Biodegradable Masks that turn into Flowers

During the COVID-19 pandemic, disposable surgical masks have been contaminating our planet. Although these are key aspects for fighting the virus, our environment has also been suffering terrible consequences. To prevent this, a woman in the Netherlands invented an eco-friendly substitute.

Marianne de Groot-Pons, a graphic designer, has created biodegradable masks embedded with seeds that will transform into flowers when planted. Her project, called Marie Bee Blooms, has the aim of reducing the pollution caused by throwaway masks, by offering a fun clean option. They are designed so that once you have finished wearing them, you can simply plant them and the flower will grow.

Marianne was inspired to start this project after seeing dozens of disposable masks on the street. Throughout her career, she felt that her work contributed to contamination, as she designed printing and packaging. Therefore, she hoped this initiative would help give something back to the Earth.

The masks are made of rice paper and have wool cords for attaching them to the face. Everything that makes up the masks is safe for the environment, including the ink used for the logo and the glue which holds it together. The creator worked hard to achieve this, ensuring that almost no harm is caused to the planet.

If the mask is not discarded correctly by the user, although the flowers will not grow, the mask will cause less damage to the ecosystem than a normal one.

Nevertheless, this option has some disadvantages. They are more expensive than regular masks, making it inaccessible to many people, and the countries where it is available for purchase are limited. Also, the mask’s effectiveness against the virus has not been evaluated yet. Although the website claims the mask provides as much protection as a fabric mask, it still needs to be tested.

Biodegradable masks are much more eco-friendly while still protecting the user

Bibliography

CountryLiving Team. (2021, March 12th). These biodegradable face masks turn into flowers when you plant them. CountryLiving. https://www.countryliving.com/uk/news/a35804769/biodegradable-face-masks-flowers/

Frost, C. (2020, June 25th) Biodegradable Face Mask Made from Wood Fibres [Photograph] Stylus. https://www.stylus.com/biodegradable-face-mask-made-from-wood-fibres

Inquirer Web Team. (2021, March 24th). Instead of polluting the oceans, a face mask claims it turns into flowers. Iquirer.net. https://technology.inquirer.net/108646/instead-of-polluting-the-oceans-a-face-mask-claims-it-turns-into-flowers

Menezes, F. (2021, March). These fully biodegradable masks grow into flowers when buried. BrightVibes. https://www.brightvibes.com/2206/en/these-fully-biodegradable-face-masks-grow-into-flowers-when-buried

WION Web Team. (2021, March 23rd). These biodegradable facemasks bloom into flowers when planted after use. WION. https://www.wionews.com/world/these-biodegradable-facemasks-bloom-into-flowers-when-planted-after-use-372504