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People all over the world are wearing masks and gloves to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. But evidence from Europe shows how many masks and gloves are not being discarded properly.

The WHO and many governments are encouraging citizens to wear masks to protect themselves from the coronavirus. As cases of coronavirus continue to rise around the world it stands that many millions will continue to wear disposable masks for the foreseeable future.

In March, reports of masks along Hong Kong’s beaches surfaced and as time goes on additional photos of masks and gloves on beaches in Europe have now been released. In France, after World Oceans Day, fines for littering have been increased to help prevent mask and gloves from winding up in the ocean.

Environmental campaigners are encouraging people to dispose of masks and gloves properly and to consider reusable masks. OpĂ©ration Mer Propre (Operation Clean Sea) co-founder Joffrey Peltier told Euronews that the waste is “only the beginning.” “Of course we need to protect ourselves from COVID-19, but I don’t think plastic is the adequate solution,” Peltier said. “We can wear reusable masks, and wash our hands with soap instead of using hydroalcoholic gel, because we’re now also starting to find these gel bottles in the sea.”

See photos of the waste found by Opération Mer Propre:

 

Read more about protecting yourself from coronavirus. Check the CDC website for more information on how to protect yourself and check our latest article to learn how COVID-19 differs from the flu.

Scientists believe that the spread of COVID-19, or coronavirus, started at an exotic animal market in Wuhan, China. You can help stop the incidence of viruses like these by signing this petition to ban the wildlife trade.

This is a good time to reconsider our intake of animal products to stay healthy. Eating more plant-based foods is known to help with chronic inflammation, heart health, mental wellbeing, fitness goals, nutritional needs, allergies, gut health, and more! Dairy consumption also has been linked to many health problems, including acne, hormonal imbalance, cancer, prostate cancer and has many side effects.

Interested in joining the dairy-free and meatless train? We highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App — with over 15,000 delicious recipes it is the largest plant-based recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals, and get healthy! And, while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.

Catch up on our latest coronavirus coverage in One Green Planet, check out these articles:

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