Choose reusable face masks and other steps to help the environment
It is no secret that the Covid - 19 pandemic has meant a huge surge in pollution, specially ocean pollution. We’ve all seen how the use of medical disposable face masks and plastic gloves is one of the main tools used to prevent and protect medical teams all over the world. But we've also seen how people that don’t necessarily need medical disposable masks or plastic gloves are using them as well when they could be making better choices for our planet.
Disposable face masks “global sales will total some $166 billion this year, up from around $800 million in 2019 according to the UN trade body, UNCTAD on the United Nations News article: https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/07/1069151
““If historical data is a reliable indicator, it can be expected that around 75 per cent of the used masks, as well as other pandemic-related waste, will end up in landfills, or floating in the seas.””
Sadly, single use plastic in Laos is still very common. From the many plastic bags that are given to you any time you order a delivery or any time a purchase is made, to the styrofoam plates or cups used during festivals and celebrations, it is very clear that action is needed.
“Plastic pollution was already one of the greatest threats to our planet before the coronavirus outbreak,” says Pamela Coke-Hamilton, UNCTAD’s director of international trade. “The sudden boom in the daily use of certain products to keep people safe and stop the disease is making things much worse.”
Worrying about this reality is not enough. That is why Passa Paa, since its beginnings, has been very clear about how deeply we care about the environment and reducing our impact on it. This concern is addressed in our production practices, use of natural organic materials and the purpose of the accessories we produce. Some of the products that you can purchase to avoid single plastic use are our Market Bags, Bees Wax Wraps and Bamboo Straws and now our Reusable Face Coverings!
Since the pandemic and witnessing the need for face covering alternatives, Passa Paa decided to make face masks that would give people the chance of making better choices for our environment. All of our masks are reusable! When you want to wash them just throw them in the washing machine.
They are made with 3 layers of fabric. Outer layers are made of cotton and for the middle lining we use a non-woven medical grade fabric, the same that is used for masks for occupational health practices. This combination of layers allow us to breathe comfortably and safely. Our masks also have a toggle to adjust around the ears and there is a shapable metal insert to go over the top of nose for even more comfort and a closer fit.
Head to our shop if you want to purchase your reusable face covers: https://www.passa-paa.com/shop
The more you use these kind of reusable masks, the less plastic we are injecting into our oceans and landfills. We invite you to use these products and make other tiny but mighty steps towards a more sustainable living. Using this product might seem like tiny steps but they are not less important! Here are some other steps we feel make such a difference:
- leading by example and letting your loved ones know why you are making these decisions
- explaining to your kids and future adults the importance of these every day steps
- staying informed about new options and products that are better for our environment
If you want to learn more about the problem with single use face masks, here are some interesting articles for you to read:
How face masks, gloves and other coronavirus waste is polluting our ocean
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/06/ppe-masks-gloves-coronavirus-ocean-pollution/
Five things you should know about disposable masks and plastic pollution
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/07/1069151
“More masks than jellyfish”: coronavirus waste ends up in ocean
We hope you join us in fighting the single plastic use of every product but now even more desperately with our reusable face coverings. Every step matters and the Passa Paa team will keep working towards caring about the environment and reducing our impact on it.