According to Earth.Org, extensive usage of disposable surgical masks has been becoming an issue concerning the environment amidst the pandemic as these masks are plastic-based and people are continuously buying them for safety precautions during COVID-19 outbreak.

While everyone is focused on practicing safety precautions to avoid Coronavirus infection, we seemed to have forgotten how these wastes could affect our environment, as these disposable surgical face masks are only being used not more than a day—which leads to a massive trail of waste that usually ends up to oceans.

Luckily, some of the local small businesses in the Philippines are now creating and selling reusable, washable, and eco-friendly face masks.

So, if you still can’t find the right face mask for you and want to help the environment by lessening waste disposal—we’ve got you covered.

Kalinga Handwoven Masks

Kalinga Handwoven Masks is created by prominent Cordillera weavers based in Kalinga like Narda’s and Easter Weaving. They started supplying face masks and selling them. This is in support to the locals of Kalinga who are currently struggling due to lack of tourism because of the pandemic.

7xB Abaca Fiber Mask

7xB Abaca Fiber Masks are locally made by locals in Salay, Misamis Oriental in Mindanao which was tested by the Department of Science and Technology and said that the results showed they are "seven times better than the normal cloth face mask when it comes to filtration and protection." To wash the abaca fiber mask, just soak it in water with soap after every use and make sure not to scrub much to maintain its original form.

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Apartment 8

Apartment 8 is quite known for its trendy clothes, but due to the pandemic, they have also added reusable face masks on their items as it became in demand. Apartment 8’s face masks come in different vibrant colors. Also, each mask has a pocket inside where you can put filters if you want an extra layer of protection.

Anthill Fabric

Anthill has been producing handcrafted materials that are made by indigenous weavers. Now, they are also creating zero-waste and locally designed face masks which are purely made from fabric scraps. Their first 100 face masks were donated to a hospital in Cebu City. The masks come with two washable filters that you can insert in its pocket for better filtration.

Maison Metisse

Maison Metisse sells a handmade and eco-friendly face masks which 50% of proceeds will be donated to the local communities of embroiderers & weavers during pandemic. Their face mask also comes with a filter pocket where you can insert extra filters for added protection.

Purchasing reusable face masks during this trying time from these local online stores can be beneficial to them and to the environment, but make sure to wash your hands first before putting the reusable face mask on.