A Face Mask, one of the extremely essential stuff we need now is suffocating millions life that is breathing underwater. According to OceansAsia, a non-profit organization, face masks produced 4,680 to 6,240 metric tons of global marine plastic pollution in 2020.
via:wewantrefill
With the companies producing millions and billions each day, the figure is going to be much higher. We can reduce this waste by embracing eco-friendly face masks and let the Earth breathe freely. The theme of WORLD EARTH DAY 2021 “RESTORE THE EARTH” is advising us to do the same.
Also Read: 7 Common Face Mask Mistakes Everyone Should Avoid
But, one question can prevent us from embracing this step. Are eco-friendly masks effective? All your answers are here.
Why To Use Eco-Friendly Face Masks?
via:thejakartapost
This is not a new term that we all need to understand from the start. A mask that is washable, reusable, and can be discarded in an environment without polluting it is eco-friendly and sustainable. The common ones used by the doctors aka surgical masks are made of non-woven fabric that is polypropylene which is bad for the environment. How?
Both disposable and medical-grade masks are made of this material and it takes more than 300 years to decompose completely. Not just polypropylene, different types of materials are also used in making whose usability vary as per the level of protection. They also decompose gradually.
This means Mother Earth will be the one suffering longer than humans due to the covid pandemic. So, the challenge lies in how to protect ourselves without polluting the environment.
via:indiatimes
The ideal way is to use eco-friendly masks which can be safely disposed of and quickly decomposed in the soil. Secondly, learn the right way to dispose of a mask as inappropriate waste management can severely harm the oceans, rivers, and end up killing millions of birds, sea creatures, and animals for years gradually.
And since we all need higher protection during a pandemic, the usage of high-quality eco-friendly face masks cannot be overlooked.
Also Read: 5 Worst Man-Made Disasters That Left Forever Scars On The World
Restore The Earth With Sustainable Face Masks
A Karnataka-based company has come up with a sustainable option to deal with both pandemic and face mask pollution. Here’s the full story.
Don’t Throw It, Grow It!!!
Paper Seed Co, a company that manufactures everything eco-friendly right from paper to pen has recently introduced a new product. A face mask made of paper and cotton which will provide enough protection from infection can be turned into a plant.
Yes, you heard it correctly. The mask is prepared with scrap materials, paper pulp and has a soft cotton cloth inside to protect from the infectious virus. The unique thing about the mask is that it has plant seed embedded so that when you discard the mask in the soil it grows into the plant within few days. However, you have to water the mask daily. It’s single-use and affordable.
They may not look fancy and attractive but they are worth appreciating and using as all are handmade. Also, an enormous amount of time and patience goes into the making right from creating the paper pulp to stitch, dry, and complete the final product.
This sustainable option is also a bread and better for many locals as many have lost jobs during the pandemic. So, the idea and efforts are worth appreciating.
You can also take one step further by using eco-friendly face masks and move towards sustainability and improve the Earth’s health beside taking care of your health.
So, let’s heal the nature with this small step because ” When We Heal The Earth, We Heal Ourselves.”