Greens call for switch to reusable facemasks

Louise Banawich pictured with a single days' collection of single use face masks picked up in Greenfield

Green Party campaigners in Saddleworth are urging the council, businesses and individuals to make more use of reusable face masks after a huge increase of single-use face masks being collected as litter.

Husband and wife team Louise and Brian Banawich say they are collecting dozens of single-use face masks on their regular litter picks in Saddleworth .

Greenfield resident Louise said: "Facemasks are now almost as common as plastic bottles and cans in local bushes, pathways and playing fields.

"We are even fishing them out of local streams, reservoirs and canals where they pose a danger to wildlife.

"We are just asking people to be mindful of their choice of facemask if possible, and to properly dispose of single-use facemasks."

Mr Banawich added: "It's estimated we are using over 50 million single use facemasks each day, and the vast majority will end up in landfill or as litter. 

"Because they are made of plastics, they will take centuries to break down."

He added: "Face masks are going to be with us for the foreseeable future so I'd urge making more use of reusable face masks - they not only save money, they also help the environment.

"Single-use facemasks are needed for some lines of work and they usually have guidelines about disposing of their masks in a safe and secure manner.

"Where single-use face masks are not essential we should give some thought to using reusable masks if possible."

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