The article talks about the invention of an innovative face mask
called "Helloface". The University of Hertfordshire (n.d.) also
stated that Dean's partially deaf wife read lips to assist herself in
understanding conversations when she could not hear properly. Dean then
realized the importance of being able to have a visual on the lips and facial
expression. Thus, he 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 can keep big particles from getting to
its users while also allowing others to see their faces. It features a flexible
transparent body that makes up 90% of the mask with filters at the bottom,
pressing against the chin. Dean also affirmed that the TPE material that makes
up the mask is recyclable.
From this article, one can see the importance of innovation to cater these face masks for our daily needs and comforts, with "Helloface" as one such example.
Focusing on face masks themselves, no matter how innovative they are, face mask usage should be managed in a manner that minimizes the impact it has on the environment, and reduce face mask pollution and waste. However, one could argue that the resources to implement such a practice outweighs the benefits.
The objective is not to discard the use of face masks, as they are essential for medical safety protocol (NBCnews, 2021), but to find a way to reduce the impact that it can cause on the environment: By using face masks made of environmentally friendly materials. With the increase in the usage of face masks in recent years, it becomes one of the main contributors of rubbish and waste. Therefore causing pollution and negatively impacting the environment. According to the director of research OceansAsia, Phelps Bondaroff (2021), face masks of different grades are often made with polypropylene plastic. When this material breaks into tinier pieces, it can take a maximum of 450 years to decompose. If the face masks were made of environmentally friendly materials instead of the usual plastic like polypropylene, the impact caused by face masks on the environment can be drastically reduced. Hence, to reduce the impact caused, face masks that are made of environmentally friendly material should be used instead.
Besides using environmentally friendly face masks, another good way of managing face masks to ensure the reduction of impact on the environment is: To dispose of them correctly and ensure that they do not end up mixing with the Earth's ecosystem (Phelps Bondaroff, 2021). It is estimated that 1.6 billion face masks globally ended up in our oceans (VisualCapitalist, 2021). According to NOAA (n.d), plastic, which also makes up face masks, breaks down and releases up to millions of microplastics into the water. Not only to our ecosystem, but the amount of damage improper disposing of face masks to marine life and even our health will also be substantial. Simple steps such as discarding the face masks into garbage cans with lids and tied-up garbage bags can prevent face masks from making their 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 of them appropriately, ensuring that it does not end up in the Earth's ecosystem.
On the other hand, one could argue that the cost outweighs the benefits when it comes to implementing proper disposal and recycling programmes and procedures. The resources required to properly manage face mask disposals, such as manpower and infrastructure, would be too expensive, especially in countries that are not very well-to-do. One could argue that these resources can be better allocated to more urgent matters. Though it is true that it might be too costly and that resources could be better allocated elsewhere, the resources and steps taken to manage face mask usage are essential for reducing waste and preserving Earth's ecosystem for a brighter future. Failure to address such a growing concern could lead to long-term environmental damage, which could lead to irreparable damage. Additionally, various technologies and innovations are emerging that are enabling the proper management and handling of face masks more cost-efficient. Hence, investing resources in this issue will outweigh the cost in the long run.
In conclusion, the usage of face masks should be managed appropriately to minimize the impact it has on the environment, reducing face mask pollution and waste. With the steps taken such as using environmentally friendly face masks and appropriately disposing of face masks to ensure that they do not end up in the Earth's ecosystem, the impact on the environment and face mask pollution can be reduced. For a significant result, it is up to everyone to accept the collective responsibility to make the environment a better place. "The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it." Robert Swan (2012).
References:
University of Hertfordshire (n.d.) Innovative Face Mask Breaks Inclusivity Barrier https://www.herts.ac.uk/enterprise-zone/news-and-case-studies/case-studies/business-incubation/innovative-face-mask-breaks-inclusivity-barriers
VisualCapitalist (2021, July 27) 1.6 Billion Disposable Masks Entered Our Oceans in 2020 https://www.visualcapitalist.com/1-6-billion-disposable-masks-entered-our-oceans-in-2020
NBCnews (2021, April 22) How to reduce face mask pollutions, according to experts https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/eco-friendly-face-mask-ncna1264810
From this article, one can see the importance of innovation to cater these face masks for our daily needs and comforts, with "Helloface" as one such example.
