With face masks now a part of ‘normal’ life there are mounting concerns that single-use masks are about to become the new plastic bottle, especially as evidence suggests that we are using as many as 129 billion masks a month. Some conservationists have even gone so far to say that there may soon be more masks than jelly fish in the sea!

Of course there is no denying that our safety and health is the number 1 priority but even the WHO recommends that we wear reusable, fabric masks – not single use plastic ones. Once you’ve finished using your mask all you need to do is pop it in the wash rather than throwing it away to end up in landfill or – worse still – the ocean.

But with so much choice it’s hard to know where to buy your reusable masks from which is why I’ve put together a list of small, sustainable brands and businesses that are each doing a little bit of good in their own unique ways.

Disclaimer: please note that I am not a healthcare professional and all of the masks recommended on this page are based on their sustainability values. None of the masks are intended for medical or surgical use.

1. Birdsong Living Wage Embroidered Optimist Face Mask – £24

Using end of roll and reclaimed cotton, Birdsong’s face masks are made ethically and locally by seamstresses in East London.

Why I love them:

• Made using sustainable materials
• Made locally in the UK

2. The Simple Folk Sustainable Mask – £7

The Simple Folk’s sustainable face with 100% organic cotton and OEKO TEX certified dyes (meaning that they are free from harmful chemicals). For every mask sold they donate one mask to a woman and child in need.

Why I love them:

• Made using sustainable materials
• Donates to a social cause

3. MAASK Sustainable Face Mask – £25

Ethically made in Europe, these masks are made from recycled ocean plastic fabric. Plus for every mask purchased MAASK donate 2 medical grade PPE masks to a UK hospital or care home in need.

Why I love them:

• Made using sustainable materials
• Donates to a social cause

4. Everlane 100% Human Face Mask – £24 (Pack of 5)

For every pack of face masks sold Everlane donates 10% sales to the American Civic Liberties Union (ACLU) to support the fight for human rights.

Why I love them:

• Donates to a social cause

5. SABINNA Checks and Stripes Face Mask – £68 (Pack of 5)

Made in the UK with offcuts and natural fibre materials including tencel, linen and organic cotton. I’m a huge fan of their classic, versatile styles.

Why I love them:

• Made using sustainable materials
• Made locally in the UK

6. Isabel Manns Mandevilla Mask – £12

Isabel Manns is a London-based designer, focused on sustainably made clothing. Her masks are made by London-based ateliers and all profits go to the NHS.

Why I love them:

• Made locally in the UK
• Donates to a social cause

7. Tabitha Eve Reusable Face Mask – £7.50

Handmade in the UK using ethically sourced fabrics, these reusable face masks from Tabitha Eve come in such a range of patterns you’ll be split for choice!

Why I love them:

• Made using sustainable materials
• Made locally in the UK

8. Horizon Sustainable Face Masks – £28.07

Fifth Origin’s Horizon sustainable face masks are made with 100% natural and sustainable materials including organic cotton and hemp. They have each been handmade by rural artisans using traditional techniques in the Himalayas.

Why I love them:

• Made using sustainable materials
• Supports rural artisans

9. RYLEY Recycled Fabric Reusable Mask – £18

The RYLEY face mask is made with recycled fabric offcuts and remnants made from 100% recycled materials, including recycled plastic bottles.

Why I love them:

• Made with 100% recycled materials
• Designed and made in London

10. Original Facie Face Mask – £9.95

Founded by one of my closest school friends Original Facie face masks are made with 100% cotton by a mother and daughter duo in Essex. Their packaging is compostable but what I love most is that you can send them old cotton clothes and fabrics which they’ll turn into face masks for you – genius!

Why I love them:

• Made locally in the UK
• Upcycles old fabrics into new masks

So there you have it – 10 reusable face masks that you can buy to support small and sustainable businesses at this challenging time. Alternatively, if you fancy getting crafty you can always make your own which is what we have done at home using a variety of YouTube tutorials as inspiration!

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Please note that I make a small commission on purchases generated by some of the links in this blog post