Since March of 2020, face masks have become a fundamental part of our lives, and at least for the foreseeable future, it looks like they’re here to stay. With all of New Zealand currently under some form of restrictions, masks are required by law in virtually every indoor and many outdoor settings. While they have been proven to reduce the risks of contracting and spreading the COVID-19 virus, single-use face masks also pose real risks to our natural environment. One recent report estimates that a staggering 129 billion facemasks are used every month, or nearly 3 million every minute.

 

One alternative that quickly gained popularity was the reusable face mask; masks made of cotton or some other breathable fabric that can be washed and reused many times. These are both more environmentally-friendly and more cost-efficient, which would make them seem like the obvious choice over single-use varieties. However, reusable face masks are no longer allowed in specific industries including medical settings such as hospitals, GPs, and some close contact businesses. Which means single-use masks are still necessary in situations where the highest level of hygiene is required. - Due to the Omicron variant being 7x more contagious than its previous predecessors the KN95 & N95 masks are now the recommended choice from the NZ government. 

 

Are Reusable Masks Less Safe than Single-Use?

 

Reusable face masks made of fabric have been shown to provide adequate levels of protection, and these are considered perfectly safe for use by the general public. It is only in medical settings that single-use masks are required by law.

 

In order for reusable masks to provide optimal protection, it is important that they are washed regularly. Reusable masks also create a more effective barrier when composed of multiple layers and when they are closely fitted, fully covering the mouth and nose. Our Flexible 2 Layer Washable Face Masks have been tested to provide protection from inhaling and spreading bacteria, and elastic ear bands mean they offer a close fit for all sizes.

 

How Do Single-Use Masks Affect the Environment?

Single-use face masks are generally made of plastics such as polypropylene and polyethylene, materials that can take hundreds of years to fully break down. While soft plastics and bottles are now being accepted by more and more recycling agencies around the world, face masks are considered medical waste, which means they cannot be recycled. As a result, they add to landfill, and when not properly disposed of, they show up in their thousands in public places, waterways, and along shorelines. They pose a danger to wildlife, as animals often swallow them or become entangled in the elastic straps.

How to Dispose of Single-Use Masks Responsibly?

Where it is not possible to wear a reusable mask, you can mitigate the environmental harms of single-use masks by disposing of them properly. Always dispose of your masks in a closed bin and cut or tear off the elastic straps before you do. In order to avoid exposure of the person handling the garbage, you should also place your used mask within another bag before disposing of it.

Westland offers different varieties of single-use masks, including the Standard Ear Loop Surgical Mask and the more robust P2 N95 Duckbill Respiratory Mask. Both of these are made of breathable, comfortable material and should be safely disposed of immediately after use.

Contact Westpeak New Zealand Today

Westpeak is proud to offer our customers a comprehensive range of premium PPE for all settings. To find out more about any of our products or to speak to one of our friendly team members, contact us by phone or online today.