Concern over environmental damage from discarded masks
INCREASING numbers of face coverings are being found littered across Guernsey.
They are compulsory in shops and similar places and on public transport from today.
Environmental groups have urged islanders to bin them properly, with the ear straps cut to avoid harm to the community, environment and wildlife.
Single-use masks are typically made from plastics which take hundreds of years to break down and shed microplastic fibres in the process.
Masks have been found by the Clean Earth Trust on beach cleans and litter picks, said community engagement lead Helen Quin, with concerned members of the public unsure of the protocol to pick up and dispose of them safely.
‘We have become far too accustomed to seeing, or not seeing in some cases, the amount of litter that peppers our streets and beaches and we cannot get complacent as this new stream of waste now enters our lives locally,’ she said.
Pierre Ehmann, of Green Guerns, said photos of littered masks have been sent in for its Take3ForGuernsey campaign.
‘Sadly this is nothing new. We have found many face masks washed up on our shores this past year. We urge people to use reuseable masks or at least cut the straps if they must use single use.’
Beachcomber Sam Reoch runs the Found on the Beach in Guernsey Facebook group and asks islanders to think about how they dispose of their masks and gloves.
‘Adding to a bin that’s already too full or just discarding them on the ground could have dire consequences for wildlife and sea life, if taken by the wind.
‘It’s also unsanitary for others to be picking up these items when found discarded.’
GSPCA manager Steve Byrne has joined the calls for islanders to dispose of masks safely with the cords cut, use environmentally friendly reusable masks where possible, and store face masks safely away from pets.
‘We are extremely worried about the danger discarded face masks can pose to animals,’ Mr Byrne said.
The shelter has had reports of discarded face masks which put humans and animals at risk.
‘It is extremely important that face masks are disposed of safely to prevent injury to wildlife and it is also important to keep them stored safely away from your pets.’
With the Guernsey Together spirit we can all ensure the island’s animals are kept safe, he said.
