Eye-Catching Designs Made from Recycled Plastic Bottles
The company sells a range of eco-friendly items like leggings, rash guards, and board shorts that are made using recycled post-consumer plastic bottles. There are currently 16 causes represented by distinct marine-life patterns, from whale shark research and invasive lionfish removal to sockeye salmon monitoring and abalone restoration.
One such organization is Get Inspired, a nonprofit that specializes in ocean restoration and environmental education. Get Inspired founder, marine biologist Nancy Caruso, says supporting on-the-ground efforts is one thing that sets Waterlust apart, like their apparel line that supports Get Inspired abalone restoration programs.
"All of us [conservation partners] are doing something," Caruso said. "We're not putting up exhibits and talking about it ā although that is important ā we're in the field."
Waterlust not only helps its conservation partners financially so they can continue their important work. It also helps them get the word out about what they're doing, whether that's through social media spotlights, photo and video projects, or the informative note card that comes with each piece of apparel.
"They're doing their part for sure, pushing the information out across all of their channels, and I think that's what makes them so interesting," Caruso said.
And then there are the clothes, which speak for themselves.
Advocate Apparel to Start Conversations About Conservation
Waterlust's concept of "advocate apparel" encourages people to see getting dressed every day as an opportunity to not only express their individuality and style, but also to advance the conversation around marine science. By infusing science into clothing, people can visually represent species and ecosystems in need of advocacy ā something that, more often than not, leads to a teaching moment.
"When people wear Waterlust gear, it's just a matter of time before somebody asks them about the bright, funky designs," said Waterlust's CEO, Patrick Rynne. "That moment is incredibly special, because it creates an intimate opportunity for the wearer to share what they've learned with another."
The idea for the company came to Rynne when he was a Ph.D. student in marine science.
"I was surrounded by incredible people that were discovering fascinating things but noticed that often their work wasn't reaching the general public in creative and engaging ways," he said. "That seemed like a missed opportunity with big implications."
Waterlust initially focused on conventional media, like film and photography, to promote ocean science, but the team quickly realized engagement on social media didn't translate to action or even knowledge sharing offscreen.
Rynne also saw the "in one ear, out the other" issue in the classroom ā if students didn't repeatedly engage with the topics they learned, they'd quickly forget them.
"We decided that if we truly wanted to achieve our goal of bringing science into people's lives and have it stick, it would need to be through a process that is frequently repeated, fun, and functional," Rynne said. "That's when we thought about clothing."
Support Marine Research and Sustainability in Style
To date, Waterlust has sold tens of thousands of pieces of apparel in over 100 countries, and the interactions its products have sparked have had clear implications for furthering science communication.
For Caruso alone, it's led to opportunities to share her abalone restoration methods with communities far and wide.
"It moves my small little world of what I'm doing here in Orange County, California, across the entire globe," she said. "That's one of the beautiful things about our partnership."
Check out all of the different eco-conscious apparel options available from Waterlust to help promote ocean conservation.
Melissa Smith is an avid writer, scuba diver, backpacker, and all-around outdoor enthusiast. She graduated from the University of Florida with degrees in journalism and sustainable studies. Before joining EcoWatch, Melissa worked as the managing editor of Scuba Diving magazine and the communications manager of The Ocean Agency, a non-profit that's featured in the Emmy award-winning documentary Chasing Coral.
1. TreeBird Biodegradable Dental Floss with a Refillable Glass Holder
There are many sustainable swaps on our list of the best eco-friendly stocking stuffers, but TreeBird's Plastic-Free Dental Floss is one everyone can use. This minty-fresh floss comes in a small glass jar that can be continually refilled with TreeBird floss spools. The floss is waxed with a vegan candelilla wax for a smooth glide, and you can even pair it with a TreeBird Bamboo Toothbrush Set if you're so inclined.
