Hand-sewn masks by Zoe Heard ‘20
by Cayley DeLancey ’21
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises wearing cloth masks when going out into public to avoid transmission of the virus through the air, especially in areas such as the grocery store where social distancing measures are more difficult to maintain. The CDC outlines that all face coverings should fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face, be secured with ties or ear loops, include multiple layers of fabric, allow for breathing without restriction and not get damaged in the laundry.
Many people have taken to making their own masks so that medical masks can be saved for health care providers. Making masks at home with reusable materials is also a way to promote sustainability.
“I think it’s fun because it’s a productive use of my time that takes me away from screens,” said Zoe Heard ’20, who has started making masks while on campus. “Plus, it’s given me a way to feel productive and like I am doing something. I’ve started making masks for other people and I want to make more to donate. There are a lot of uncertainties right now but there is a little comfort in being able to do something proactive.”
Heard said that making masks is not challenging. “My knots can be a little hectic but as long as it’s assembled well, it works, and assembly is not the hard part. I also enjoy taking clothing items that I thought would not have any use, like jeans with holes in places that make them unwearable, but now I get to recycle them into something that can help others.” Heard hand sews their masks following instructions by the CDC.
Reusable cloth masks aren’t the only way to practice staying safe sustainably. Clorox wipes are in high demand right now. They can be hard to find in stores, as cleaning supplies are needed by hospitals and nursing homes, but reusable cleaning wipes can be made from home. All you need is cut-up pieces of fabric (microfiber works best but an old cotton T-shirt works as well) and a mixed cleaning solution made of products you may already have at home. The CDC recommends a cleaning solution of one quart of water to four teaspoons of bleach, which can be sprayed onto a surface and then wiped down. Read more about this recipe here. Disinfectant wipes can also be made using 70% alcohol, and essential oils can be added for fragrance. Read more about this here.
Many people have been making their own hand sanitizer using alcohol and aloe vera gel. According to medical experts, this can be risky due to the careful balance of ingredients that must go into making hand sanitizer. It is easy to make one that isn’t effective enough, or is too strong and may damage your skin. Washing your hands thoroughly, wearing gloves and not touching your face is more effective and safe. Read a New York Times article on this here.
You can also look into getting vegetables from a local farm. Some farms are now bringing pre-packaged boxes of fresh and local produce into urban areas, which can be pre-purchased and picked up with limited contact. Not only does this limit contact with other people while shopping, but it also means you’re eating local vegetables and supporting a local business.
If you’re missing the outdoors, some of the National Parks have created virtual tours. Several environmental film festivals have also moved online due to COVID-19. The Banff Mountain Film Festival has all of their films for this year online to be watched for free. Films vary from 5 to over 60 minutes long and document outdoor activities around the world.
Finally, make sure to do what you can to help your neighbors and community. Donate money to a local food bank, or extra masks to neighbors who can’t make their own. Volunteer at a food drive, or help an elderly person go shopping. Most importantly, stay safe!