How has Covid-19 changed how consumers view and use single- use plastic. Plastic use and production in a post-pandemic world.

Abstract

h in the table means that data is not available. A plastic free movement had been making a lot of waves in the U.S with a lot of consumers speaking out and demanding action from corporations, individuals to government to

minimize the reliance on plastic. From plastic bag bans to straw bans, it seemed at least small steps were being taken and more and more Americans where getting introduced to the idea of minimizing plastic use – specifically single-use plastic. Single use plastic was introduced in the US in the 70's and quickly became a staple in American lifestyle for multiple uses. The ease of production and the accessibility of single use plastic contributed greatly to this throw away culture. An approximate amount of 36% of plastic produced is used for single use and about 85% ends up in in landfills after that single-use. ("Visual Feature | Beat Plastic Pollution") There is the biggest issue with single-use plastic – it may be easy to produce but it is hard to get rid of. Plastic however also has it benefits, one of them being for medical use, which has increase safety between patients and providers. This feature has really been highlighted during the Covid-19 pandemic. The global health crisis led to almost an overnight switch with American regularly wearing personal protective equipment to protect themselves and their loved ones. Not only the use of mask and gloves that had a limited use, a lot of other items with plastic fibers became a staple in everyday life during the height of Covid. In this research I start with a look at a brief history of plastic, when Americans noticed it was becoming a problem and where legislation and American society was heading in regards to plastic before 2020. I will then research what, if anything, has changed on how consumers see the use of single-use plastics, how corporate policies have changed or how legislation is being affected or stalled. Finally, I will analyze if any of these effects will have long-term changes or if they expect a quick turnaround.