EcoWaste Coalition Pitches for Reusable Face Masks to Lessen COVID-19 Plastic Waste

The EcoWaste Coalition, an environmental health group, prodded the general public to go for reusable cloth face masks to control the unbridled use and disposal of single-use masks made of non-biodegradable and non-recyclable plastic.

The group’s latest plea for sustainable resource use followed its discovery yesterday of soiled medical or surgical face masks on the so-called Baseco Beach in Port Area, Manila and along the coast of Barangay Muzon in Rosario, Cavite.

“While we fully support the wearing of face coverings or masks as part of the basic health protocol to stem the spread of COVID-19, we are deeply upset by the unchecked consumption and disposal of soiled masks that are ending up on our streets and in the beaches and seas,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition.

“This is very concerning as these throw-away masks, which are supposed to protect us and others from the dreaded virus, pose a real threat to aquatic life,” she said, warning marine animals might mistakenly eat, get choked or become entangled in them.

Aside from disposable masks, the group also found rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizer plastic bottles washed up on the beaches along with mostly plastic garbage such as carry bags, product sachets, polystyrene containers, straws and other single-use items.

“To discourage the unrestrained use and disposal of throw-away masks, we urge the public to don reusable fabric masks, which can be easily washed with detergent or soap and safely reuse,” Lucero said.

“By opting for reusable or washable face masks, we avoid generating non-biodegradable and non-recyclable trash that only adds to the worsening plastic pollution crisis,” she said. “Over time, discarded masks in the oceans will break down into extremely small particles and may contribute to the microplastic contamination of the food supply chain.”

She added “limiting our use of medical masks will also ensure adequate and steady supply for those who need them the most,” citing a World Health Organization (WHO) advisory on who wears medical and fabric masks, where and when.

According to the WHO, “medical masks (also known as surgical masks) should be worn by health workers, people who have COVID-19 symptoms and those who take care of someone suspected or confirmed with COVID-19.”

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the EcoWaste Coalition also pointed to the need to integrate in the National Plan of Action for the Prevention, Reduction, and Management of Marine Litter (NPOA-ML) concrete policies and steps to cut down on coronavirus plastic waste and to stop such waste from entering the oceans.

The NPOA-ML is currently being finalized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) and the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB).*