Since the breaking news of COVID-19, Americans have taken to stockpiling their homes full of hand sanitizers, surface cleansers, toilet paper and more in an effort to prepare themselves. However, this preparation has slowly turned into hoarding and then in some cases, price gouging.
Supermarkets and wholesale warehouses are facing a major demand in their inventory for health and sanitizing products, ranging from skin and surface cleansers to toilet paper and tissues. Absurdly long lines extend around the perimeters of stores, making it nearly impossible to check out in a timely manner. Americans are fear mongering and that has slowly turned into hyper consumption. Hoarding products will not save you from COVID-19; rather, you are depriving others of essential items. The main purpose of being prepared is to prevent infections, which can only happen when there are adequate supplies for everyone.
Do not excessively buy items merely based on panic. Instead, plan out a weekly course of which you will be using these materials, saving you time and money while allowing others to purchase according to their needs as well. Though preparing for the worst is fine, over-hoarding products is not the way to go.
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), a federal assistance program similar to food stamps, is a system designed for low-income pregnant women, breastfeeding women and children under five to purchase groceries and other needs. When purchasing essentials, keep an eye out for the “WIC” symbol on the price tags at stores; if you see that symbol on an item, do not purchase it. Save time and money by not overdoing it, and in planning, you will allow others to purchase their essentials and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
It may seem difficult to downsize to the bare minimum, but as a Boy Scout, I learned in my Emergency Preparedness merit badge class to always have at least a three-month supply of essential items. Through the program, I learned to make the most of what I have in stock without having to resort to going out. Throughout my childhood, my parents told me to be prepared for the worst and to take care of those who need help aside from myself. However, with the growing crisis, this narrative is proven to be false. Americans today are sacrificing the wellbeing of the elderly and the immunocompromised for themselves, showing no empathy and humanity for these groups.
Due to the growing pandemic, individuals like the Colvin brothers of Chattanooga, Tenn. stockpiled hand sanitizing gels for profit. The brothers planned to sell these sanitizers from eight to 70 dollars apiece on Amazon. Their plans were foiled by Amazon and the Chattanooga law enforcement, resulting in them donating the sanitizers to shelters. Amazon not only caught the Colvins but also thousands of other merchants attempting to profit from this crisis. These sellers are anything but human, and do not deserve to call themselves “Americans.” They lack a sense of humanity and empathy for those who truly need it; they override their morals and blatantly purchase items with the sole intent of excessively marking it up. Hand sanitizers, surface and skin cleaners should be easily accessible and sellers should not get the right to sell these products at exorbitant price points, regardless of capitalistic rights and the American Hustle.
The spread of COVID-19 is quick. At critical times like these, we must help each other, especially the elderly and the poor. Hoarding will not get you anywhere; rather, it is an act that will make you lose money. Rather than hoarding all the products in the market, leave some for those who truly need it.