Aware that the environment is a gift to be respected and cared for, the Brigidine Sisters have become more diligent about reducing the use of single-use plastics – including, in these times of pandemic, disposable face masks.

*Disposable face masks are filling up landfill and polluting our waterways, but alternatives are available. Image: Pixabay.*

“We know that disposable face masks are piling up in landfill and washing up in our waterways and beaches,” the Sisters say on their website.

“Unfortunately, single-use masks contain synthetic layers, and are very hard to recycle. While they might lower our chance of contracting coronavirus, their environmental legacy will last decades, if not centuries.”

The Brigidine Sisters point to a recent article on the issue, published in The Conversation which says that while masks may help stop the spread of the coronavirus, “according to one estimate, if everyone in the United Kingdom used a single-use mask each day for a year, it would create 66,000 tonnes of contaminated waste and 57,000 tonnes of plastic packaging”.

“Evidence also suggests masks may be a source of harmful microplastic fibres on land and in waterways and litter,” the article says.

It goes on to suggest which kinds of face masks are better for the planet.

The Brigidine Sisters urge people to become aware of the problem of disposable face masks for the health of our planet and take action to reduce their use.

“Let’s be responsible and take decisive action to ensure our use of masks at this time does not threaten the life and well-being of our common home.”

This article was drawn from information on the website of the Brigidine Sisters