Plastic Waste and Sustainability: Reflections and Impacts of the Covid-19 Pandemic in the Socio-Cultural and Environmental Context

Abstract

Purpose: The article aims to analyze the impacts and reflections of the COVID-19 pandemic on plastic waste management. Theoretical Framework: The concern with COVID-19 resulted in several protective measures, such as the use of PPE and movement restrictions in urban centers. These changes also affected patterns of generation and management of solid waste, especially plastic waste, whose negative effects on socio-environmental aspects may emerge due to its inadequate disposal. Method: We conducted a systematic literature review in the databases Scopus, Sage and Web of Science, employing the Methodi Ordinatio. The review selected 22 studies to compose the research portfolio. Results and conclusion: The results showed a higher concentration of studies on plastic waste in coastal regions, especially from PPE and microplastic pollution. Moreover, there is a concern with the generation of packaging waste by shifting consumption patterns with the increased demand for e-commerce and delivery services. Besides an environmental concern, a long-term social problem stands out regarding the breaking of sustainable behavior patterns in using disposable plastic. Research implications: We propose solutions involving the use of biodegradable plastics, reuse of PPE, and new waste treatment technologies, besides changes in social behavior. Originality/Value: Overall, the study provides insights and promotes reflections on the challenges faced in managing plastic waste during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Manejo de Residuos Sólidos en Establecimientos Comerciales: el Caso de un Restaurante Urbano en la Región Central de Colombia

“…A nivel mundial, el aumento de los desperdicios alimenticios y residuos sólidos generan repercusiones en el ámbito social, económico y ambiental (Armington et al, 2020;Filimonau et al, 2020a;Filimonau et al, 2020b;Septiano et al, 2020;Galván et al 2020;Correa et al, 2022;Massuga et al, 2022), estimados en pérdidas de 1300 millones de toneladas al año (FAO, 2012). Las cifras en Europa llegaron a 88 millones de toneladas de residuos sólidos para el año 2012, principalmente de origen doméstico (Stenmarck, 2016); En Estados Unidos el desperdicio de alimento fue aproximadamente de 60 millones de toneladas en el año 2010 (Buzby et al, 2014); China generó 66 millones de toneladas de residuos orgánicos en el año 2000 (Delvoie et al, 2005), y en América Latina y el Caribe se desperdicia el 15% del alimento desde su cosecha hasta su distribución (FAO, 2019).…”