Today is Earth Day and discarded masks are littered all over the planet – in the streets, sewers, and invading the habitats of local wildlife. Since wearing a face mask will likely still be the norm for the foreseeable future, many are looking for ways to use and dispose of personal protection equipment (PPE), like masks, responsibly. For those looking to make more environmentally-friendly choices on Earth Day, a hemp mask may be the solution.
Typical disposable masks are made from cotton, cloth, or synthetic materials like plastics. When littered, they pollute bodies of water and the environments of wildlife that may become sick or entangled in the masks. Even when disposed of correctly, these masks create tons of plastic waste that is unable to be recycled.
Disposable Hemp Face Masks
Many believe that the pollution created by the increase in disposable PPE since 2020 could take centuries to decompose, and companies have been scrambling to produce a more Earth-conscious alternative. One such company is Geochanvre, a French brand that has developed compostable face masks composed of hemp.
Geochanvre was the first company in Europe to manufacture a compostable face mask. The mask itself consists of a blend of hemp and corn and the elastic band is recyclable. Though sales have mainly been in France and Canada, the brand has already sold over $1.5 million disposable face masks so far.
Reusable Hemp Face Masks
While disposable PPE composed of hemp has not been popularized in the United States yet, there are still plenty of options for reusable hemp masks. Typical reusable masks are made of cotton and tend to break down after a few washes. While hemp does tend to soften after washing, hemp’s improved tensile strength helps the mask retain its shape and health benefits.
Manufacturers of reusable hemp masks boast about the benefits, including increased protection from bacteria due to the antiseptic and antimicrobial properties cannabidiol (CBD) oil and improved breathability that absorbs moisture and keeps the wearer cooler.
Overall, reusable hemp face masks are a more environmentally-friendly choice than typical cotton face masks since they can be used longer and take less time to decompose after being discarded. The cultivation of hemp is also a more Earth-conscious process than the cultivation of cotton. Hemp crops need less water and do not require the use of pesticides.
Choosing Hemp
Whether choosing a disposable or reusable face mask, choosing hemp is beneficial to the individual and the environment. Hemp’s natural properties protect the wearer before the mask is returned back to the Earth or recycled and reduces the amount of plastic waste created by the pandemic. This Earth Day, consider choosing hemp PPE and contribute to a pollution solution.
How Can Sapphire Risk Help?
Tony Gallo and the team at Sapphire Risk Advisory Group has over 30 years of security experience and expertise. We have experience implementing Earth-conscious security strategies to better protect our client’s businesses and communities. Follow us on social media to stay up to date with current cannabis security news and trends!
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