Due to COVID-19, wearing PPE has become part and parcel in 2020. As such, companies have expanded their production to include protective face coverings. Reusable cloth masks are undoubtedly a better choice than disposable, single-use masks but today’s conscious consumers can even go a step further and look for masks made from eco-friendly materials. Here are four brands using reclaimed, recycled and sustainable materials for their masks.
OhSevenDays
OhSevenDays makes women’s apparel out of reclaimed materials, and they’ve extended these sustainable practices to their fabric masks. To prevent any unnecessary waste, the masks are made of deadstock fabrics and leftover scrap fabric. As a company, their ultimate aim is to change the fashion industry’s standard of throwing away scrap fabrics.
OhSevenDays’s website reads, “Second to oil, the clothing industry is the largest industry polluter in the world … Instead of adding new product to an immensely saturated fashion industry, we want to aim for a circular economy and make use of the wealth of resources that already exist. Using the left-overs is our little way of contributing to the fight to repair our damaged planet and avoid contributing to mass consumerism and perpetual waste!”
Frank And Oak
From a boot made of repurposed materials to jackets stuffed with polyester fibres sourced from discarded plastic bottles, Frank And Oak is a leader in eco-friendly clothing and accessories. Made of 100% organic cotton, Frank And Oak’s reusable and washable masks are reversible and adjustable at the chin and ear with elastic and toggle for optimal comfort.
Whimsy and Row
Whimsy and Row is an eco-conscious clothing brand based out of Los Angeles. All their products are made in small batches and crafted from locally sourced, deadstock fabrics that would otherwise be thrown away. Not only does the company use upcycled fabrics, but they also reuse their own fabric scraps to make smaller items like tops and bandanas. This includes their masks, which are all made of 100% upcycled cotton. For each mask purchased, Whimsy and Row will donate masks to three LA-based charities – Union Rescue Mission, Downtown Women’s Center, and Midnight Mission.
Bhumi
Bhumi is an Australian brand that makes organic cotton bedding, bath items, and clothing. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, they’re now producing face masks. Each mask is made from certified organic cotton offcuts from fabric that would otherwise be thrown away. Bhumi also uses Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) approved inks. All of their products are free from chlorine bleach, toxic heavy metals, formaldehyde, and harmful solvents, so they’re good for you and for the earth.
