Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Disposable PPE

One of the most disappointing things to come out of this pandemic is the increased litter. People seem to be fly tipping more, they’re leaving disposable BBQ’s in the countryside which are causing devastating fires and they’re dropping disposable masks and gloves everywhere. Eurgh! For a start I hate disposable or single use items anyway, but the only people who should be using disposable PPE are medical professionals. The rest of us can use the eco-friendly alternatives to disposable PPE. So in this article I’ll be discussing why the majority of us don’t actually need disposable PPE and the various alternatives that we can use!

What is PPE?

PPE stands for personal protective equipment. It includes items such as masks, safety helmets, gloves, eye protection and high-visibility clothing – wearable items designed to keep people safe. – BBC

Is PPE necessary?

During the current pandemic PPE is a good way to help stop the spread of the virus. For those in the medical profession, PPE is an absolutely essential item. The PPE medical professionals use is of a much higher standard than the rest of us actually need to use.

How Does PPE Help Prevent The Spread of The Virus?

Every day it seems that we learn more about COVID-19. One of the things we know for sure is that washing your hands regularly is a very good way to help prevent the spread. Wearing a mask also helps because it acts a barrier. It probably isn’t 100% effective, but it certainly helps. There are loads of memes flying around which help to explain the importance of masks.

Any piece of cloth used as a face mask will help to prevent transmission. Certain materials are better than others, for example lace isn’t going to do much good!

Disposable face masks ‘are the latest menace’ in the fight against plastic pollution and people should use washable cloth face coverings instead of throwaway PPE, warns Greenpeace

Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Disposable PPE

What makes these eco-friendly? They’re reusable, therefore people are less likely to throw them away. If dropped they cause less harm to wildlife. Reusable masks are more likely to be made from natural materials (try to find plastic free versions) so are more likely to biodegrade if they are lost or dropped. If everyone wears a mask the virus won’t spread as quickly.

Some people really don’t like wearing the masks which attach behind the ears, so I’ve included a few different options as well.

1. Cycling Mask
2. Cloth Mask (homemade or bought)
3. Bandana / Scarf (bought or you already own)

Some of the links below are affiliate links, some are links to youtube videos advising how to make masks yourself. If you buy something after clicking an affiliate link I might make a small amount of money, at no extra cost to you.

Cycling Masks

Cloth Masks

I made the no sew mask with head ties (second one below). It’s incredibly comfortable and so easy to make. I didn’t like the idea of ear ties, so this mask is perfect for me.

Bandana / Scarf

If you don’t already own a bandana or a scarf, here are a few good options.

Whatever type of mask you decide to go for, it’s still vital you regularly wash your hands with hot water and soap. When you don’t have access to a sink, use hand sanitiser. Make sure you wash your hands as soon as you’ve removed the mask from your face and wash your mask when you get home. You should really have a couple of masks you can use, so you always have one when the other one is being washed. You should also still be social distancing wherever possible.

Effectiveness of different types of masks

Disposable Surgical Masks

Although they don’t have built-in air filters, the masks can stop droplets of liquid, which are how the majority of the COVID-19 viruses are spread.

Cycling Masks

While cycling masks remain untested regarding coronavirus, they are intended to provide a layer of protection from airborne particles. They are designed to stop cyclists breathing in pollution when they ride through areas with heavy traffic.

Cloth Masks

Loads of shops now sell cloth masks. They aren’t as effective as medical grade masks, but if you and others are wearing one, it is harder for airborne particles to get to you.

Bandana’s / Scarves

Using a bandana or scarf you already own, especially if you fold the material over to provide a couple of layers of material, is a good option for those who don’t want to, or can’t afford to, spend money on other types of masks. These masks are unlikely to prevent someone from catching the virus, but they could stop them from spreading it.

Information from the Daily Mail

What about Gloves?

The only way gloves are effective is if you dispose of them and use a new pair every time you touch something. This is just not practical and you’re better off washing your hands. The majority of people who wear gloves don’t use them properly. For example you might be in a shop and pick up a potato, you then put the potato down and touch a bag of carrots, then you touch your handbag. If the potato was ‘infected’ you’ve now transferred the virus to the bag of carrots and your handbag. You still have to wash the bag of carrots and your handbag, making the gloves a bit pointless!

Pros of Reusable PPE

• They’re reusable!
• They don’t harm wildlife
• It saves resources to reuse rather than buy single use
• Face masks help to prevent the spread of covid and help to filter out air pollution
• You can choose a mask to fit your personality so…
• You look cooler in a reusable mask than a surgical one!
• Finally, they’re really very easy to make using stuff you have at home already.

Make sure you buy one of the many eco-friendly alternatives to disposable PPE. And if you see PPE litter, please pick it up (safely).

Whatever type of mask you decide to go for, wash your hands, keep your distance, and stay safe!

Main image from “Users of face masks and gloves urged to dispose of them properly“

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