Volunteers are set to participate in a unique citizen science project, collecting and tallying the number of discarded face masks and other litter items removed from the environment.
Pip Kiernan, Clean Up Australia chair, says there’s no doubt the amount of plastic waste has been surging because of the pandemic and there are concerns there will be long-term damage. But at this stage there is no data to substantiate the impact to the Australian environment.
EPA Victoria’s chief environmental scientist, Professor Mark Patrick Taylor, says discarded face masks have gone from a largely unknown litter problem to being seen in streets, parks and public places everywhere.
“It’s difficult to know just how many are polluting our streets, drains, waterways and beaches but they are now a widespread problem and with their plastic content, they are not just going to decay and go away,” Prof Taylor said.
“It’s critical that we rid the environment of discarded face masks, by taking part in Clean Up Australia Day and reporting mask litter wherever we find it.”
Ms Kiernan further adds it’s not too late to get involved.
“Registering for Clean Up Australia Day is the best way to show you care. Join us to take practical action and help unmask Australia’s litter problems”.
“Signing up online means volunteers are covered by our public liability insurance and able to participate in our citizen science project by recording the number of masks they collect on a national database.
“At this late stage unfortunately, we can’t guarantee your free clean-up kit will arrive in time for Sunday but we’re strongly encouraging people to sign up anyway and if necessary, simply grab gardening or kitchen gloves and a rubbish bag to join in on the day.
“Registered volunteers can participate as an individual, family unit or with a small group of friends. And you can check if there are events happening in your neighbourhood by searching on our website.”
In 2020, more than three billion single-use masks were thrown out across the globe every day, contributing to a significant portion of pandemic-related litter entering the environment.
Concerningly, plastics in disposable masks can take up to 450 years to break down and researchers have warned that littered single-use masks could be releasing chemical pollutants and nano-plastics into the environment. Over the past two years there have been disturbing cases of seabirds and wildlife found tangled up in carelessly discarded single-use face masks.
Ms Kiernan adds, “we implore you not to litter your mask”. She added that the next generation of PPE equipment needed to be designed to not only be safe but have the lowest environmental footprint possible.
“Urgency is required to be more creative in the design of these products with the environment right up there in our thinking. This concept of product stewardship — when we design a product and consider what happens to it at the end of its life — needs to be addressed at the outset. We need innovation in the design of PPE so that it’s as safe as it can be but kinder on the environment.”
If you can’t join a clean-up, Aussies can donate to Clean Up Australia.
All funds raised through donations are allocated to the provision of educational resources and clean-up materials provided free of charge to community, school and youth groups across the nation, all year-round.
