Comment jeter vos masques jetables - de la bonne manière

Face masks have become a staple across the world over the past year, something none of us could have predicted. While we are grateful that masks protect us from unwanted germs and viruses, they are also a source of great concern for environmentalists and like-minded citizens, as they are not recyclable and pose a significant threat to our already damaged ecosystem.

According to the ACS (American Chemical Society) , 129 billion masks were used each month during the pandemic. The majority of these face masks are made from polypropylene, a type of plastic, one layer of cotton and one layer of polyester/plastic, which means they cannot be recycled in the traditional sense. Although we cannot recycle our face masks, we can dispose of them in a way that has the least possible impact on the environment. First, let’s look at a few key indicators that tell us when we should throw away a mask:

• The mask is visibly dirty/dirty
• Masks are single-use and should be discarded after use
• You were in contact with someone who was sick
• The mask is either damp or wrinkled

Now we know when let’s move on to how to eliminate them:

• The easiest and most effective way to reduce damage when disposing of masks is to cut or tear the ear loops.
• If you have been in contact with a sick person, dispose of the mask in a separate sealed plastic bag which is then discarded in the trash to reduce the risk of transmission.
• If you are quarantining with someone who is sick, consider having your contaminated waste disposed of by a hazardous waste management company.
• If no one in your household is sick, you can throw your face masks in the regular trash (after cutting off the ear loops of course!).

Now you might be wondering “Why should I worry about getting rid of it properly? Surely the majority of waste comes from hospitals and large companies! And you would be right. However, the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) has reported that the waste generated by the use of face masks is so immense that even 1% of masks disposed of incorrectly would lead to the release of 40,000 kilograms of plastic per month into the wild, this which shows how important it is. it is up to everyone to do their part for safe disposal.

Browse our wide selection of face masks and other PPE today. We’re doing our part to fight negative environmental impact by planting a tree in Ontario for every 4 boxes of premium blue face masks sold, and you can join us by simply checking the “Add a tree to my order” box when checking out. order! *

Whether it’s turning off the lights for an hour, planting a tree in the garden, or just getting outside to enjoy nature, be sure to celebrate Earth Day with us this April 22, ²⁰²¹ .

* An additional $4 will be added to your total.