By: Jake Meyers, Staff Writer
This global pandemic has changed the way we live our everyday lives. A major way this pandemic has affected us daily is what we wear on our faces: masks. We all have the same reason to be wearing them but there are still differences for each of our mask-wearing preferences; there are multiple different types of these facial covers such as disposable and reusable cloth masks. Having different options brings different pros and cons for each mask type, leading to various opinions.
Disposable masks bring many pros and cons. Since the Covid-19 pandemic started, research shows that up to 7,200 tons of medical waste is produced every day, and most of the waste are disposable masks. While disposable masks may heavily impact our environment, disposable masks are known to be the one of the most effective in protecting people from the virus and other germs. Disposable masks may have many pros and cons, but cloth masks also have it’s strengths and weaknesses. Unlike disposable medical masks, cloth masks do not come with a filter. A filter can drastically change the amount of protection you receive when wearing a mask because of the extra layer of protection that you receive. Though cloth masks have a weakness, they come with a strength: cloth masks can be re-used for as long as you want. Having a mask that is reusable is better for the environment.
Though each face mask has its own highs and lows, many people each choose a mask that best suits themself. “I prefer reusable masks over disposable ones because reusable masks feel more secure on the face,” says Rheya Madison (9). When people are choosing their face mask, many don’t think about just comfort; some people think about how well a mask protects against bacteria and viruses. “Reusable cloth masks don’t protect as well against bacteria compared to disposable, though disposable masks are not as comfortable compared to reusable masks,” said Jayce Gu (9).
While people still wonder which mask they should get for themselves during this global pandemic, I would personally go with a disposable face mask. Disposable face masks are known to protect better against bacteria and viruses than reusable, though the cost is comfort. Reusable face masks are definitely more comfortable and they are better for the environment but at the end of the day the mask you want is the mask that will protect you and others.
In conclusion, we all have different opinions on these facial covers. Some people prefer comfort over protection, while others prefer protection over comfort. Though we can’t agree which mask is best, we can agree that we all should wear a mask. Remember to stay safe at Mills and to mask up.
