According to a December 11, 2020 USA Today story “… The pandemic has triggered a rise in pollution from single-use plastics, and undermined the movement to ban their usage. Opponents of plastic bags, cutlery and personal protective equipment say the material is endangering the environment by threatening wildlife and drinking water. Supporters – namely, the plastics industry and major retailers – say plastics remain cheaper and safer for consumers and should not be banished at a time when Americans are facing a major health risk and financial troubles … non-recycled, single-use plastic waste, primarily from medical equipment, food delivery and takeout, ‘has gone up materially’ … plastic bags have reemerged … Plastics, when not recycled or reused, are harmful to the environment because they don’t biodegrade … Environmental activists are pressing businesses and policymakers to require consumers to ask for plasticware instead of automatically getting it along with their food …” - The web link to the story is included in the post on the home page of Plastic Food Packaging Waste News at https://pfpw.news/2020/12/12/plastic-waste-pandemic-effects-explored/ #PlasticWaste #SingleUsePlastic #Recycling