Alternatives to Disposable Face Masks

The coronavirus outbreak has led to a dramatic increase in the demand for face masks. As a result, an estimated 1.56 billion face masks have already entered oceans in 2020. Disposable masks contain plastics that pollute water and can harm wildlife who eat them or become tangled in them. These masks will take as long as 450 years to break down, slowly turning into microplastics while negatively impacting marine wildlife and ecosystems.

With face masks littering the environment, the search is on for sustainable solutions. Here are some eco-friendly alternatives to face masks:

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Eco-Ratings

When companies continually call themselves 'eco-friendly,' it can be tricky to distinguish those businesses that are genuinely eco-friendly, and those that are merely jumping on the environmental bandwagon for green marketing.

Eco-Ratings give you the ability to make better choices when you shop. This rating system considers the following:

1. Alternative

How big of an impact this product has as an alternative for a similar generic product?

2. Affordability

How affordable is this product in comparison to a similar generic product?

3. Quality

How is the quality of this product in comparison to a similar generic product?

4. People/Planet

How socially and environmentally responsible is the company?

Our Process:

As part of the initial research, we look at how and where products are typically manufactured. We look into the effects of these products on the local community and environment, the global environment, and the workers who make them. Mostly, we rely on:

  • Customer reviews and recommendations obtained from multiple websites, forums, and groups.
  • Website and social media outlets for the company.
  • Certifications and Eco-Labels.
Our Ratings:

Minimal environmental engagement, but overall superior to comparable products.

A few certifications and eco-labels. Energy-saving/environmental advantages over comparable products.

Good customer reviews. Impressive roster of eco-certifications, better energy-saving and environmental engagement than comparable products.

Great customer reviews and recommendations. Excellent engagement with environmental responsibility and minimal carbon emission.

Highly recommended products, all major eco-certifications, best energy saving ratings, made by socially and environmentally responsible company.
Eco-Rating

Please rate the product based on the following:
● Alternative: How big of an impact this product has as an alternative for a similar generic product?
● Affordability: How affordable is this product in comparison to a similar generic product?
● Quality: How is the quality of this product in comparison to a similar generic product?
● People/Planet: How socially and environmentally responsible is the company which makes this product?