IMAGE COURTESY THE SPRUCE
While we're all taking the required measures to keep ourselves and our community safe from Covid-19, a very important consideration is to also reduce our impact on the environment during this pandemic. One way we can try to live a zero waste lifestyle is by creating our own cloth face masks instead of option for single-use masks (unless necessary).
Things to keep in mind while making your cloth face coverings —
- it should fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
- be secured with ties or ear loops
- include multiple layers of fabric
- allow for breathing without restriction
- be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape
These face masks can be washed in a washing machine, depending on the frequency of use.
Please note that a homemade face mask can capture small air particles, but it is not up to par with medical standards and should not be used in place of a N95 mask in environments with a high-risk of viral transmission.
What you will need
- Scarf (or any cotton cloth approximately 20" x 20")
- Rubber bands / Hair ties
- Scissors (if you need to cut the cloth)