) report "The Impact of COVID-19 on Single-use Plastics in the European Environment", the epidemic has led to an increase in the use of many products made of long-lasting single-use plastics. Masks and gloves protect people's health, but certain types of food packaging lead to additional emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants, and the resulting waste can harm ecosystems and animals. EU imports of masks and gloves more than doubled during the pandemic In the first half of the pandemic last year (2020), the EU's imports of masks and gloves more than doubled, and domestic production also grew. The European Environment Agency briefing estimates that the EU imported around 170,000 tonnes of masks during this period, or about 0.75 masks per person per day, resulting in additional greenhouse gas emissions and other types of pollution. The briefing further estimates that reusable cotton masks become more climate-friendly than disposable masks after about 13 washes, but may not provide the same level of protection. International health care organizations do not recommend the use of gloves as a preventive measure. However, according to the report, during the first wave of the pandemic in Europe from April to September last year, glove imports increased by 80%, totaling 105,000 tons. The report shows that the increased use of disposable masks and gloves during the pandemic has impacted the environment and climate from resource extraction, production, transportation, waste disposal and littering behaviour. The impact on the production stage is mainly seen in exporting countries outside Europe, while