Use reusable cloth face coverings made from natural vs. synthetic materials like organic
or recycled cotton or hemp (the more sustainably produced the better!) Cloth masks
are easier to clean, more durable and help reduce waste from disposable masks. Discarded
single-use masks and gloves are already washing up on shorelines and littering the
seabed. Make sure if you do use single-use masks or gloves that you dispose of them
in a trash/landfill bin!
Reusable Cloth Masks
LooptWorks Upcycled Face Masks made in Portland and LA. LooptWorks masks meet the WHO standards
that EHS recommends (two layers of materials).
All the materials used to create Looptworks products at one time were headed to the
landfill, or worse. We intercept and utilize these industry excess materials, transforming
them into new, useful products — a process known as upcycling. Our sustainable, eco-friendly
products are made in limited editions, and in the process save materials from landfills
or incinerators.
Choosing to support upcycled goods over products made using virgin materials, keeps
quality excess from being disposed of. In the process, limited natural resources are
conserved and carbon emissions are reduced.
Can ship to individual addresses, no minimum order but bulk order discounts start
at 250 at $7.00 per mask.
There are also a number of small businesses on Etsy and other platforms where you
can buy individual or bulk order masks. Look for cloth masks made from organic or
recycled materials when possible.
How to make your own mask
You just need some thread and a needle (or sewing machine), scissors, fabric (about
two 10x8 inch sheets, depending on which tutorial you use) and extra fabric, elastics
(7 inch), or clean shoe-laces for the loops. You can also use rubber bands or hair
ties for elastic replacement options.
There are several resources online for DIY masks, here are just a few:
How to wash your mask
The CDC recommends washing your reusable masks after every use. To make your masks
last longer, we recommend hand-washing and air-drying them (dryer heat can damage
elastic!) to save energy and water. Dr. Bronner’s castile soap works up a sudsy lather and is made with all-natural, organic ingredients
that won’t irritate your skin or your senses. Make sure to completely dry the mask
after washing. Lay flat and allow to completely dry. If possible, place the mask in
direct sunlight.
Marks can also be washed in a washing machine with regular detergent and dried with
your regular laundry. While it is true that elastic could eventually be damaged by
heat, it is still fine to use a dryer.
EHS strongly recommends NOT using bleach to clean face coverings. Not only is it a
respiratory irritant, a skin irritant, and something that can harm your eyes in the
event of a splash, but it will discolor the mask. They also warn against using strongly
scented detergent, soap, or dryer sheets for those who may be sensitive to perfumes.
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