Alternatives to Littered Blue Face Masks

Thought Organic Cotton Face Mask

Disposable blue face masks have been labelled ‘the new plastic bottle’, as billions of them have littered across the planet, and harmed countless birds, wildlife and marine creatures. Knowing the pandemic was coming, you would think someone would have come up with a better design than a plastic face mask with strips that would obviously entangle creatures, when littered.

Unless you need a disposable one for medical reasons, invest in a reusable face mask, for when you need to use it. Also read our post on zero-waste hand washes and sanitisers.

Do not use face masks while asleep, nor on young children or people with breathing difficulties (or cannot remove masks without assistance). 

Snip the Strips and Bin Securely

Jamaica Information Service

Those of us who go out for a walk, don’t want to have to keep looking like tramps, by picking up discarded blue face masks, ripping the ear loops apart (to stop birds and wildlife getting entangled) and then finding a bin. So do this yourself, when you take your face mask off.

Thought Face Masks are made from organic cotton, from offcuts of this sustainable fashion company. These are one adjustable size and double-layered with a pocket to fit a PM2.5 filter (not included) with elasticated over the ear straps. Machine-washable (not designed for medical use).

EcoLiving Organic Cotton Face Mask is made of 2 layers of GOTS-certified organic cotton and a layer of medical-grade certified melt-blown filter, with recycled and OEKO Tex-certified soft elastic ear loops.

Includes a full length concealed nose bridge to achieve a secure fit over your nose and face. Sold in packs of 10 in a recycled fabric waste cardboard box, each one packed in a home compostable bag.

This pack of 3 fair trade organic face masks includes 1 each of red, green and black packed in an organic cotton bag (to wash them in). Each mask includes soft elastic hooks for the ears, and a nose adjuster to hold in place.