scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 pandemic-induced PPE and single-use plastic waste generation scenario

2021 ◽  
pp. 0734242X2098082
Author(s):  
Md. Sazzadul Haque ◽  
Shafkat Sharif ◽  
Aseer Masnoon ◽  
Ebne Rashid
Keyword(s):  
Plastic Waste ◽  
Personal Hygiene ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Effective Response ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Single Use ◽  
Polyethylene Bags ◽  
Policy Measures ◽  
Disposable Plastic ◽  
Do So

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has demonstrated both positive and negative effects on the environment. Major concerns over personal hygiene, mandated and ease in lockdown actions and slackening of some policy measures have led to a massive surge in the use of disposable personal protective equipment (PPE) and other single-use plastic items. This generated an enormous amount of plastic waste from both healthcare and household units, and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Apart from the healthcare workers, the general public have become accustomed to using PPE. These habits are threatening the land and marine environment with immense loads of plastic waste, due to improper disposal practices across the world, especially in developing nations. Contaminated PPE has already made its way to the oceans which will inevitably produce plastic particles alongside other pathogen-driven diseases. This study provided an estimation-based approach in quantifying the amount of contaminated plastic waste that can be expected daily from the massive usage of PPE (e.g. facemasks) because of the countrywide mandated regulations on PPE usage. The situation of Bangladesh has been analysed and projections revealed that a total of 3.4 billion pieces of single-use facemask, hand sanitizer bottles, hand gloves and disposable polyethylene bags will be produced monthly, which will give rise to 472.30 t of disposable plastic waste per day. The equations provided for the quantification of waste from used single-use plastic and PPE can be used for other countries for rough estimations. Then, the discussed recommendations will help concerned authorities and policy makers to design effective response plans. Sustainable plastic waste management for the current and post-pandemic period can be imagined and acted upon.

scholarly journals ‘Drinking and Dropping’: On Interacting with Plastic Pollution and Waste in South-Eastern Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lesley Henderson ◽  
Emeka W. Dumbili
Keyword(s):  
Peer Group ◽  
Pure Water ◽  
Plastic Waste ◽  
Individual Responsibility ◽  
Environmental Harm ◽  
Residential Areas ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Single Use

Abstract Nigeria is reported as having released up to 0.34 million tonnes of plastic debris into the ocean in 2010 and ranked ninth country in the world for pollution of the marine environment. It is a postcolonial, oil-rich country where plastic is cheap and widely available. Currently, there is no government policy regulating single-use plastic products. Previous studies have identified university student residential areas as ‘hot spots’ for plastic waste. We used qualitative methods (focus groups and semi-structured interviews) to explore how students made sense of their single use plastics consumption (including ‘pure water’ plastic sachets) and analysed how young Nigerians interact with plastic waste. Students perceived plastic waste as malodorous, causing harm to human health and blighting environmental aesthetics. Students saw themselves as the cause of plastic pollution (as consumers) whereas plastic industries were framed positively as producers bringing progress and prosperity. Participants were open about their indiscriminate littering practices subverting other study findings where responsibility tends to be deflected (to policy makers, producers). While we are relying on self-reported behaviour, we found no obvious link between awareness of environmental harm caused by plastic pollution and students’ actions. Within this peer group of young Nigerians, it was not considered ‘normal’ or ‘cool’ socially to use waste bins or recycle. We suggest that further research is needed into how plastic pollution is made sense of in terms of individual responsibility; lay understandings of miasmas; perceptions of public/private spaces and plastics as a signifier of modernity and enhanced social status.

