What Makes This Good Stuff
Until we find a way to be rid of Covid 19 Corona Virus, there is one easy precautions we can take to minimize the likelihood of spreading Covid. Wear a mask! Masks are made from all sorts of materials. Most of us are wearing cotton masks. Unfortunately, conventionally grown cotton is one of the most heavily sprayed crops on earth. Pesticides and herbicides are just the start… “Unlike organic cotton, a slew of toxic synthetic chemicals are also required in processing conventional cotton. Some of these chemicals include silicone waxes, petroleum scours, softeners, heavy metals, flame retardants, ammonia, and formaldehyde.”
Wearing a face mask is highly recommended in settings where physical distancing is difficult to achieve such as in public transportation or at indoor public spaces.
Single use face masks are often composed of synthetic plastic-based materials and are disposed of after just one use. This contributes to the plastic pollution problem. We set out to create a product that could assist with preventing the spread of respiratory droplets while replacing the single use plastic mask.
These organic cotton masks are washable, repairable and non-plastic and 100% GOTS certified organic. They are made with 2 layers of fabric and can be washed and re-used time and time again. They are breathable, lightweight and an Earth-friendly alternative to their plastic counterparts. These masks do not contribute to the global shortage of face masks as they are reusable. Social distancing and thorough hand washing should continue to be practiced along with wearing the mask to prevent the spread of any virus.
VERY IMPORTANT HEALTH NOTE: These cotton masks are unregulated and do not provide the same health protection as regulated N95 respirators or surgical masks.
It is recommended to mark one corner of one side of your mask with a dot in order to identify the front and back of your mask. With washing the pleats may wash out somewhat but it will still work or if you really want the pleats they are easily ironed back in.
Additional information:
- Safe, Ethically Sourced, Earth-Friendly (Green America Gold Certified Supplier)
- Dimensions of each mask: 18 x 9 cm / 7″ x 3.5″
- Materials: 100% GOTS certified organic cotton.
- Care Instructions: Machine wash and tumble dry or hand wash and line dry to extend the life of your mask.
- Health and Environment: Plastic-free, zero-waste, BPA-free, phthalate-free, PVC-free, lead-free.
- Manufactured by an inspected, ethical, certified Chinese supplier.
Rivkaf (verified owner) –
I would give this one star if I could. This company sounds like it’s concerned with selling natural and “including ecological and social criteria” products. I was very upset when I received this and saw “Made in China.” I do not consider shipping products from China “ecological” considering the amount of fuel to ship to the States. I prefer products made in America. Why you had to source these masks and couldn’t find some organic cotton and a seamstress/tailor to stitch these up to give an American a job is beyond me. I also think it is wrong NOT TO BOTHER mentioning they come from China in your description. Additionally, the description says it is “Machine Wash.” The directions on the package say “Hand Wash.” Not happy at all with this purchase.
John Goss –
Having tried many similar cotton masks, we have found this one to be the best of them. The fit is better and it’s nice to know the cotton is organic. In response to the review by Rivkaf…We continue to search for an affordable, domestically produced, certified organic, well made mask. If any of our readers knows of such a mask, please let us know! Please realize that in today’s economy almost every product we buy is shipped, often from very far away. Yes, buying local is a great way to go whenever possible. The sad fact is that for many/most of the products folks want and buy, there simply is no local option.
Rivkaf (verified owner) –
It’s me again! I do not know how to pull off my first review! It wasn’t about the product itself. JUST that it was made in China! I spoke to Maia’s mom and dad – the loveliest people! They totally got where I was coming from. Let’s all try to buy MADE IN AMERICA!!!
Lindsey Blais (verified owner) –
I washed this by hand before use. All the pleats are now gone and it is just this giant piece of fabric. I’m not impressed at all. I personally do not recommend.
Suzanne Weaver-Goss (store manager) –
Thanks for the question. Because we sought out masks that are as nontoxic as possible, these are very simple masks…just organic cotton across your face. Like any 100% cotton garment, pleats can be ironed in but over time and will relax out. Washing definitely washes the pleats out, but like any cotton garment they can be ironed back in. I don’t personally bother with that. I find that with the pleats relaxed I get a more form-fitting fit to my face than when it was new and pleated. You may have a different experience. The good news is that you are not exposed to the residual off-gassing that can come from masks made from… well… you get the idea.