Since COVID-19 swept across the planet, face masks have become a necessity in an effort to contain this unprecedented outbreak. Slowing the spread has become priority number one to save both lives and the global economy. However, ignoring the plastic crisis in favour solving of the Covid crisis is costing the planet untold damage and it is now estimated that 129 BILLION single use face masks are being produced EVERY MONTH. Worse still, each mask takes 450 years to degrade and hundreds of millions of them are winding up in our rivers and oceans, adding to the already 6.3 billion metric tons has become already become plastic waste.

These numbers are so staggeringly high they are hard to comprehend, making it sometimes easier to bury our heads in the plastic-littered sand! But we mustn’t and every little choice we make has a ripple effect. So today make a choice to STOP USING SINGLE USE FACE MASKS!

The good news is that there are alternatives to single use masks, such as making your own at home. However, if you do opt to create a homemade mask, make sure adhere to some simple rules in order to be effective in the fight against airborne pollutants and infectious diseases. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a face covering should cover your nose and mouth while allowing you to breathe comfortably and fit securely against the side of your face. It should be made of a breathable material, such as cotton and ideally include three layers of anti-bacterial fabric. Additionally, it should be able to be washed with other items of laundry without causing the face covering to be damaged. Personally, I don’t have access to sewing machines and bacteria fighting fabrics lying around at home!!

Instead, one brand that I love is Urban Shield Face Masks; they are effective, fashionable and more eco-friendly than single use face masks. They have three layers with an outer layer made from anti-microbial fabric; protecting you from germs and pollutants. The central removable layer is an industrial-strength particle filter for added peace of mind. Finally, the inner layer has moisture wicking and anti-odour properties so no more itchy mask-face or smelly breath! Also, each mask has adjustable ear straps and a mouldable noseband for a secure and comfortable fit. And they are affordable too, with most masks in the collection selling for £9.99. Each Urban Shield Face Mask is machine washable at 60°C (140°F) for 50+ wears without fading or losing its shape. Meanwhile, after each use, simply remove the central filter and spritz with an anti-bacterial sanitiser spray for 7+ uses.

That’s a multi-layered, anti-odour, anti-microbial, adjustable, reusable and eco-friendly, fashionable face covering for under £10! And Kids’ sizes too!

Camo Superstar by Urban Shield

For the foreseeable future, face coverings in enclosed public spaces are the law in the UK and are going to be a part of everyday life. Beyond that, who knows? We might find that they stay with us for many years to come, even after a vaccine has been discovered. After all, it is a sad fact that the air we breathe in the urban jungle is full of all sorts of nasty particles from pollutants to allergens to viruses and more, making it essential we all have a solution that is affordable, comfortable, effective, reusable and spreads a little joy in the process. So if we have to wear them, we might as well look and feel good without it costing the Earth, literally!!! Please opt for a reusable solution, together we can drastically cut down on waste.

Visit: www.urbanshieldfacemasks.com and use code REUSE10 for 10% off your Urban Shield Face Mask

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