Balancing Safety & Sustainability During COVID

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For the better part of the year, we have been working remotely, practicing social distancing and washing our hands more. 

As we head into gradual re-openings, there is a growing concern around the future of reusables – is it safe for business to accept them? How can we continue to reuse safely? How can we curb the single-use waste problem during COVID?

At Fill it Forward, we believe in the power of reuse. At our first Virtual Education Series, we invited a panel of experts to discuss the implications of COVID on reuse and sustainability. 

Our team has compiled a list of resources and articles to help educate the Fill it Forward Community.

We hope you stay safe and healthy!

Tips to Re-Introduce Reuse

 
Avoiding single-use was becoming normal. Here’s how we can return to good habits
The Guardian
 
Pandemic does not mean we have to scale back positive work on plastic
TheGrocer
 
Environmentalists say coronavirus fears have led to major setback on plastic pollution
Global News
 
COVID Shouldn’t Trash Your Zero Waste Efforts
Wired
 
Reusable packaging in the time of COVID
GreenBiz
 
Zero-waste lifestyles challenged by COVID
CTV News
 
Call to return to reusable cups and bags
CBC News

Rise of Single-Use Plastic Waste

 
The masks you throw away could end up killing a whale
BBC
 
Conservationists warn COVID waste may result in ‘more masks than jellyfish’ in the sea
CNN
 
Environmental groups worry about coronavirus waste in oceans
USA Today
 
COVID-19 has resurrected single-use plastics – are they back to stay?
The Conversation
 
Plastic waste surges as coronavirus prompts restaurants to use more disposable packaging
CNBC
 
Thanks to the Coronavirus, We Really Are Being Buried in Plastic
TreeHugger

Reusables in the News

Starbucks is ready to reintroduce reusables across EMEA
Starbucks
 
Coronavirus: why we should end the pandemic ban on reusable cups
The Conversation
 
Is It OK To Use A Reusable Water Bottle During The Coronavirus Outbreak?
HuffPost
 
Reusable containers safe during COVID-19 pandemic, say experts
The Guardian
 
Scientists Remind Public Reusable Containers Are Safe Amid Fears of Pandemic Surge in Single-Use Plastics
VICE
 
Reusable containers safe to use during Coronavirus pandemic, experts say
The Indepedent
 
Are Reusable Grocery Bags Safe During The Coronavirus Outbreak?
HuffPost

We’re constantly adding new resources as they are made available. 

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