Home-made face masks … The new and more Sustainable way to help prevent spread of Covid-19.

Name: Jorja Oladiran | Week: 9 | Theme: Covid-19 & Sustainability

Since the outbreak of Corona Virus, Covid-19 in 2020, the use of face masks in our daily lifestyles has become essential and mandatory in many countries. As the virus spreads through respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces, the importance of a face mask has become ever more prevalent in the effort to help prevent infection. But how can an individual’s consumption habits be changed in a way that best protects us from the risk of infection, while also not harming the environment?

The solution … is reusable face masks.

‘Home-made cloth masks have been introduced as an interesting way of dealing with the shortage of face masks’[1] and preventing contamination of the virus. When it comes to matters of sustainability and Covid-19, it offers a good and practical way at tackling the virus from a domestic level. By choosing to use reusable masks rather than buying disposable, surgical masks, we as agents of society are a) responsibly preventing spread of infection and b) offering a more sustainable and environmentally beneficial approach to the virus. Not only does it make use of old and forgotten fabrics, it presents a more eco-friendly alternative which still keeps us and our environment safe.

Surgical masks have a short life span in terms of use, but long-life span in terms of detriment to the environment; especially when taken into consideration the accumulative need to dispose of them. Surgical masks are advised to be used for one-time use only, with an approximate effectivity of 6–8 hours. But multiplied on a national level and everyday basis, the sustainable concern behind the use of disposable face masks has significance. “The rising demand for disposing of single-use face masks is adding to the glut of plastic pollution.”[2] It primarily threatens the health of oceans and sea life. Disposed of carelessly, (partly due to the unexpected pressure), means the environment is effected as a corollary. The masks contain materials that do not recycle and are non-biodegradable. In terms of sustainability, disposable face masks do not present any beneficial effects to the environment. But the need to wear masks, to protect ourselves is still very much important.

Thus, the contemporary approach of home-made / reusable face masks presents a more responsible way to protect the environment while still protecting our health. Home-made face masks meet the demands of government guidelines to wear a face covering when in public/ work, they lessen the demand for producers who struggle to keep up with the need for both civilians and health care workers, and are less harmful to the environment. Re-usable masks present so many benefits in terms of practical to logistical level. They’re a cheaper and more sustainable way to protect yourself from covid-19, and because of its innate recyclable nature it prevents mass build ups of pollution in the sea.

Although reusable face masks have great benefits on an environmental level, reusable face masks should be adhered with caution and made under proper government recommendations. The UK government’s website details a step-to-step tutorial on ‘How to make a cloth face covering.’ [1] Giving advice on measurements to materials. In summary, from a collective of readings, these are some of the more important steps to follow. The material must preferably be cotton. ‘If you are making your own face covering, consider the number of layers, the breathability of the material, its water repellence qualities, and the shape and fit of the mask.’[2] The mask should cover both your mouth and nose. And more.

Not to add, ‘if these cloth masks use organically grown cotton (or some other efficient fabric) that is also locally sourced, and if the masks are produced locally, their carbon footprint will likely be lower — which even more sustainable. Likewise, if you purchase from a small, certified, entrepreneurial business, you will also be helping them survive these financially hard times.’ [3] Socially, economically and environmentally reusable face masks show benefits to the general public. Although, it must be noted for every day, mundane use reusable face mask are fine. But for those seriously at risk of exposure of infection, such as elderly or health care workers, surgical face masks should take precedence.

Bibliography

[1] “How to make a cloth face covering,”Public health England, Gov.uk, last modified 15 July 2020 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-wear-and-make-a-cloth-face-covering/how-to-wear-and-make-a-cloth-face-covering

[2] 3Sixty, last accessed December 2020, https://3sixtyhome.co/why-reusable-face-masks-are-the-eco-friendly-and-better-option/#:~:text=The%20rising%20demand%20for%20disposing,of%20oceans%20and%20marine%20life.&text=Reusable%20face%20masks%20can%20reduce,the%20amount%20of%20plastic%20wastage

[3] ‘Coronavirus: Which Face Masks Are More Sustainable?,’ You matter, May 2020, last accessed December 2020, https://youmatter.world/en/coronavirus-sustainable-face-masks/

[4] “Should I be wearing a face covering during the COVID-19 outbreak?” Multiple Sclerosis Trust, last modified 24 July 2020, https://mstrust.org.uk/news/views-and-comments/should-i-be-wearing-a-face-covering-during-covid-19 outbreak?utm_medium=ppc&utm_source=adwords&utm_campaign=SS+%7C+Search+%7C+Information&utm_term=face%20coverings&hsa_acc=6635963470&hsa_src=g&hsa_grp=103673286120&hsa_kw=face%20coverings&hsa_ver=3&hsa_tgt=kwd-303826552975&hsa_mt=b&hsa_ad=435327371995&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_cam=45961817&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5bz-BRD-ARIsABjT4nhnLtnoOvzB3hv1KLNWnvQfVR1CCgQ_5LhMctNMsr_u0gE8U8spS_IaAuPaEALw_wcB