As we all know and are aware of, the coronavirus has spread its intensity throughout the entire world. We have faced the harsh reality of being under quarantine for 4 months, having loved ones pass away, not being able to see our family or friends. The entire world was at a pause for 3 months and counting.

As we were forced to become isolated from others, daily global gas emissions were down by 17 percent compared to the previous year but as of early June, new data has surfaced they are only about 5percent lower than last year. 

We have been in Phase 2 for about two months and daily gas emissions are only 5 percent lower than last year’s numbers without half of the world still being isolated. According to National Geographic, these false accusations about the pandemic “helping” the environment was a little bit dramatic. The pandemic is actually going to hurt the environment, even more, when we look at the numbers.

Many people are shocked by these facts because they are quite unsure how that can be possible for an entire world to completely stop and with only half of the population back to a semi-normal routine again, the environment is worse than before.

Many factors go into such a broad spectrum of what goes into making the environment worse.

Hereare a few points of why this pandemic will not help but hurt the environment:

Environmental permanent damage

As people are facing financial troubles during the closings of lots of businesses and reduction in staff, people will have to turn to unsustainable harvesting of natural resources.

Increase use of plastics

CO2 continues to rise and the use of plastics continues to increase due to many families and individuals buying more from supermarkets, take-out food, and disposable utensils. 

Recovery investments into wrong businesses

Once the pandemic is over, pressures on the environment will continue. Money is tight and people are going to need to put more investments into business to keep them steady but that leaves green investments put to the back of the money chain.

Despite the alarming indicators of increasing environmental damage, now that are under stay at home orders, there are some great opportunities to advance our sustainability values.

We have collected some great tips that we all can start implementing right now and they are:

• Get rid of single-use plastic such as bags, bottles, utensils, straws, plastic wraps, plastic containers, and other plastic made items.
• Reduce electricity consumption by switching to LED lights – now you have plenty of time for that. Open your windows for that natural light and fresh breeze, instead of having air conditioning and all the lights on.
• Reduce water consumption by running the dishwasher, yes, you heard us right. Studies have shown that running the faucet in the sink uses four gallons of water every two, while the dishwasher uses less than four gallons in an entire cycle. Also, don’t forget to save that water you use to wash your fruits or cook your vegetables to water the plants.
• Recycle. Recycle. Recycle. Sort your waste properly and try to avoid single-use plastic, use reusable when possible.
• Reduce your carbon footprint and buy local, you will also support small businesses.
• Start gardening for a great source of produce. Also planting flowers around your house brings pollinators.
• Wash clothes in cold water and hang them to dry. Did you know that 90% of the energy your washing machine use goes into heating the water?
• Bus, walk, or bike whenever possible instead of using vehicles.
• You can make a shift in your purchasing practices by choosing sustainable goods and services, #becomeaconsciousconsumer.
• Support business dedicated to sustainability