Impact of Disposable Masks on our Environment

Brought to you by ALP members…

What is a Disposable Mask?

Disposable mask is ……usually made of polypropylene, a type of plastic that cannot be broken down quickly in the environment. Most masks consist of three layers, and are made of composite materials that are difficult to separate, making them unsuitable for recycling.

But do you know?

Est. 3,000,000( 3 million!)

masks are used every minute globally

Source: How Covid-19 is choking the planet ?ST, 9th Jan 2021

Helps to avoid inhaling different kinds of airborne

contaminants

Helps to reduce the chances of coming

in direct contact with infections

Why does one use disposable mask?

Filter bacteria effectively

However, improper way of disposing the masks had negatively impacted the

environment we live in …

“From the beaches in the Mediterranean to Lantau Island in Hong Kong, a new

kind of waste is washing ashore in

disturbing quantities - used face masks, disposable gloves

and discarded hand sanitiser bottles.”

Source ST, Aug 1 2020

“Mask debris, latex gloves and other forms of personal protective equipment (PPE) have begun showing up in oceans”…”

Source ST, Dec 31st 2020

Sea birds became

entangled in masks

“In Singapore, five to six pieces of masks have been found during each clean-up organised by environmental volunteer groups at local parks,

beaches and waterways”

Source : ST, 31st Dec 2020

“….Waterways Watch Society (an organization that does coastal and waterway clean ups

each week in Singapore ) has seen a threefold increase in mask litter in recent weeks.”

Source : ST, 9th Jan 2020

Why is this happening?Irresponsible manner of disposing the mask!

How do we do our part?

Dispose the mask responsibly Just Bin it !

“….users should try their best not to place them in a position where they might be blown off by the wind and rain. If one’s mask has fallen to the ground, it should be picked up and disposed of responsibly.”

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/commentary/commentary-disposable-masks-ending-up-on-pavements-13009734

After you have disposed the used masks in a proper manner, ensure you dispose the rubbish responsibly too. Tie it up!

Let’s do our part for the environment we are in….

Together we can make a difference …