Alexei Volkov
The coronavirus pandemic has brought single-use plastics back in a big way. States have rolled back their plastic bag bans, with stores banning the use of reusable shopping bags and restaurants turning to single-use utensils. The plastics industry has been accused of exploiting the crisis by encouraging the rollback of existing efforts to reduce single-use plastics and eliciting fear and uncertainty around the safety of reusables. However, the science is still unclear. No studies have been published showing coronavirus is spread through reusable shopping bags. The virus can spread on many types of surfaces, including plastic, if an infected person touches something or coughs or sneezes on it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can coronavirus spread through plastic bags? | No studies have been published showing coronavirus is spread through plastic bags. However, the virus can spread on many types of surfaces, including plastic, if an infected person touches it, coughs or sneezes on it. |
| Plastic bag bans | Some states implemented plastic bag bans before the pandemic, but many have been paused or rolled back during the pandemic. |
| Reusable bags | Some governments have banned reusable bags over coronavirus concerns. However, the science is unclear on whether they spread coronavirus. |
| Industry influence | The plastic industry has promoted single-use plastics as a safer alternative during the pandemic, increasing production and profit. |
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What You'll Learn
Coronavirus can spread on plastic surfaces
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a resurgence in the use of single-use plastics. States across the US have rolled back their plastic bag bans, with some even banning the use of reusable shopping bags. This is due to the belief that the coronavirus can spread on plastic surfaces.
While the science is still unclear, no studies have been published showing that coronavirus is spread through reusable shopping bags. Dr Rodrigo Hasbun, a professor of infectious diseases at the University of Texas, stated that "there is no scientific evidence" to support this claim. However, he also noted that the virus can spread on many types of surfaces, including plastic, if an infected person touches, coughs, or sneezes on it.
Supporting this, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the virus can survive up to 72 hours on stainless steel and plastic surfaces, and up to 24 hours on cardboard. This has led to concerns about the use of reusable bags, as they are handled by multiple people and moved between different environments, potentially acting as carriers of the virus.
The debate around reusable bags is not new. A 2010 study by scientists at the University of Arizona and Loma Linda University in San Bernardino County found bacteria in all of the 84 reusable bags analyzed, and E. coli in 8%. However, this study did not call for a ban on reusable bags, only recommending that they be washed regularly, which removes 99.9% of bacteria.
During the pandemic, the plastics industry has been accused of promoting single-use plastics as a safer alternative to reusables, with questionable evidence to support their claims. Despite this, large companies, such as Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts, banned the use of reusable cups and bags in their stores, citing public health concerns.
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Reusable bags can be carriers of coronavirus
The coronavirus pandemic has brought about a resurgence in the use of single-use plastics. States have rolled back their plastic bag bans, restaurants have turned to single-use utensils, and stores have banned the use of reusable shopping bags. These changes have been driven by concerns about the potential for coronavirus to spread via reusable bags.
Reusable bags have long been considered more environmentally friendly than single-use plastic bags. However, during the pandemic, some governments and health officials have prohibited grocery stores from allowing customers to bring their own bags when shopping. For example, health officials in Bay Area counties, along with Santa Cruz and San Benito counties, implemented such a ban to reduce the potential for coronavirus to spread via reusable bags.
The thinking behind this decision is that reusable bags, when handled by different people and moved between different environments, could become carriers of the virus. The virus can spread on various surfaces, including plastic, if an infected person touches, coughs, or sneezes on it. While no studies have directly shown that coronavirus spreads through reusable bags, the lack of scientific evidence has led to precautionary measures being taken.
It is important to note that the plastic industry has also played a role in promoting single-use plastics as a safer alternative during the pandemic. Industry-funded research acknowledges that reusable bags are safe if washed occasionally, but there have been efforts to portray bans on plastic products as a public health risk. Additionally, the American Chemical Society has questioned the applicability of certain studies, highlighting that COVID-19 is primarily airborne rather than spread through surfaces.
While the potential health risks associated with reusable bags during the pandemic are unclear, the environmental impact of increased single-use plastic waste is significant. Environmentalists have expressed concern about the suspension of bans on single-use plastic bags and the negative consequences for the environment.
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Bans on reusable bags during the pandemic
In California, for example, health officials in Bay Area counties, along with Santa Cruz and San Benito counties, have prohibited grocery stores from allowing customers to bring their own bags. The California Grocers Association and the California Retailers Association even requested the governor to temporarily suspend the state's ban on single-use plastic bags. Similar bans on reusable bags were enacted in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
The reasoning behind these bans is the concern that reusable bags, when handled by different people and moved between environments, could become carriers of the virus. However, critics argue that the risk of transmission through reusable bags is overstated. Dr. Rodrigo Hasbun, a professor of infectious diseases at the University of Texas, stated that there is no scientific evidence to support the ban, and that it is based on fear and precaution.