Environmental impact assessment of plastic waste during the outbreak of COVID-19 and integrated strategies for its control and mitigation

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shahrah Al Qahtani ◽  
Fatimah Al Wuhayb ◽  
Hacene Manaa ◽  
Adnan Younis ◽  
Shama Sehar
Keyword(s):  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Environmental Issue ◽  
Plastic Waste ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Single Use ◽  
Plastic Products

Abstract During the COVID-19 pandemic, many positive shifts have been observed in the ecosystem, with a significant decrease in the greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. On the other hand, there were unavoidable negative shifts due to a surge in demand for plastic products such as food and groceries’ delivery packaging, single-use plastics, medical and personal protective equipment to prevent transmission of COVID-19. Plastic pollution can be considered as a key environmental issue in world due to the huge footprints of plastics on natural ecosystems and public health. Herein, we presented an overview on the rise of plastic pollution during the COVID-19 pandemic. The potential sources of plastic waste during COVID-19 with its negative effects on the environment such as marine ecosystems and the global economics are highlighted. We also suggested some strategies and recommendations to tackle plastic leakages by applying feedstock recycling, sterilization, and with the use of biodegradable plastics that have become a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel plastics. Also, the importance of elevating public awareness and some recommendations to mitigate plastic generated during the pandemic has been addressed as well.

The Effect of Regulations on Using Disposable Plastic in Community and Tourism Behaviors in Denpasar, Bali

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 33
Author(s):  
Arik Agustina ◽  
Ni Putu Isha Aprinica
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
General Public ◽  
Government Regulation ◽  
Plastic Waste ◽  
Government Regulations ◽  
Plastic Bags ◽  
The People ◽  
Single Use ◽  
The Government ◽  
Disposable Plastic

Plastic waste have been a problem for the sustainability of tourism, especially Bali. Efforts to reduce plastic waste have been carried out by the government, such as the issuance of Denpasar Mayor Regulation Number 36 of 2018 and then followed by Bali Governor Regulation Number 97 of 2018. This paper aims to find out the opinions and changes in behavior of Balinese people, especially in Denpasar City after the enactment of the Denpasar Mayor Regulation and the Bali Governor Regulation about plastic waste. Data collection carried out through questionnaires distributed to tourists, students (tourism department), traders, the general public, and Lecturer. The result is everyone is aware of the government regulation on limiting single-use plastic bags, but some residents only know about the existence of government regulations without knowing where the regulations came from. Most of the people agree with the policy, but there are also people who disagree because the use of plastic bags is more efficient, however. This policy has led people to cultivate bringing their shopping bags.

Emphasizing Choice and Autonomy in Personal Hygiene, Menstrual Health, and Sexual Health Product Distribution to People Experiencing Homelessness in Atlanta, Georgia During COVID-19

2021 ◽  
pp. 152483992110249
Author(s):  
April M. Ballard ◽  
Alison T. Hoover ◽  
Ana V. Rodriguez ◽  
Bethany A. Caruso
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Health ◽  
The United States ◽  
Product Distribution ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Economic Conditions ◽  
Personal Hygiene ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Support Organizations ◽  
Menstrual Health ◽  
Do So

The Dignity Pack Project is a small-scale, crisis-oriented supply chain in Atlanta, Georgia, designed to meet the acute personal hygiene,menstrual health, and sexual health needs of people experiencing homelessness (PEH). It was organized in response to conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic that continue to illuminate and exacerbate the distinct and complex challenges PEH face when trying to meet their basic needs and maintain their health. In addition to being particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 due to underlying conditions, crowding, and shared living spaces, the pandemic makes it harder for PEH to access already scant resources. Specifically, shelters across the United States have experienced outbreaks and, as a result, have reduced capacity or closed completely. Social support organizations have paused or restricted services. Donations and volunteering have decreased due to economic conditions and social distancing requirements. This practice note describes how we integrated feedback from PEH at the outset of the Dignity Pack project—and continue to do so—enabling the development of a pragmatic, humanistic outreach model that responds to the evolving needs of PEH as pandemic conditions and the seasons change. We detail how we established complementary partnerships with local organizations and respond to critical insights provided by PEH. We offer lessons and recommendations driven by the needs and preferences of PEH.

scholarly journals Young People as Drivers or Inhibitors of the Sustainability Movement: The Case of Anti-Consumption

