Helpful Hints 

The Making of a Mask - Think of the Environment!

During this pandemic, masks have become a big thing. In basic terms, there are 2 kinds of masks:

- Reusable

- Disposable

Disposable masks are single-use and you have to throw them away each time.  Just imagine! Each day, on a 10 week term, you use a different disposable mask. That could potentially be 50 masks for the term per person. Multiply that for every year 11/12 student. Can you imagine it all? Sitting in landfill? Overseas, hundreds of masks have been found washed up on beaches, especially in places like France and some Asian countries, according to The Guardian. Our oceans and its creatures are already suffering from millions of littered plastic pieces per year, now this pandemic is seeing a significant rise.

But of course, you still need to look after your health! The environment is important, but so are you. So the solution is, to make a reusable mask! This way, it is better for the environment, plus you can make it as fancy or as plain as you like!

All you need is 2 x pieces of 100 percent cotton fabric, and 1x piece of polypropylene fabric, plus elastic, hairbands, or even strips of t-shirt for ear loops.

Alternatively, you can use 1 piece of reusable shopping bag/exercise clothing/regular clothing, another layer of reusable shopping bag/clothing and one layer of water absorbing cotton if you don’t have any other fabric at home.

Here are some links of how to make one:

1. As recommended by the Victorian Government: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/202007/Design%20and%20preparation%20of%20cloth%20mask_0.pdf
2. One with cotton and polypropylene: https://thestitchingscientist.com/2020/03/how-to-sew-a-face-mask.html

You can also sew a small pocket at the top to place a bit of wire in, so that your mask fits better, but make sure it is removable so that you can wash your mask. Make sure you wash your mask after each use, and if it contains polypropylene or reusable shopping bags, don’t iron it or put it in the dryer.

Our family has been making heaps of masks for others and ourselves, so why not make some yourself and protect yourself and the environment! Stay safe!

Natalie Barr

Year 7, on behalf of the Green Team

Bibliography: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jun/08/more-masks-than-jellyfish-coronavirus-waste-ends-up-in-ocean

Maroondah City Council News

I hope you are going well despite this very strange and challenging time. I wanted to flag our Hangout at Home program for your students and young people. It is a great way for our young people to stay connected. It is an adaptation from our EVs Hangout to an online social space. Every Thursday afternoon Marcus and I are on Zoom to chat and play games. We have a topic of the week, where we creatively discuss questions like ‘How would you survive a zombie apocalypse’ or ‘What is the best superhero and why’. 

Who: 12-25 year old’s

Cost: Free 

When: Every Thursday 4.30-6pm  

Link: www.maroondahyouth.com.au/hangoutathome  

Instagram: @maroondahyouth 

A form must be completed on our website before joining the Zoom call. You can find it via the link above 😊 

Ashley Wallace 

Youth Development Worker - Events