Residents asked to choose reusable alternatives during coronavirus pandemic

Chesterfield Borough Council and Plastic Free Chesterfield are asking local residents to think about the planet when wearing a face covering and encouraging more people to choose reusable solutions, rather than single use facemasks which are not biodegradable and not recyclable.

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, sales of single-use facemasks have risen with many of these ending up polluting our streets and washing into our oceans.

According to an analysis by scientists at University College London, if every person in the UK used one single use facemask each day for a year, an extra 66,000 tonnes of contaminated plastic waste would be created. It would therefore greatly help our planet if people chose to re-use and wear reusable facemasks instead.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of the council, said: “We all understand that wearing facemasks is important to help protect each other and prevent the spread of Covid-19, especially in enclosed spaces.”

“Single use facemasks are often made from layers of plastic and if not disposed of properly may end up polluting our streets and oceans.”

“As part of the council’s climate change commitments, we’ve been asking everyone to consider what they can reduce, reuse or recycle. Choosing a reusable facemask is one important way that we as individuals can make a difference and help to tackle climate change.”

A number of Chesterfield businesses are also keen to reduce the use of single-use plastics, and are now accepting reusable and refillable containers.

Zero-waste business, Steph’s Sustainable Stuff, a regular on Chesterfield Market, have just started offering food refills such as pasta, rice, beans and cereals, on-top of providing refills on cleaning and hair care products.

Business owner, Steph Mannion said: “People will be really excited to hear that bringing their own container to refill at my stall is even safer than going to the supermarket. Your containers will only be handled by you, thus reducing any risk of infection. By bringing your own containers, you’re helping the planet as well as your family.”

Lottie’s Sandwich Bar on Saltergate offers a discount if you bring in your own reusable coffee cup. Business owner, Charlotte Mitchell-Fox, said “Small businesses have just as much a responsibility to protect our planet as larger companies.”

Newly opened cafe, El Cafe Verde on Sheffield Road, offers a 20p discount if you bring in your own reusable coffee cup, with further discount for key workers. Business owners, Gemma Hannan and daughter, said: “Coronavirus won’t be around forever but we are hoping our planet will”.

For anyone looking to purchase a reusable face mask, a list of local businesses selling them can also be found on the Plastic Free Chesterfield website here.

Greg Hewitt, Community Lead at Plastic Free Chesterfield said: “We are keen to provide assurance to Chesterfield businesses and the public that reusables and refillables can be safe during this time. To help with this, we’re hosting an online meeting with Rachel Yates of environmental charity Surfers Against Sewage on Wednesday 15th July at 7 pm.” Click here to find out more.

Using a washable, reusable face covering not only helps to reduce the amount of single-use plastic waste being created, it also means that supplies of clinical standard facemasks remain available for NHS staff and other key workers.

A reusable face covering can be as simple as a scarf or bandana that ties behind the head or one that you have made at home. There are many patterns available online. These can then be washed at 60 degrees so ready to use again.

Guidance suggests that if you can, you should wear a face covering in enclosed public spaces where it is difficult to maintain safe social distancing to help control the spread of Covid-19. They are compulsory on public transport.

The council is also urging those who do wear a single use facemask to dispose of these responsibly by placing them in a bin.