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Ziesemer ◽  
A. Hüttel ◽  
I. Balderjahn
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Voluntary Simplicity ◽  
Collaborative Consumption ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Behavioural Patterns ◽  
Future Consumption ◽  
Sustainability Movement ◽  
Laddering Interviews

AbstractAs overconsumption has negative effects on ecological balance, social equality, and individual well-being, reducing consumption levels among the materially affluent is an emerging strategy for sustainable development. Today’s youth form a crucial target group for intervening in unsustainable overconsumption habits and for setting the path and ideas on responsible living. This article explores young people’s motivations for engaging in three behavioural patterns linked to anti-consumption (voluntary simplicity, collaborative consumption, and living within one’s means) in relation to sustainability. Applying a qualitative approach, laddering interviews reveal the consequences and values behind the anti-consumption behaviours of young people of ages 14 to 24 according to a means-end chains analysis. The findings highlight potential for and the challenges involved in motivating young people to reduce material levels of consumption for the sake of sustainability. Related consumer policy tools from the fields of education and communication are identified. This article provides practical implications for policy makers, activists, and educators. Consumer policies may strengthen anti-consumption among young people by addressing individual benefits, enabling reflection on personal values, and referencing credible narratives. The presented insights can help give a voice to young consumers, who struggle to establish themselves as key players in shaping the future consumption regime.

Does the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic influence the FX? A note.

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Evangelos Vasileiou
Keyword(s):  
Exchange Rate ◽  
Interest Rate ◽  
Economic Recession ◽  
Interest Rate Risk ◽  
Economic Consequences ◽  
Domestic Currency ◽  
Effective Response ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact

This note shows that the effective response of a country in its battle against COVID-19 influences the exchange rate of its currency. Particularly, we examine the GBPUSD, AUDUSD and AUDGBP pairs of currency during the COVID-19 outbreak and the results show that the domestic currency of the country which documents more COVID-19 cases in each pair is depreciated against the foreign one. Therefore, a country which cannot effectively mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and whose currency is depreciated may present further economic consequences in the future. Such consequences extend beyond economic recession and may include sovereign and interest rate risk. These findings may be useful for policy makers in order to estimate the cost of the pandemic.

Delivering fuel poverty objectives within the context of globalised energy markets

2017 ◽  
pp. 85-102
Author(s):  
Carolyn Snell
Keyword(s):  
Lower Energy ◽  
Energy Markets ◽  
Energy Prices ◽  
Global Energy ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Efficiency Measures ◽  
Policy Measures ◽  
Policy Direction ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Energy Companies

This chapter explores claims made by policy makers in the UK that, despite having no control over global energy markets, existing policy protects households vulnerable to fuel poverty through the regulation of commercial energy suppliers and specific policies that provide cash transfers and energy-efficiency measures. Keeping energy prices low is an essential part of the UK government's approach to fuel poverty alleviation, but this task is a complex one in which the steering capacity of the nation-state often seems weak and its capacity hollowed out. This is exacerbated by a neoliberal policy direction that funds environmental and social policy measures through charges on energy bills rather than through tax-funded programmes. The chapter then argues that existing policy has been somewhat contradictory in its view of the government's power to steer energy markets. While the Department for Energy and Climate Change suggested that the UK has no control over the global energy market, this does not match political rhetoric, which has emphasised the importance of increasing domestic energy security in order to spread risk and reduce dependence on politically unstable fossil fuel-producing states, and has also seen political pressure placed on the six main energy companies to lower energy charges to consumers.

