ReusABLE masks in secondary schools

Press release: Government needs to be clear about reusable masks in secondary schools to avoid additional “wave of plastic pollution” says leading campaigners.

The environmental not-for-profit, City to Sea, is today urging Government to offer clear guidance to secondary schools that will encourage staff and students to adopt reusable masks over single-use disposable masks. The call comes following the news that the government is set to make a major u-turn by announcing that wearing face masks will be near-mandatory in communal areas of secondary schools.

During the coronavirus crisis City to Sea have been highlighting the negative impact that Covid-19 is having on plastic pollution – especially relating to PPE. According to an analysis by scientists at University College London, if every person in the UK used one single-use mask each day for a year, an extra 66,000 tonnes of contaminated plastic waste would be created.

Commenting, City to Sea’s Campaigns Manager Steve Hynd said:

“With the expected latest government u-turn mandating masks in secondary schools we now need the government to offer clear guidance to staff and pupils on the use of reusable masks. The Government has said that reusable masks are safe to use, but this guidance needs to be effectively communicated with schools, staff and pupils otherwise we risk another wave of plastic pollution. This is about making sure we keep ourselves and those around us safe but also that we also keep our planet safe from a growing problem of single-use plastics.”

He continued: “There are also needs to be greater clarity given to students and staff that explain reusable masks are safe and more affordable*. Single-use masks are expensive and an extra burden on many households that are struggling with costs.”