Save money and the planet with reusable face coverings
Residents could save up to £185 a year by opting for reusable face coverings, Moray Council highlights in a new campaign.
Not only could the switch save money but it would benefit the environment too. Recent figures show 129 billion single-use face masks are used a month around the world. If 1% of these are disposed of incorrectly 40,000kg of plastic would end up in the environment.
Council Leader and Chair of the Economic Growth, Housing and Environmental Sustainability Committee, Graham Leadbitter, says we all need to act responsibly to reduce the environmental and financial burden of coronavirus.
“Single-use masks may seem convenient in the short-term but the risk to our environment and wallets could be devastating.
“The average cost for single-use masks per person in the UK is £189.80 a year, compared to £4 for a reusable mask. This is a no-brainer and I would encourage anyone who can to make that switch to a reusable face covering.
“If you need to use a single-use mask please dispose of it responsibly in a closed bin. Dropping them on the ground or discarding into an open bin poses a risk to others, wildlife and the environment. I would also urge people to be careful when keeping them in pockets as they can be pulled out by accident and end up blowing away.
“Whether we like it or not, face coverings are going to be mandatory or advised in a lot of settings for some time to come. We should all take our responsibility to reduce any impact of that seriously.”