Article in question by University of Hertfordshire
The web article called "Innovative Face Mask Breaks Inclusivity Barriers", talks about the invention of an innovative face mask called "Helloface". The article by University of Hertfordshire (n.d.) also stated that Dean's partially deaf wife, who read lips to assist herself in understanding conversations when she could not hear properly, inspired Dean and he realized the importance of being able to have a visual on the lips and facial expression. Thus, Dean came up with a solution that would solve communication issues where facial recognition is essential, especially in the healthcare industry. Having the distinct feature of transparency as the key focus of "Helloface", the University of Hertfordshire's(n.d.) revealed that the 3-ply structured transparent mask is able to keep big particles from from getting to its users while also allowing others to see their faces. The "Helloface" features a flexible TPE material transparent body that makes up 90% of the mask with filters at the bottom, pressing against the chin area. Dean (2020) also revealed that TPE material that makes up the mask is also recyclable and can be placed into the recycling stream.
From this article, due to the high demand for face masks caused by the COVID-19 virus, one can see the importance of innovation to cater these face masks for our daily needs and comforts. The "Helloface" is one such example.
No matter how innovative or creative it is, the usage of face masks should be managed in a manner that minimize the impact it has on the environment, reduce face mask pollution and eliminate waste. One could, however, argue that the costs and resources to implement such a practice outweighs the benefits.
The objective is not to completely discard the use of face masks, as it is an essential portion of medical safety protocol (nbcnews, 2021), but to find a way to reduce the impact that it can cause on the environment: By using and producing face masks made of environmentally friendly and sustainable materials. With the increase in the usage of single-use face mask in recent years, it is without a doubt, that it would be one of the main contributors of rubbish and waste. It therefore plays a major part in pollution, negatively impacting the environment, especially the marine life. According to the director of research OceansAsia, Phelps Bondaroff (2021), single-use face masks of various grades are often made with polypropylene plastic. When this material breaks into tinier pieces, it can take a maximum of 450 years to decompose. It is easy for one to dispose of their mask, but if not handled properly, it can be detrimental to the environment in the long run. Therefore to solve this issue, or at least reduce the impact caused, face masks should be made of environmentally friendly material, reducing the impact on the environment. One such example is the "TenTree Protect Mask", it is a double-layered mask made of hemp and recycled polyester fabric, while the inside lining is made from organic cotton and hemp (TenTree, 2021). These materials are all natural, along with being renewable and easily recycled. It also comes in different colours like the classic black and colours that are akin to trees.
Besides producing and using masks that are sustainable and environmentally friendly, another good way of managing face masks to ensure that impact on the environment is reduced: Disposing them correctly and ensuring that they do not end up mixing with the Earth's eco system (Phelps Bondaroff, 2021). It is estimated that, due to the sky high usage of face masks, approximately 1.6 billion face masks globally ended up in our oceans (OceansAsia, 2020). Also according to NOAA (n.d), as plastic, which disposable face masks are made of, breaks down and releases up to millions of microplastics, which are pieces of plastic not longer than 5mm length, into the water. Not only to our ecosystem, the amount of damage improper discarding of face masks to marine life and even our health will be substantial and extensive. Simple steps such as discarding the face masks into garbage cans with lids and garbage bags that can be tied together can prevent face masks from making its way to the Earth's ecosystem. As stated by the head of plastic waste and business at the World Wildlife Fund, Erin Simon (2021), it is crucial to be educated on how to dispose of face masks properly so that they will not end up in oceans, lakes and rivers. This way, one will have the ability to mitigate the impacts of pollution caused by face masks by disposing it appropriately, ensuring that it does not end up in the Earth's ecosystem.
On the other hand, one could argue that cost outweighs the benefits when it comes to implementing proper disposal and recycling programmes and procedures. The resources required to properly manage face mask disposal, such as manpower and infrastructure, would be too complex and expensive, especially in countries that are developing. One could argue that these resources can be better allocated in more pressing matters. Though it is true that there may be other matters that are more urgent and that it would be too costly, especially for places where resources are scarce, the resources and steps taken to manage and handle face masks usage is essential towards reducing waste and preserving the environment and Earth's ecosystem for a brighter future. Failure to address such a growing concern due to short sightedness, could lead to long-term environmental damage in the long run, which could lead to even more severe issues that will have a global effect. Additionally, there are various technologies and innovations that are emerging that are enabling the proper management and handling of face masks more feasible and cost-efficient. Hence, investing the resources and taking the steps for this issue will pay off, outweighing the cost in the long run.
In conclusion, the usage of face masks should be managed and handled appropriately to minimize the impact it has on the environment, reducing pollution and eliminating waste. With the steps taken such as using face masks that are made of sustainable and environmentally friendly materials and properly disposing face masks to ensure that they do not end up in the Earth's ecosystem an cause damage to it, the impact of face mask pollution can be mitigated. In order for a significant end result, it is up to everyone to take part in the collective responsibility to make the environment a better place for future generations. "The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it." Robert Swan (2012).
References:
Marcus Lu. (2021, July 27). https://www.visualcapitalist.com/1-6-billion-disposable-masks-entered-our-oceans-in-2020
Zoe M. (2021, April 22) https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/eco-friendly-face-mask-ncna1264810
Comments
Post a Comment