14 Sustainable Brands Making Face Masks For Social Distancing
Sustainable and Organic Face Masks
Wearing face masks when outside our homes is one simple way we can protect ourselves and others amidst COVID-19. Masks help limit the spread of droplets emitted into the air and are most effective when everyone is wearing one.
Thankfully, brands worldwide are shifting production efforts to craft affordable face masks out of cotton, hemp, deadstock fabric, and other sustainable materials. A handful of brands are even giving back to medical communities or donating masks to those in need through a 1-for-1 model.
“Please only purchase the masks you need without bulk-buying.”
It’s important to note that these face masks are not the same as the medical-grade masks that catch smaller particles and are fit-tested to prevent leakage. But let’s leave the medical-grade masks to the professionals. There’s a nationwide shortage, and every PPE mask helps protect frontline healthcare workers.
And friends, remember: We’re all in this together. Please only purchase the masks you need without bulk-buying. For many areas, there are only limited quantities available, and we all deserve equal access to protection.
If you wear hearing aids and find it difficult to wear conventional masks, here are some tips for wearing a mask with your hearing aids. Curious how else you can help during COVID-19? Here are our favorite small shops to support online. And if you’re looking for ways to care for your health, try these natural tips, foods, and yoga poses for boosting immunity.
1. Etsy
Price | Varies, starting at $1 for one mask
Etsy is a certified B Corp making the lives of artisans and crafters simpler and more successful through its global marketplace. A wide variety of small businesses and self-employed seamstresses—many of whom are probably near you—are offering non-medical grade masks for sale, so you can invest in local entrepreneurs and keep yourself protected all at once. Shipping dependent on seller.
Shop Etsy Masks
2. Hackwith Design House
Price | $12 for one mask
Hackwith Design House is all about American-made, long-lasting, ethical apparel that’s made-to-order from its Minnesota studio. For the cost of one month of Netflix, you’ll receive a mask using Hackwith’s available fabrics, provide some extras for essential workers, and ensure that the company’s staff can take paid time off. A triple win-win-win. Free domestic shipping; international shipping options.
Hackwith Design House
3. Christy Dawn
Price | $30 for five masks (+5 donated)
With a love for Mother Earth, Christy Dawn uses leftover fabric (also known as deadstock) and organic cotton for all of its Los Angeles- and India-crafted designs. One order of non-medical grade masks, made of 100 percent doubled deadstock cotton, means you’ll get five, while the other five are given to those in need. International shipping options.
Shop Christy Dawn Masks
4. Avocado
Price | $30 for four masks
Avocado, a certified B Corp, prides itself on nontoxic, 100 percent certified organic mattresses that are made to protect both you and the planet. The reusable face masks contain two layers of 100 percent organic cotton, and you can choose from adult, children, or family packs based on your needs. Domestic shipping, including to Hawaii and Alaska.
Shop Avocado Masks
5. Parachute
Price | $30 for five masks (+5 donated)
Originally focused on bedding, Parachute Home now provides ethically made premium home goods, like sheets and rugs, with design and quality in mind. Available to ship starting May 1, you can pick up five Oeko-Tex certified cotton masks in a variety of colors and patterns—and five will be donated, as well. International shipping options.
Shop Parachute Home Masks
6. Haley Solar
Price | $14 for one mask
Using reclaimed fabrics, artisan dying techniques, and a low carbon footprint, Haley Solar has offered ethically and responsibly made apparel and accessories out of the Los Angeles area for a decade. Today, the company has pivoted from teaching fashion classes to creating face masks instead, serving the local community. With a number of eclectic, unique patterns, Haley Solar is a great option for USA-made masks that support small biz. International shipping options.
Shop Haley Solar Masks
7. Whimsy + Row
Price | $10 for one mask (+1 donated)
Founded in 2014, Whimsy + Row produces limited-run clothing for the modern, creative woman, using only locally sourced textiles or leftover fabrics. Today, it’s whipped up 1,000 masks (and counting!) to donate to Los Angeles-based organizations that need them most. With each purchase, it’ll give one away. International shipping options.
Shop Whimsy + Row Masks
8. Hyer Goods
Price | $20 for one mask (+1 donated to an essential worker)
Hyer Goods is crafting affordable and ethical face masks at a woman-owned factory in Los Angeles. These reusable masks are made with deadstock fabrics and woven cotton and come in a variety of fun and fashionable prints, including indigo tie dye and floral. Hyer Goods is also partnering with the city of LA and #LAPROTECTS; for each mask sold, the company donates one to an essential worker in need. International shipping options.
Shop Hyer Goods Masks
9. Buck Mason
Price | $20 for five masks
Built for the long haul, Buck Mason offers ethically made, timeless, and modern American classics for men, including its beloved tees and rugged denim. As part of its Masks for America campaign, Buck Mason is setting out to donate one million non-medical masks in California and beyond, with one given away for each one sold. Ships in the USA and to Canada.
Shop Buck Mason Masks
10. Rachel Craven
Price | $22 for one mask (+1 donated)
For biodegradable, sustainable, and stunning linen apparel, Rachel Craven is our go-to. The double-layered masks are also made with anti-bacterial linen and come with additional space for a replaceable filter. Sewn in downtown Los Angeles, the company will give away a mask to LA-based nonprofit A New Way of Life Reentry Project with each purchase. International shipping options.
Shop Rachel Craven Masks
11. Selva Negra
Price | $15 for one mask
Selva Negra is the ethical, sustainable, and vibrant brainchild of two Latina designers, offering collections made in downtown Los Angeles. For comfortable masks that go around your entire head—not just your ears—you can find options for sizes and patterns; plus, for every five masks sold, one will be provided to healthcare workers nationwide. International shipping options.
Shop Selva Negra Masks
12. Baukjen
Price | £25 for five face masks
Baukjen’s non-medical face masks are handmade at family-run factories in Portugal from 100% cotton deadstock fabric. With every pack you purchase (packs come with 4 adult-sized masks and 1 child-sized mask), the sustainable brand will send you an additional pack to gift to your neighbors. Free UK delivery with shipping options to 120+ international countries.
Shop Baukjen Masks
13. HELMSTEDT
Price | €33.54 for one mask
Sustainable Danish brand HELMSTEDT is crafting silk cotton face masks from deadstock fabrics. Every mask is unique with colorful prints and designs. All profits from purchased masks are being donated to WHO’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. International shipping options.
Shop HELMSTEDT Masks
14. Baserange
Price | €20 for one mask
These Pima Cotton knitted face masks are made in France by sustainable brand Baserange. Offered in natural colors (navy, black, beige, grey, and offwhite), the masks have been tested and certified to filter 99.7 percent of aerosols. International shipping options. We especially love the unique knitted texture—because a comfortable mask is a mask we’ll remember to wear.
Shop Baserange Masks
Featured image of floral masks is from Christy Dawn
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