Recently the Australian Department of Health and Human Services revised initial recommendations against routine use of face masks to say that “the Chief Health Officer now recommends that adults living in areas under Stage 3 restrictions wear a face mask when outside your home if it is difficult to keep 1.5 metres apart from other people.”
Either way and in the current environment, people are increasingly feeling the need to protect themselves using a fabric or surgical face mask when entering places where contact with others is unavoidable, such as grocery shopping or attending their doctor.
Remember to;
- Wash your hands before and after use,
- Wash the fabric after each use, or if it becomes moist
- Never use a face mask on a child under the age of two; and
- Seek medical advice before use if you have any respiratory issues.
(Please read all health.gov.au face mask guidelines to ensure your safety during use).
This handy DIY video shows How to Make your own Sew-Free Face Mask in under 60 seconds.
For this super easy and sustainable safety hack, all you will need is two hair-ties (we like these bio-degradable ones), and a standard bandanna or 50cm square piece of clean cotton fabric.
If the mask is too tight or loose around your ears, experiment with different sizes of hair-tie or rubber bands, or try adjusting the position of the elastics.
Some easy to read folding instructions can also be found here.
Alternatively, if you are interested in sewing DIY face masks to donate or as a more permanent solution, we recommend trying this Free Face Mask Pattern by using a breathable, bio-degradable 100% cotton fabric. This pattern is available to download in two sizes for adults or children, along with a handy video tutorial.
Credits:With many thanks to Headspace and Sarah Maker.
Featured image credit: aliceandlois