Customer Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars with nearly 800 Amazon reviews
Why Buy: Plastic-free; Low-waste; Biodegradable materials; Compostable packaging
2. Formuson Reusable Telescopic Stainless-Steel Straw Set with Case and Cleaning Brush
The perils of plastic straws became highly publicized after that infamous turtle video, but Formuson's Telescopic Stainless-Steel Straws make it easy to refuse these single-use plastics. They are adjustable in length, can be used with hot or cold beverages, and come with a mini cleaning brush and lightweight case that's small enough to comfortably fit in your pocket or purse.
Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars with nearly 500 Amazon reviews
Why Buy: Zero-waste; Easy to clean; BPA-free; Recyclable packaging
3. Light My Fire Titanium Spork
One additional way to stop plastic waste on the go is to keep a reusable cutlery set in your car, purse, or pocket. The lightweight yet durable Light My Fire Titanium Spork combines a knife, fork, and spoon into one compact tool that's perfect for anything from lunch in the office to dinner on the hiking trail.
Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars with nearly 4,000 Amazon reviews
Why Buy: Low-waste; Non-toxic; Lightweight; Durable; Dishwasher-safe; BPA-free
4. Baggu Standard Reusable Shopping Bag
Another eco-friendly stocking stuffer that will help you ditch single-use plastic is the Baggu Standard Reusable Shopping Bag. Baggu totes are modeled after standard plastic grocery bags but are made with durable ripstop fabric that can hold up to 50 pounds. They also stuff down into a 5-inch internal pocket for convenient carrying and come in a variety of prints and solid colors.
Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars with nearly 50 Amazon reviews
Why Buy: Zero-waste; Machine-washable; Made with 40% recycled materials; Ethically manufactured; Packaging made from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified material
5. Ecoijy Wool Dryer Balls
Not only do Ecoijy Wool Dryer Balls eliminate the need for wasteful dryer sheets, they also save energy by decreasing the time it takes to dry your clothes and linens. These dryer balls are made with 100% New Zealand wool, can be used for over 1,000 loads of laundry, and can be sprinkled with essential oils to give you a fresh scent.
Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars with over 7,500 Amazon reviews
Why Buy: Low-waste; Energy-efficient; Hypoallergenic; Biodegradable; Non-toxic
6. Beeās Wrap Sustainable and Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps
Bee's Wrap Sustainable and Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps are one of the best eco-friendly stocking stuffers for any home chef ā even if you're just cooking up a dish from your meal delivery service. These plastic-wrap alternatives make storing leftovers a breeze, as they can self-seal or cling to the rim of a bowl or plate to keep food fresh longer.
Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars with over 4,000 Amazon reviews
Why Buy: Zero-waste; Certified B Corp; Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified; Sustainably harvested beeswax; Organic; Green America certified; Compostable
7. Maxware Refillable Coffee Filters For Keurig
A single-use item that's become a staple of modern living is Keurig coffee pods, or K-cups. In fact, the inventor of K-cups has said he regrets making them because of how wasteful they are. Thankfully, there's a sustainable solution: Maxware Refillable Coffee Filters. Simply fill them with your favorite coffee, tea, or cocoa mix, pop them into your Keurig like a standard K-cup, rinse, and repeat.
Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars with over 13,500 Amazon reviews
Why Buy: Zero-waste; Refillable
8. RONXS USB Lighter
Eco-conscious gadget-lovers rave about the RONXS USB Lighter. This high-tech yet sustainable lighter takes the place of matches, disposable plastic Bic lighters, and even Zippos that need to be refilled with a butane canister. The RONXS model uses an electric pulse to light candles, grills, fireplaces, or anything else you want to burn this holiday season.
Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars with over 7,000 Amazon reviews
Why Buy: Zero-waste; Rechargeable; No butane or liquid; Odorless burn
9. Spaces Organic Reusable Makeup Remover Pads
Instead of using a makeup wipe or a single-use cotton round to remove your cruelty-free makeup, upgrade to Spaces Organic Reusable Makeup Remover Pads. They're made with a cotton and bamboo blended material that gently exfoliates while cleansing, and the pack of 20 pads come with a laundry bag for easy cleaning.
Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars with over 2,000 Amazon reviews
Why Buy: Made with organic bamboo and cotton fabric; Zero-waste; Reusable; Machine-washable
10. Decomposition Book Pocket-Size Notebook
The final product on our list of the best eco-friendly stocking stuffers is a Decomposition Book Pocket-Size Notebook. Stow this 4-inch-by-6-inch book in your back pocket to fill with ideas, or toss it in your hiking bag to jot down trailside reflections. There are also standard-sized Decomposition Books and spiral-bound Decomposition Books that may not fit in a stocking but would make great gift ideas.
Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars with less than 50 Amazon reviews
Why Buy: Printed with soy ink; Pages made 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper; Made in the USA
Melissa Smith is an avid writer, scuba diver, backpacker, and all-around outdoor enthusiast. She graduated from the University of Florida with degrees in journalism and sustainable studies. Before joining EcoWatch, Melissa worked as the managing editor of Scuba Diving magazine and the communications manager of The Ocean Agency, a non-profit that's featured in the Emmy award-winning documentary Chasing Coral.
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Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
1. Utopia Kitchen Stainless Steel Countertop Compost Bin
If you want to reduce your waste but are tight on space, the Utopia Kitchen Countertop Compost Bin is a must-have. This bin is ideal for apartment composting, as it holds five liters of food scraps and uses charcoal filters to eliminate odors and pests. Plus, it has a convenient handle for carrying your compost outside or to a food waste recycling center.
Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars with more than 8,000 Amazon reviews
Why Buy: Zero-waste; Odor-free composting; Easy to clean; Plastic-free
2. Yarkor Bamboo Tofu Press
The key to delicious tofu is pressing the excess water out before cooking, but doing this can be a messy and time-consuming process. That's why one of our best eco-friendly gifts for plant-based eaters is the Yarkor Bamboo Tofu Press. It has a simple design that presses tofu blocks pressed between two bamboo plates while excess water drains into an easy-to-clean, leak-proof compartment.
Customer Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars with more than 150 Amazon reviews
Why Buy: Vegan-friendly; Easy to clean; Plastic-free
3. Hydro Flask Insulated Water Bottle
Carrying a reusable, eco-friendly water bottle is one of the easiest ways to reduce your single-use plastic consumption ā and stay hydrated throughout the day. We recommend Hydro Flasks because they're fun and functional, have a grippy powder coating that prevents bottle sweating, and can keep beverages hot or cold for hours on end.
Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars with nearly 11,000 Amazon reviews
Why Buy: Zero-waste; Free of BPA and phthalates; Easy to clean; Dishwasher safe
4. AeroGarden Harvest 360 Indoor Hydroponic Garden
With an AeroGarden Indoor Hydroponic Garden, even serial plant-killers can have fresh herbs year-round. This innovative system takes the work out of gardening ā simply pop in the seed pods, add plant food or water when necessary, and let nature take its course. If whomever you're shopping for already owns an AeroGarden, they may appreciate a Salad Greens or Salsa Garden Seed Pod Kit to grow.
Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars with more than 1,000 Amazon reviews
Why Buy: Zero-waste; Non-GMO seeds
5. Mioeco Reusable Unpaper Towels
"Unpaper" towels are a zero-waste alternative to your typical kitchen roll. Mioeco Reusable Unpaper Towels come in packs of 10 or 20 and can be wrapped around an old paper towel roll for convenience. They're made in a solar-powered, carbon-neutral facility and are Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified, which means they're made with at least 95% organic fiber and aren't treated with harmful chemicals and dyes.
Customer Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars with nearly 1,000 Amazon reviews
Why Buy: Zero-waste; Solar-powered, carbon-neutral manufacturing; GOTS-certified material; Machine-washable; Plastic-free
6. Original Grind Coffee Co. One-Gallon Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Looking for eco-friendly gifts for the coffee lover in your life? The Original Grind Cold Brew Coffee Maker takes single-use plastics out of your morning routine. Just pour your favorite coarse-ground beans into the mesh filter, fill it with water, and let it sit for 12 to 18 hours. The stainless-steel spigot allows for no-spill dispensing, and you can use the grounds to make a DIY exfoliant (or toss them in your brand-new compost bin).
Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars with more than 700 Amazon reviews
Why Buy: Zero-waste; Plastic-free; Easy to clean; Great for small kitchens and apartments
7. KeepCup 16oz Reusable Coffee Cup
After you've brewed your coffee, you'll need something to drink it out of. We like the KeepCup 16oz Reusable Coffee Cup, which can be filled at home or at a coffee shop (COVID-permitting). These sleek to-go mugs come in a variety of lid colors and sizes, but none is too big to fit in a standard cup holder. KeepCup is a certified B Corp, and the company donates part of its annual revenue to protect the environment through the 1% for the Planet initiative.
Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars with almost 15,000 Amazon reviews
Why Buy: Zero-waste; Packaging made from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified cardboard; Certified B Corp; Supports 1% for the Planet; Free of BPA and BPS
8. Origin Fruit and Tea Glass Infuser Bottle
If you're more of a tea person, the Origin Fruit and Tea Glass Infuser Bottle might be up your alley. The bottle comes with a fine-mesh strainer insert that you can fill with loose tea or fruit slices to make infused water or tea on the go. Along with promoting sustainability, Origin is a socially responsible company, donating 2% of revenue to address extreme poverty.
Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars with almost 500 Amazon reviews
Why Buy: BPA, BPS, PVC, and lead-free; Dishwasher safe; Zero-waste; Supports socially conscious initiatives
9. Stasher 100% Silicone Food-Grade Reusable Storage Bag Set
The Stasher Reusable Storage Bag Set helps you cut out single-use plastic without skipping on convenience. They have a locking seal that keeps food fresh and can be tossed in the dishwasher after use. This gift set comes in multiple colors and includes two sandwich bags, a snack bag, and a half-gallon bag, making it a great eco-friendly gift for just about anyone on your list.
Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars with more than 700 Amazon reviews
Why Buy: Zero-waste; Dishwasher-safe; Non-toxic; Free of PVC, BPA, and latex; Supports 1% for the Planet; Certified B Corp
10. SodaStream Fizzi One TouchĀ Sparkling Water Maker
LaCroix cans cluttering your recycling bin? Ditch the aluminum and start making your own seltzer with the SodaStream Fizzi One Touch Sparkling Water Maker. The SodaStream infuses still water with carbon dioxide bubbles using CO2 canisters that can be sent back to the company to refill. It comes with a BPA-free plastic bottle, but you can also purchase a glass replacement. And don't forget the Fruit Drops for added flavor.
Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars with more than 700 Amazon reviews
Why Buy: Zero-waste; Dishwasher-safe; Non-toxic; Free of PVC, BPA, and latex; Supports 1% for the Planet; CO2 canisters are reusable
11. Pela 100% Compostable and Biodegradable Phone Case
If someone on your list is getting a new phone from Santa, get them an eco-friendly gift to go with it, like the Pela 100% Compostable and Biodegradable Phone Case. Not only are Pela cases stylish, but they're made from recycled materials, a plant-based biopolymer, and flax straw fibers that are a waste byproduct of producing flaxseed oil.
Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars with more than 350 Amazon reviews
Why Buy: Zero-waste; 100% compostable and biodegradable; Non-toxic; Sustainable packaging; Supports 1% for the Planet; Certified B Corp; Made from recycled materials
12. Suga Recycled Wetsuit Yoga Mat
The Suga Recycled Wetsuit Yoga Mat is one of our favorite sustainable gifts for yogis. Made from old surfing wetsuits, these upcycled neoprene mats are grippy, supportive, and more durable than a typical yoga mat. Plus, Suga encourages sending mats back for recycling at the end of their useful lives. Not sold on Suga? See our eco-friendly yoga mat review for more green gift options.
Customer Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars with under 100 Amazon reviews
Why Buy: Made in the USA; Made from recycled materials; Can be sent back and recycled by the company; Supports 1% for the Planet; Non-toxic
13. Sheets & Giggles 100% Eucalyptus Lyocell Sheet Set
Luxury meets sustainability with the Sheets & Giggles 100% Eucalyptus Lyocell Sheet Set. These buttery soft bed linens are made from high-quality eucalyptus wood pulp that's harvested on sustainably managed, biodiverse farms instead of wild forests. The best part? For every tree harvested, Sheets & Giggles plants two more trees in its place.