Macroeconomics of money laundering: effects and measurements

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nella Hendriyetty ◽  
Bhajan S. Grewal
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Money Laundering ◽  
Tax Evasion ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Tax Revenue ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Macroeconomic Conditions ◽  
Illicit Flows

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review studies focusing on the magnitude of money laundering and their effects on a country’s economy. The relevant concepts are identified on the basis of discussions in the literature by prominent scholars and policy makers. There are three main objectives in this review: first, to discuss the effects of money laundering on a country’s macro-economy; second, to seek measurements from other scholars; and finally, to seek previous findings about the magnitude and the flows of money laundering. Design/methodology/approach In the first part, this paper outlines the effects of money laundering on macroeconomic conditions of a country, and then the second part reviews the literature that measures the magnitude of money laundering from an economic perspective. Findings Money laundering affects a country’s economy by increasing shadow economy and criminal activities, illicit flows and impeding tax collection. To minimise these negative effects, it is necessary to quantify the magnitude of money laundering relative to economic conditions to identify the most vulnerable aspects of money laundering in a country. Two approaches are used in this study: the first is the capital flight approach, as money laundering will cause flows of money between countries; the second is the economic approach for measuring money laundering through economic variables (e.g. tax revenue, underground economy and income generated by criminals) separately from tax evasion. Originality/value The paper offers new insights for the measurement of money laundering, especially for developing countries. Most methods in quantifying money laundering have focused on developed countries, which are less applicable to developing countries.

scholarly journals An Evaluation of the Romanian Fruits and Vegetables Producers Access to Different Types of Common Agricultural Policy Instruments. Is there Any Real Consistency with the Policy Objectives?

2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 243-249
Author(s):  
Nicu MARCU ◽  
Georgeta-Mădălina MEGHIȘAN ◽  
Ionel Mugurel JITEA
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Policy ◽  
Common Agricultural Policy ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Policy Instruments ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Negative Findings ◽  
Policy Objectives ◽  
Policy Measures

Fruits and vegetables sectors are considered to be strategic in the European Union due to their contribution to a better human health. Among others positive effects, their intake increase reduce mortality and obesity, assuring in the same time harmonised development for young children. The present study thus focused to reveal the consistency of the measure implemented in the Common Agricultural Policy to support fruits and vegetables production in Romania in liaison with the policy objectives. The country is one of the main ten important European producers of horticultural products in terms of production volumes and acreage. Results showed that over the last seven years (2007-2014), the sectorial production drawbacks have not been ameliorated very much. Both sectors are dominated by small-size farms that can produce only seasonally and mainly for short-market chains. In the same time, the greenhouses area shrink to levels that made the country extremely dependent to imports especially for tomatoes. The analysis of the pillar one payments schemes revealed that the fruits and vegetables producers could have access to only one payment that was half from European averages. Moreover, almost half of the producers had low sizes that left them outside the eligible criteria. The measures designed for the second pillar also penalized producers through the selection criteria. These results showed that for Romania there was not a real consistency between the actual policy measures and the objectives assumed by policy makers. The future measures (2014-2020) seem to correct these negative findings being better tailored to the situation of the local fruits and vegetables producers.

scholarly journals The evolution of COVID-19 pandemic wave and optimal levels of vaccination to reduce negative effects in society

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Coccia
Keyword(s):  
Vaccination Campaign ◽  
Optimal Level ◽  
Viral Agent ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Effective Response ◽  
Constant State ◽  
Pandemic Threat ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Innovative Drugs ◽  
Pandemic Wave

Abstract Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to be a pandemic threat with new mutations of the viral agent (SARS-CoV 2) that are generating a constant state of attention in manifold countries. Innovative drugs, such as vaccines can sustain, as far as possible, immunity of people and decrease negative effects in society. The study here, using data of vaccines and confirmed cases of COVID-19 between countries from March to May 2021, clarifies different optimal levels of vaccination associated with the growth of pandemic wave for reducing infected individuals in society. Findings reveal that a vaccination campaign in the initial phase of pandemic wave has a lower optimal level of doses administered per 100 inhabitants, but the growth of pandemic wave moves up the optimal level of vaccines from 58.5 in March to more than 86 doses per 100 people in May 2021. This study suggests that the optimal strategy and response to pandemic crisis is a rapid vaccination rollout, before the takeoff of pandemic wave, for an effective response to reduce numbers of COVID-19 related infected individuals and deaths and negative effects of pandemic crisis on environment and socioeconomic systems.

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