The ravaging scourge of the COVID-19 pandemic is one that has left a massive trail of distress in its wake. With almost 4 million confirmed cases in the UK alone, it’s clear that the virus has affected human lives and has significantly impacted all sectors. From impromptu lockdown policies to remote work and schooling, lives have been changed abruptly, and the need to develop novel methods to adapt to the situation has never been greater.

Ecological sustainability is one of the earth’s most pressing issues, especially with spikes in the rate of global warming and climate change that the world is currently witnessing. While one might suggest that the coronavirus pandemic might help out with sustainability since most people are holed up at home, as lives begin to resume back to normal, there might be an increased influx of our human footprint on the earth, even as workplaces throw open their doors once again to accommodate workers with preventive measures put in place.

The big question is, to what extent do these preventive measures impact the environment, and how can we prevent this shocking attack of the coronavirus pandemic on our ecosystem?

COVID-19 Preventive Measures In The Workplace And Their Impact On The Ecosystem

Wear a mask. That’s the slogan. But in the workplace, just masking up is not enough. Now, more than ever, employers need to make sure that office spaces are sanitized appropriately before use. Some other preventive measures according to the WHO also include:

• Physical distancing

• Regular hand hygiene (washing and disinfecting with alcohol-based hand sanitizers)

• Proper ventilation

• Respiratory hygiene, etcetera
  
  

To fully work in line with these preventive guidelines, there’s no telling the number of cleaning agents, disinfectants, wipes, and plastic that’ll be used, most of them harming the environment. For example, the Daily Mail records that wet wipes contain virtually indestructible plastic that harms marine life and the ecosystem in general. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Over the months, there have been increased rates of biomedical waste, including masks and gloves, that unfortunately have not been disposed of properly. The reason is not entirely farfetched, as the first wave of the pandemic threw the world into an unexpected panic. However, the fact remains that untreated waste does more harm than good for ecological wellbeing, and there’s the need to do better.

For workspaces with particularly stringent measures, that means more wipes, sanitizers, plastic, and of course, sneeze screens. These have become quite the rage for workspaces looking to provide a safe space for workers. While these preventative strategies might save and help preserve human life, they kill the environment.

How To Reduce The Ecological Impact Of COVID-19 Preventative Measures

Where do we draw the line between what’s best for us and what’s best for the environment? Do we then save the ecosystem at the expense of human lives, you may ask. One might even claim that Mother Nature does all she can to take care of herself, but that’s no excuse for defacing the planet with non-biodegradable materials. More than ever, we must take active steps to preserve our planet.

The solution is pretty simple. We can save lives and the planet we live in simultaneously by using eco-friendly materials in place of non-degradable ones. Rather than settle for the regular non-degradable masks, gloves, and whatnot, hospitals and workplaces need to exploit biodegradable alternatives for everyone’s benefit. Some of the essential eco-friendly coronavirus preventative materials include:

• Workplace Infection Control Sustainable Smart Wipes – These wipes are eco-friendly, biodegradable smart wipes that are as efficient as they are sustainable for the environment. They are created using a plant-based formula that boasts about 99.9% efficiency in cleaning and sanitization. Since they are plant-based, they fully decompose after disposal within 12 weeks. The best part, they have been successfully tested against the virus and will remain active for up to 24 hours.

• Agilita Miljo Screens – Moving back to the office post-COVID was always going to come with new changes. With various preventive measures to put in place and a continuous emphasis on physical distancing, working is set out to become a bore. However, with Agilita Miljo screens, workers have a transparent desk divider that allows them to safely communicate with colleagues without them feeling too boxed in, as is the case with regular bullpens.
  
  

Crafted with the best ecological sustainability plans in mind, Agilita Miljo screens are 100% recyclable, with over 80% of its entire makeup also coming from recycled material. These screens are fully sustainable and made with twin-wall construction cardboard that naturally eliminates all germs and viruses within 24 hours.

On the surface, COVID-19 preventative measures might look to be just that – strategies to keep the human race safe from harm. However, our human footprint affects the earth in more ways than we could think possible. Ecological sustainability is important if we’re going to keep the planet a safe space for habitation, and everyone, including workplaces, should mirror the same.