Customer Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars with nearly 1,000 Amazon reviews
Why Buy: Hypoallergenic; 100% biodegradable; Non-plastic packaging; Pesticide-free; Plants one tree for every order received and two trees for every tree harvested
14. 4ocean Signature Blue Bracelet
4ocean removes a pound of trash from the ocean for every product sold. Since 2017, the company has pulled nearly 12 million pounds of trash from our waterways and sustainably disposed of them, including recycling glass and plastic bottles to create their 4ocean Signature Bracelets. These bracelets make a beautiful, eco-friendly gift for those who like to show off their care for the environment.
Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars with more than 1,000 Amazon reviews
Why Buy: Each purchase removes 1 pound of trash from the ocean; Certified B Corp; Made from recycled plastic and glass
15. Prestige Decanter Bourbon Barrel Whiskey Decanter
You can feel good about giving this eco-friendly gift to your dad, husband, brother, or any other whiskey enthusiast on your list. Not only is each Prestige Decanter Bourbon Barrel Whiskey Decanter made with sustainable materials, but for each product sold, the company plants one tree. The hand-blown decanter holds 1,000 milliliters and is available in many styles.
Customer Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars with about 150 Amazon reviews
Why Buy: Handcrafted; Lead-free; Recyclable packaging; Plants a tree for each decanter sold
Melissa Smith is an avid writer, scuba diver, backpacker, and all-around outdoor enthusiast. She graduated from the University of Florida with degrees in journalism and sustainable studies. Before joining EcoWatch, Melissa worked as the managing editor of Scuba Diving magazine and the communications manager of The Ocean Agency, a non-profit that's featured in the Emmy award-winning documentary Chasing Coral.
1. Wrap Boxes With Brown Paper Bags
Newspaper is the old standard, but for those of us who don't receive a physical paper ā or who just want to make our gifts a little more personal ā recyclable paper bags work great. If you've got a stash of, say, Trader Joe's bags taking over your cabinet, cut them flat and use the non-printed side as a canvas. Decorate with a hand-written message, drawing, or stamped design.
2. Reuse Cardboard Shipping Boxes
Using your delivery parcels instead of store-bought gift boxes is one of the easiest eco-friendly gift wrapping swaps you can make. Likely, this year you'll be doing more online shopping than risking crowded stores, which means many items will come in a perfect-sized box that's ready for wrapping. Just don't forget to recycle or compost all of that cardboard after Christmas morning.
3. Upcycle Other Shipping Supplies
Boxes aren't the only thing you can reuse from your online purchases. Throughout the year, save the tissue paper sheets and brown or white packing paper companies often use to ship their products. Then, when the holidays come around, you'll have your eco-friendly gift wrap ready to go. The reflective bubble wrap you may receive in your meal delivery service makes for great festive wrapping, too.
4. Make Your Own Stamps
Of course, not all packages come in a box. Padded envelopes are another popular way to ship small items. Before recycling, repurpose bubble-lined mailers into stamps. You can cut out holiday shapes like stars and gingerbread men, or paint individual bubbles different colors to create fun polka-dot patterns. You can even make it extra sustainable by using crushed up berries for ink.
5. Add Natural Festive Touches
Rather than use a shiny plastic bow, go au naturale with tree branches, cotton buds, cinnamon sticks, small pinecones, rosemary, fallen leaves, or whatever else you can sustainably source in your area. The easiest way to gather eco-friendly gift garnishes is to clip sprigs off your own Christmas tree, but you can also pick some off the ground at your neighborhood tree lot or get scraps from local farms.
6. Swap Paper for Fabric Gift Wrap
Make your eco-friendly gift wrapping part of your present by opting for a scarf, shawl, pocket square, or handkerchief over traditional paper. As the above video shows, it takes just seconds to package items using the Furoshiki method of fabric wrapping ā and you don't even need to box the item beforehand, which cuts out another piece of holiday waste.
