5 Benefits of wearing a Reusable face mask

The UK government has announced that cloth face masks should be worn in places where social distancing is not possible, such as on public transport and in shops. At BOE we have created a reusable cloth mask that will both help stop the spread of COVID-19, and help protect the planet. A reusable mask is best, but that’s not just our expert opinion, here are some of the reasons why reusable masks are recommended by the government.

1. Surgical masks are in short supply and are needed by healthcare professionals.

Surgical grade masks are in short supply around the world and are needed by the doctors, workers, carers, and healthcare professionals who are working on the front line to save the lives of those who have contracted COVID-19. Surgical grade masks are not needed by members of the general public, a cloth mask will do the same job of preventing droplets from the nose and mouth from traveling as far and potentially infecting other people.

2. The public does not have the capability to dispose of surgical masks properly.

Surgical masks in hospitals should be disposed of properly to avoid contamination and are generally incinerated. The general public do not have the capabilities to follow this structured disposal and therefore masks will not be disposed of properly which risks both unnecessary contamination and the chance for masks to cause an adverse effect on the environment.

3. Disposable masks are made from single-use plastic, which adds to a wider environmental issue.

A shocking 150 million tons of single-use plastic is produced each year. With the increased usage of surgical single-use plastic masks by the general public, and with them not being disposed of correctly, single-use masks can create a big environmental issue. On the beaches of Hong Kong, thousands of masks are already being washed up, threatening the wildlife that inhabits our oceans. Our travel masks and protective pouch contain no single-use plastic and help to limit the amount of single-use masks being used around the world.

4. They help save money.

One mask can be reused over 50 times. This means you are saving 50 reusable masks from being used, thus saving you money, and keeping stocks of surgical masks replenished.

5. You don’t have to worry about disposing of them or unnecessary contamination.

Disposable masks are being found dropped on the floor, on beaches, and in parks. This means that they then cause a further contamination hazard is people may inadvertently touch them. Our reusable masks come with a protective pouch that you can immediately place your mask in after use to avoid contamination. You can then wash and dry your mask ready to wear again.

For more tips and tricks, or to order your reusable mask, visit https://bagsofethics.org/reusable-face-mask/.