Our disposable mask problem is growing out of control. COVID-19 has worsened the ocean plastic pollution problem, and significantly so. The sudden rush and requirement for copious amounts of face coverings and masks around the world (made with polypropylene, a thermoplastic) has already begun hitting our oceans and general environment - hard.

An estimated 194 BILLION disposables are now used worldwide month to month. From initial estimates here in the UK, there could be as many as 1.6 BILLION disposables heading to landfill every month, with approximately 31% of the UK population opting for single-use. These figures represent a worrying trend. A trend of which landfill is an optimistic outcome. Many, or perhaps the majority, are disposed by, shall we say, alternative methods. They’re thrown away on the streets and beaches, blown from our hands and from our bins; carried by the wind to their new destination - our oceans.

The Liberal Democrat’s recently highlighted in parliament, alongside members of the Green party, that the government must do more to promote the use of reusable alternatives to disposable, single-use, polypropylene plastic face coverings. We concur. Please show your support and get this on the radar and check out our article on this issue.