
by Nancy Olson, Palo Alto First United Methodist Women
This last June It did look like we would be seeing the end, or at least the easing, of pandemic restrictions — fewer places where facial masks were required, for example, but now in August it seems we are back to using them again. Vaccines were developed in record time to combat COVID-19. Litter in the time of the pandemic, it turns out, frustratingly defies solution.
A year ago, the idea that disposable face – masks, gloves, and wipes could become global environmental pollutants was not a pressing concern. Personal protective equipment, PPE for short, was seen as essential for preventing the spread of COVID-19. No one imagined just how much of it would be needed, for so long. Then production exploded – and now the litter is inescapable.
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