Madeline Wood | Dec 16, 2020


March madness had a new meaning this past season for basketball fans and the greater community alike; it marked the start of Covid-19. Yet, when it comes to the natural environment, Canada has not been sinking any baskets lately.

Before March, movements such as Fridays 4 Future, and international discussions on climate change were beginning to take off. Since the Covid-Era, these issues have gone virtually unnoticed in media, but are still on the rise behind the scenes. Media attention has mainly been focused on pandemic control, and rightfully so. Keeping people safe should be Canada’s number one priority, but that needs to extend to our environment as well.

Environmental issues are closely linked with Covid-19. According to Health Canada, poor air quality from anthropogenic emissions, such as industrial smog, is responsible for an estimated 14,600 premature deaths in Canada per year. One of the many side effects from Covid-19 is difficulty breathing and respiratory problems. For people who suffer from pre-existing respiratory ailments, often caused by air pollution, Covid-19 is more of a threat. The environment is a vital player in the health of our community, and it cannot take the bench when the game is getting so intense. We need to advocate for clean air reforms, reduced carbon-dioxide, and lower methane emissions. While our capitalist society continues onward, take action yourself. Public transportation is currently not a feasible option for everyone, considering Covid-19 restrictions, but incorporating meat-free meals, choosing to bike, walk or carpool within your social circles can make a big difference.

When we hear the soft crunch of snow beneath our feet, or see the soft snowflakes as we approach the Christmas season, we establish connections with nature. One of the reasons Covid-19 has been so detrimental is the lack of mental and physical well-being that accompanies staying indoors. Globally, around 1.52 billion students were impacted by reduced education or resorted to e-learning indoors. For anyone who has struggled with feeling trapped indoors, cooped up, and stressed over the last few months, nature can provide a wonderful escape. Interacting with nature benefits psychological and physical health, however, with more than 35,000 hectares of land being deforested in 2017 alone, urbanization threatens this mental peace. Going to your local, provincial, or national parks supports your health, and shows the government where funding should be allocated. This holiday season, large gatherings with family is not an option, but getting outdoors could be your solution. Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area, Lemoine Point Conservation Area, Frontenac Provincial Park, Gould Lake Conservation Area, and Thousand Islands National Park are all within a short drive. These outdoor escapes are a great way to engage in a low-cost, socially distanced activity with family this season. But please remember to pay your dues to these parks; they rely on your generous donations. With a global transition to online working, education and life, it is important to ensure the longevity of our mental and physical health by advocating for our green spaces now.

The environmental impacts of Covid-19 do not just stop there. As we look into our ditches, on our sidewalks, and practically every nook in our neighbourhood, plastic waste from disposable PPE is everywhere. Wearing a face covering is vital in fighting Covid-19. Yet, the plastic waste produced from single use disposable masks and gloves is having a negative environmental effect on our landfills. However, not wearing a mask is not the solution. Choosing reusable PPE when possible could solve waste problems. Most detergents contain little pieces of plastic that can be very harmful to aquatic life. Make sure when you are washing your clothing and masks to choose a detergent free of the micro-plastic beads that are harmful to our water tables, and aquatic life.

Environmental protection, mitigation and rehabilitation has been put on the back-burner, but we cannot neglect it any longer. Covid-19 has highlighted the stress that our world puts on waste management systems, the stagnation in providing better air quality, and the lack of emphasis on being outdoors. How can you help while following health guidelines? Write to our politicians and give them your opinions and suggestions to improve our Earth! Legislation makes change. As an individual, it is your responsibility to see your money like voting. Each time you purchase a product you are voting with your dollar and your economic votes represent the values you uphold. If you value the environment, why are you still purchasing fast fashion online or eating from restaurants that support unsustainable food production? Be the difference to see the difference. With the holidays fast approaching, considering buying local for your gifts this year, and wrapping in recycled paper (better yet, use newspaper). If you’re considering eating out, remember that Kingston and area has the highest eateries per capita in Canada, there are almost endless options to get your fill this holiday that will also support our community.

Though we may be at a standstill, our natural environment continues to change. Covid-19 cannot prevent environmental progress any longer.

The time to save our Earth is now; make a change in your life today and every day.

(Madeline Wood is studying Environmental Economics and Public Policy at the University of Ottawa – she was raised in Sydenham)

Support local
independant journalism by becoming a patron of the Frontenac News.