The first item to fly off the shelves in reation to Covid-19 was masks. While we have a small amount of them in case of emergency, we don't have enough to last a long time. After reading articles by the CDC and other scientists, I have learned that masks don't protect against infection like we would prefer to believe. They help to contain sneezes and coughs, which help to prevent the spread of disease, but don't do much else.
I get this logic and am trying to refrain from wearing masks when it isn't needed (usually only on the trains). But, I do not agree with this logic when it comes to kids. It isn't about airborne illnesses. I disagree that kids don't need to be wearing masks right now because they touch their face a lot! One of the best things to do to avoid getting sick is to not touch your face (the other top two are wash hands and get enough sleep). So, to prevent nose picking and other fun habits many children have (of course, not mine...) I have no issues with my son wearing a mask.
However, he doesn't need a store bought, disposable mask. To reduce our consumption, I made my son a mask. It isn't perfect and I will be trying a couple different styles. But this one will work until I have time to make more.
If anyone in my family had a compromised immune system, I would not be messing around with homemade masks. However, we don't have that concern. So, it should fit our needs just fine.
I'm so glad my neighbor brought up this topic. When I first moved to Japan, I was so overwhelmed with day to day life, I abandoned many environmentally friendly efforts that were routine for me in the US (but are done differently here). I now feel like refocusing on these things, I can help my community twofold.
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