This year has proved to be a challenging one for our world. From Beijing to Budapest, Cape Town to Cairo and Manila to Miami, no city has been immune to the COVID-19 Pandemic that has rocked our world. A year filled with uncertainty, economic instability and anxiety. A year of challenges and unfamiliar terminology where social distancing, personal protective equipment and new normal are words that have taken on an entirely new meaning. Our existence has been living with the focus to keeping ourselves and others safe through the wearing of face masks, utilizing hand sanitizer and increasing the frequency of hand washing. These measures have been invaluable in attempting to flatten the curve and preventing the further spread of the disease that has taken hundreds of thousands of lives. In our valiant efforts to protect ourselves, we have placed other species under great risk; our ocean life.  As stated in a UN news article on July 30, 2020; “The promotion of mask wearing as a way to slow the spread of COVID-19 has led to an extraordinary increase in the production of disposable masks: the UN trade body, UNCTAD, estimates that global sales will total some $166 billion this year, up from around $800 million in 2019.” If historical predictions are accurate, then 75% of disposable masks and other pandemic -related waste will end up in landfills, or floating in the seas. While we are saving ourselves from imminent danger we are adding fuel to another global crisis; the war on pollution. The single use masks are often worn only once and then discarded carelessly without thought. These lightweight disposable masks find themselves blown into our sewer systems, water ways and oceans. Luckily there are several washable and reusable masks on the market.  In certain professions, single use medical grade personal protective equipment is necessary. In the event that you have to use a single use disposable masks please keep the following in mind:

• Cut off the ear or head straps from the front of the mask. If these masks were to end up in our waters, the straps can lead to fish and animal entanglement.
• Dispose of the used mask in a proper PPE medical waste container. If this is not an option, then dispose of the mask in a garbage bin.
• Disposable masks cannot be recycled and therefore should never be placed in the Recycling bin.

The wearing of masks to prevent the spread of disease is a practice that needs to continue until the disease is controlled. However, though mask wearing is mandated, we have a choice in the type of masks that we wear. Just as we have fought to change the single use of plastic mentality, we need to continue to fight the usage of single use masks unless medically necessary.

At a time when small businesses are drastically effected by the decline in business, it is great opportunity to support businesses that produce masks. Purchase masks from local suppliers to reduce the carbon footprint and support companies with a social impact component to maximize your contribution. Invest in washable and reusable masks to protect your health and the health of those around you.

During this pandemic, there seems to be so much beyond our control. Our power lies in our ability to take thoughtful and conscious action. The products that we use to protect ourselves, is our choice. Choose wisely.

Want to learn more? Below are some links for additional information.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jun/08/more-masks-than-jellyfish-coronavirus-waste-ends-up-in-ocean

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/06/09/coronavirus-waste-oceans-masks-gloves-raises-environmental-concern/5325194002/

https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/07/1069151

https://www.timeout.com/miami/news/still-need-a-face-mask-buy-one-locally-from-these-miami-designers-040920

https://mdotblake.com/mask

https://www.instagram.com/cass.collective/