Additionally, the plastics industry has been accused of pushing for these bans to be lifted to promote the use of single-use plastic products. Industry-funded research has acknowledged that reusable bags are safe as long as they are washed occasionally.
While the debate continues, some states have chosen to delay or roll back their plastic bag bans during the pandemic. For instance, Maine delayed its plastic bag ban, and Oregon put its ban on pause. These decisions highlight the challenging balance between public health concerns and environmental sustainability during a global health crisis.
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Plastic bag bans being rolled back
The coronavirus pandemic has brought about a resurgence in the use of single-use plastics. As the virus spread across the U.S., several states rolled back their plastic bag bans, with stores prohibiting the use of reusable shopping bags, and restaurants turning to single-use utensils.
The California Grocers Association and the California Retailers Association, for instance, requested Governor Gavin Newsom to temporarily suspend the state's ban on single-use plastic bags at supermarkets. The entire state of California, which was one of the first states to implement a statewide plastic bag ban, allowed grocery stores to use them for a period of 60 days. Similarly, Maine delayed a plastic bag ban, and New Hampshire and Massachusetts banned reusable bags over coronavirus concerns. Oregon also put its plastic bag ban on hold during the pandemic.
The rollbacks are a result of an industry push to roll back bag regulations that limit the use of consumer plastics. The industry relies on studies funded by the plastics industry, which paint bans on plastic products as a public health risk. However, the industry-funded research acknowledges that reusable bags are safe as long as they are washed occasionally.
The pandemic has thus brought to the fore the debate between public health and environmental concerns. While single-use plastics may be necessary to curb the spread of the virus, they also contribute to plastic pollution, which has a detrimental impact on the environment. The use of plastic bags has been a concern due to the volume of single-use plastic bags in landfills and oceans, as well as the carbon footprint required to produce them.
Despite the rollbacks, some states have continued to enforce plastic bag bans. Vermont, for instance, has seen positive results from its plastic bag ban, with a reduction in plastic waste and an increase in the use of reusable bags. The success of the ban in Vermont has been attributed to "bottom-up" advocacy, with residents pushing for the legislation due to environmental concerns.
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The plastics industry and misinformation
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a resurgence in the use of single-use plastics. States and cities across the US have rolled back their plastic bag bans, with some banning the use of reusable shopping bags. This is due, in part, to an industry push from the plastics industry, which has promoted single-use plastics as a safer alternative during the pandemic.
The industry has cited studies that claim reusable bags are "Petri dishes for bacteria and carriers of harmful pathogens". However, the science is unclear, with no studies published showing that coronavirus is spread through reusable shopping bags. Dr Rodrigo Hasbun, a professor of infectious diseases at the University of Texas, stated that "there is no scientific evidence" that coronavirus is spread through reusable bags. He noted that the virus can spread on many types of surfaces, including plastic, if an infected person touches, coughs, or sneezes on it.
A 2010 study, often cited in debates, found bacteria in all 84 reusable bags analysed, and E. coli in 8%. However, this study was funded by the plastics industry and did not call for a ban on reusable bags, only recommending that people wash them, which removed 99.9% of bacteria. Critics, such as Michael Hansen, a senior staff scientist with Consumer Reports, called the study misleading, stating that people are exposed to more bacteria from other sources than from a dirty reusable bag.
The American Chemical Society also published a study stating that the research cited by the plastics industry was "of questionable applicability" as COVID-19 is primarily airborne and not spread through surfaces like the bacteria and viruses in the other studies. Despite this, large companies, such as Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts, banned reusable cups and bags in their stores, pointing to public health concerns. This has contributed to the plastics industry's success in promoting single-use plastics during the pandemic.
The resurgence of single-use plastics during the pandemic has had negative environmental consequences. Environmental groups, cities, and voters across California and other states have long supported bans on single-use plastic bags to reduce plastic pollution in rivers, streams, and oceans. The plastics industry's push to roll back bag regulations during the pandemic has contributed to increased plastic waste and a negative impact on the environment.
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Frequently asked questions
The science is unclear, but no studies have shown that coronavirus spreads through reusable shopping bags. However, the virus can spread on plastic surfaces if an infected person touches or coughs on it.
Some people are concerned that reusable bags may be a carrier of the virus as they are handled by different people and moved among different environments. This has led to some governments banning the use of reusable bags.
It is recommended to wash reusable bags regularly as this can remove up to 99.9% of bacteria. Single-use plastic bags can also be used as an alternative to reduce the risk of virus transmission.