7. Use Biodegradable Paper Tape
A not-so-obvious source of holiday waste is what holds your packaging together: single-use plastic tape. For eco-friendly gift wrapping, consider using compostable paper tape or washi tape. These biodegradable alternatives are made with wood fibers, pulp, or bark and natural adhesives. They come in a multitude of patterns and colors ā including plain brown ā and you can even find festive rolls coated with sustainable glitter.
8. Ditch the Tape Altogether
You don't have to be an origami pro to learn the art of tape-free gift wrapping. As you can see in the video above, it's pretty simple to fold your wrapping paper into itself and secure your gift with no tape required. If you do happen to be an origami pro (or if all the holiday cheer has left you optimistically ambitious), there are ways to incorporate fun folds into your wrapping, too.
9. Turn Old Clothes Into Ribbons and Bows
ŠŠ²Š³ŠµŠ½ŃŃ ŠŠøŃŠ¾ŃŠøŠ½Š° / Unsplash
Button-down shirts, flannels, or even T-shirts you no longer need can be upcycled into reusable fabric ribbons and bows. Cut strips as thin or as thin as you'd like, then tie them around your boxes to add some color and texture to your gifts. You can sew around the outside for a more durable ribbon, or leave the frayed edges for a rustic feel.
10. Tie Gifts Up With Compostable Twine
Don't have any clothing you're willing to part with? You're not totally out of luck. Many thin ropes and twines are made from organic cotton, hemp, and other natural fibers that can be reused as eco-friendly gift wrapping year after year or composted after use.
11. Look Through Old Household Items
You probably have many items lying around that can be used as unconventional yet beautiful eco-friendly gift wrapping materials for smaller gifts. The outdated road maps cluttering your glove compartment, books on the shelf you'll never read again, and sheet music collecting dust after your child quit the middle-school band can all be given a second life around the holidays. Think creatively about regifting or look for sustainable corporate gifts ideas this time of year.
FAQ: Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping
Is wrapping paper recyclable?
Some wrapping paper is recyclable, and some is not. If it's metallic, has glitter on it, is textured, or has a waxy coating, it can't be recycled. However, plain, unlaminated wrapping papers are usually able to be recycled. Check with your local waste management agency to see specific guidelines for your area.
Is tissue paper recyclable?
Because most tissue paper is made with low-grade paper, it is not typically recyclable. However, some recycling facilities may accept it, so be sure to check with your local waste management agency. Thankfully, tissue paper tends to hold up well year after year, so it can be reused for many holiday seasons.
How do you wrap a gift?
Wrapping gifts is like riding a bike: once you learn, you'll never forget it ā but there may be some ugly moments along the way. Check out the video below to learn the basics of wrapping presents (but make sure you implement our eco-friendly gift wrapping ideas, too).
Watch this video on how to gift wrap a box:Ā
Melissa Smith is an avid writer, scuba diver, backpacker, and all-around outdoor enthusiast. She graduated from the University of Florida with degrees in journalism and sustainable studies. Before joining EcoWatch, Melissa worked as the managing editor of Scuba Diving magazine and the communications manager of The Ocean Agency, a non-profit that's featured in the Emmy award-winning documentary Chasing Coral.
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Face masks are a crucial part of that strategy, and they're now mandatory in public in an increasing number of states as COVID-19 cases soar.
I am an infectious disease-trained epidemiologist, researcher and nurse practitioner. Here are answers to some key questions about how and when to wear masks, and how to manage their use during the holidays.
Are masks really necessary at family gatherings?
If you're gathering with friends and family who don't live in your home, yes. Just because you're with people you know doesn't mean you're safe from the coronavirus. Infection rates are higher now than they have ever been in the U.S., and small gatherings have been a source of viral spread. All it takes is one infected person who doesn't know they have the coronavirus to infect others.
Remember, people can be contagious two to three days before symptoms show ā that's one thing that makes this virus so hard to stop. And it's why, even if you feel fine, you should wear a mask.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now estimates that when both people are wearing masks, the likelihood of infection is low.
Who am I protecting when I wear a mask?