Focusing on face masks themselves, no matter how innovative they are, face mask usage should be managed in a manner that minimizes the impact it has on the environment, and reduce face mask pollution and waste. However, one could argue that the resources to implement such a practice outweighs the benefits.
The objective is not to discard the use of face masks, as they are essential for medical safety protocol (NBCnews, 2021), but to find a way to reduce the impact that it can cause on the environment: By using face masks made of environmentally friendly materials. With the increase in the usage of face masks in recent years, it becomes one of the main contributors of rubbish and waste. Therefore causing pollution and negatively impacting the environment. According to the director of research OceansAsia, Phelps Bondaroff (2021), face masks of different grades are often made with polypropylene plastic. When this material breaks into tinier pieces, it can take a maximum of 450 years to decompose. If the face masks were made of environmentally friendly materials instead of the usual plastic like polypropylene, the impact caused by face masks on the environment can be drastically reduced. Hence, to reduce the impact caused, face masks that are made of environmentally friendly material should be used instead.
Besides using environmentally friendly face masks, another good way of managing face masks to ensure the reduction of impact on the environment is: To dispose of them correctly and ensure that they do not end up mixing with the Earth's ecosystem (Phelps Bondaroff, 2021). It is estimated that 1.6 billion face masks globally ended up in our oceans (VisualCapitalist, 2021). According to NOAA (n.d), plastic, which also makes up face masks, breaks down and releases up to millions of microplastics into the water. Not only to our ecosystem, but the amount of damage improper disposing of face masks to marine life and even our health will also be substantial. Simple steps such as discarding the face masks into garbage cans with lids and tied-up garbage bags can prevent face masks from making their 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 of them appropriately, ensuring that it does not end up in the Earth's ecosystem.
On the other hand, one could argue that the cost outweighs the benefits when it comes to implementing proper disposal and recycling programmes and procedures. The resources required to properly manage face mask disposals, such as manpower and infrastructure, would be too expensive, especially in countries that are not very well-to-do. One could argue that these resources can be better allocated to more urgent matters. Though it is true that it might be too costly and that resources could be better allocated elsewhere, the resources and steps taken to manage face mask usage are essential for reducing waste and preserving Earth's ecosystem for a brighter future. Failure to address such a growing concern could lead to long-term environmental damage, which could lead to irreparable damage. Additionally, various technologies and innovations are emerging that are enabling the proper management and handling of face masks more cost-efficient. Hence, investing resources in this issue will outweigh the cost in the long run.
In conclusion, the usage of face masks should be managed appropriately to minimize the impact it has on the environment, reducing face mask pollution and waste. With the steps taken such as using environmentally friendly face masks and appropriately disposing of face masks to ensure that they do not end up in the Earth's ecosystem, the impact on the environment and face mask pollution can be reduced. For a significant result, it is up to everyone to accept the collective responsibility to make the environment a better place. "The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it." Robert Swan (2012).
References:
University of Hertfordshire (n.d.) Innovative Face Mask Breaks Inclusivity Barrier https://www.herts.ac.uk/enterprise-zone/news-and-case-studies/case-studies/business-incubation/innovative-face-mask-breaks-inclusivity-barriers
VisualCapitalist (2021, July 27) 1.6 Billion Disposable Masks Entered Our Oceans in 2020 https://www.visualcapitalist.com/1-6-billion-disposable-masks-entered-our-oceans-in-2020
NBCnews (2021, April 22) How to reduce face mask pollutions, according to experts https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/eco-friendly-face-mask-ncna1264810
HuffPost (2012, May 1) Robert Swan OBE: "The Greatest Threat to Our Planet Is the Belief That Someone Else Will Save It": In 1986, Robert Swan made the longest unassisted walk ever to the South Pole. Three years later he went onto the North Pole and by the age of 33, he became first person in history to walk to both North and South Pole https://www.huffpost.com/entry/robert-swan-antarctica_b_1315047#:~:text=In%20Swan's%20own%20words%3A%20%22The,see%20Antarctica%20in%20my%20midst.
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