Gloria Gaynor’s lyrics seem apt because I am back after a long time of not writing but I still have that sad look upon my face. Things have gone a bit crazy over the last year, pretty sure you all know to what I am referring. And amongst all the stress, anxiety, worry and isolation I have had to try and ignore the increase in plastic consumption caused by the pandemic. I just don’t know how to process the guilt versus the need, human health now over the health of the planet down the line.
So I am going to make my first post back positive and to the point. What can we do? First all let us talk about face masks, now I know they divide opinion but I for one am a big fan. I can nip to the shops without make up, avoid people I don’t want to speak to, keep my nose warm in winter and they can even be used as a form of self expression. Not to mention the whole it helps you both not catch and not spread Covid thing.
During lockdown #1 my parents were one of the many wonderful people across the country who created a little cottage industry making masks. My Dad cut out the material and my Mam sewed. In the end they made and gave away, for free, hundreds of masks. And the more they made the better the design, I of course jumped straight in and had some made from Wonder Woman cotton fat quarters and I love them. But initially my Mam used up her scrap material and elastic, some of that material dated back to the 80s/90s as I remember it from curtains or outfits. See photos below of the style and material progression.
Now these are not ideal when wearing glasses, even with pipe cleaners through the top to pinch I usually end up steamed up. My husband and I tried things like wax that you rub on the inside of your glasses or sprays but eventually you end up foggy so we kind of gave up and I can go without my glasses when in a shop so it isn’t too bad and because he has a huge face he wears two masks and has them overlapping (I shit you not). What I love about the reusable masks is that they can just be washed and hung up ready to go (they have completely taken over my key holder near the front door).
However it is not always possible to wear this kind of mask, before being made redundant last Summer from my fundraising role, I was the meet and greet for visitors that were temporarily allowed back on site and I had to do a lot of talking when people arrived. And I therefore wore a plastic visor, I hated it. Some times it fogged up, it was uncomfortable and I kept taking it off and it got scratched by the car park dust making it a bit cloudy to see out of but because it was plastic, I refused to get a new one and used the same one for the many weekend sessions I did but then I had to put it in the bin when I left which still makes me cringe.
Don’t worry I got a new job working from home full time, hence even less time to write. But I am also now a volunteer on weekends at local vaccination centres. I have no choice but to wear a one use medical grade mask for my own and others safety, I also find I can wear my glasses with those and they are more comfortable for long use. I however make sure that before they go in the bin I pull out the elastic parts that go around your ears as I have seen images of animals and birds with the masks stuck round their necks etc. I hate that masks have become the new balloons in that respect. Yes we have to wear them but we can at least try to limit the negative impact, put them in a bin and cut the straps or if you can or just wear a reusable one.
I couldn’t resist a purchase of a couple of fun masks but they were not sourced in an eco way and are certainly not cotton but they do make me smile. And I have now banned myself from buying any more as they will just become another aspect of unnecessary fashion consumption.
So what else can we do, don’t wear gloves. Unless you are a medical professional there really isn’t the need. Especially because most people still touch their faces with the gloves on, just use hand sanitiser or wash your hands and if you do wear them, for the love of God don’t be the dick who leaves then in your shopping trolley at the supermarket, put them in the bin.
Hand sanitiser is the next one. It is now everywhere and in plentiful supply but I recommend buying a huge bottle of the stuff and using it to re-fill the many mini bottles you now have lying around the house, car and hand bags. Buying a new bottle every time is like buying a bottle of water, no need just think of it as another refill task. And top tip, depending on the content it can get very hot and explode so best not to keep a bottle in the car during the summer!
I really hope those tips help but I would like to think most of it is common sense and second nature by now. Stay safe and all that jazz.
Eco Lass 