In a word: everyone. The coronavirus spreads through respiratory droplets that you send out into the air when you talk, sing or even just breathe. The tiniest of these droplets can float on air currents for long periods.
Face masks stop many of those droplets, reducing the amount of virus in the air. That lowers your chances of getting infected, and it also lowers the chances that you'll infect someone else.
Studies of people who had prolonged exposure to others with COVID-19 have demonstrated how masks can reduce the chance of the virus spreading. In general, well-fitted cloth masks made up of multiple layers can stop most large droplets and at least half of the tiny ones. Plastic face shields alone are far less effective. Face masks with valves or vents might be good for construction work, but they don't stop the wearer from breathing out virus into the air.
Can I reuse a mask and when should I replace it?
Reusable masks should be kept clean and dry. We're moving into cold and flu season, and noses get drippy. A rule of thumb: Anytime a mask is wet to the point that you can discern the wetness, it's time for a new one if it's disposable, or it's time to clean your reusable mask.
Wetness allows viruses to more easily move through paper or fabric because it allows the threads to move and may reduce the electrostatic charge in the masks that add extra protection with some fabrics.
In general, you can use a mask that stays clean and dry for about a week before you need to wash or discard it.
How should I clean a cloth mask?
Washing your mask is like washing your clothes. You know when it is time.
In general, cleaning your mask weekly should be sufficient. If odors develop before then, it's a good idea to wash it sooner. Odor generally means bacterial buildup.
Cleaning your mask by hand with soap and water is your best option. Using a general detergent on a gentle cycle in the washing machine is also fine, but that may increase the risk of damage, depending on the quality of the material. COVID-19 is not a hardy virus. Any soap or detergent should work fine. There's no need for special chemicals, bleach or harsh soaps.
Be careful to remove any inserts before washing. Inserted filters are generally not washable.
Air drying masks works best. Remember, masks should be completely dry before use. So be sure to have a replacement mask handy while the one you just washed dries.
Sunlight is always a great source of heat to dry your mask. Also, sunlight has ultraviolet radiation, which has been shown to eliminate coronavirus and is also known to have antibacterial properties.
Can I wear the mask below my nose?
Wearing your mask below your nose is, frankly, ridiculous.
Think about it. If you are breathing through your nose and only covering your mouth, you are effectively eliminating the point of the mask. Properly wearing a mask requires covering both your nose and mouth at all times.
Studies show that wearing a proper cloth mask or surgical mask while exercising doesn't affect the flow of oxygen or carbon dioxide in any detectable way. So, unless you have serious heart and lung problems, that isn't an excuse.
How do I safely remove my mask if Iām going to eat or drink?
When you take your mask off, remove it carefully by the straps without touching anything else and put it somewhere safe, like wrapped in paper in a purse, bag or pocket. Then wash your hands or use hand sanitizer. When you put it back on, wash your hands again.
So, how can I have a safe holiday gathering?
The safest way to celebrate this year is to do so with members only within your household. The CDC is now stressing that point, as well. If you do celebrate with friends and relatives from outside your household, you need an action plan to reduce the risk of exposure.
Here are five recommendations:
- Limit the number of people ā fewer people means fewer opportunities for exposure, and you'll have more room to spread out.
- Require masks when not eating or drinking.
- Use physical distancing when eating. Try to seat people at least 6 feet apart. Eat outside if you can.
- Consider being tested for COVID-19 before traveling or gathering. It's not a guarantee, but it can help flag illnesses. Remember to self-isolate between the test and the event.
- Be prepared to self-isolate for 14 days after traveling or participating in any event that involves people from outside your home.
[Research into coronavirus and other news from science Subscribe to The Conversation's new science newsletter.]
The map has been updated with New Hampshire announcing a mask mandate effective Nov. 20.
Jason Farley is a professor, infectious disease-trained epidemiologist and nurse practitioner at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing.
Disclosure statement: Jason Farley, PhD, MPH, ANP-BC, FAAN receives funding from the National Institutes of Health on the Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics for COVID-19 and Becton Dickinson for studies on SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics.
Reposted with permission from The Conversation.
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