As you probably know by now etee stands for everything touches everything else. Our goal is for all our products to come from the earth and return to the earth, meaning biodegradable, eco-certified ingredients (non-toxic) and plastic-free.
Now that we're in the middle of a Global Pandemic, we are challenged with the desire to stay true to our mission, while also providing the protection people deserve.
You see, while Our FaceMasks fit perfectly with this mission - they are made with GOTS certified organic cotton and they are reusable - it is recommended to use a filter to ensure the masks provide maximum protection.
So we've been looking at filter options and the quickest to get in stock, cheapest and most tested is the disposable/single-use PM2.5 multi-layer, activated charcoal filter (with layers of synthetic melt-blown fabric), BUUUUT it's single use and it won't biodegrade any time soon.
Disposable/single-use PM2.5 set of 10 for $10.99. QUICK TO MARKET, SINGLE USE & NON-BIODEGRADABLE, PROVEN EFFECTIVE AGAINST VIRUSES
At the other end of the spectrum is a cotton filter that is more expensive, will take longer to bring to market and is not as proven.
Reusable antibacterial cotton filter - set of 4 for $12.00USD. SLOW TO MARKET, BIODEGRADABLE, EXPENSIVE and unproven.
Another option that has been popping up in DIY circles is the Coffee filter. It is - as yet - unproven, but it would be biodegradable and less expensive to produce.
Disposable paper filter (coffee filter type) - set of 20 for $5.99. REASONABLE SPEED TO MARKET, BIODEGRADABLE, UNPROVEN
Soooo, with this in mind, we're feeling that in light of the Pandemic, it makes most sense to get the PM2.5 filter to market as quickly as possible while we continue to look into the more sustainable options; both from an 'ecological footprint' perspective AND from a functionality perspective.
Comments
If you select the PM2.5, please make provision for those of us who ordered the masks to add pkgs of filters to our order.
According to the research I have done, and referencing studies on filtration efficiency of various materials, I think the cotton masks are efficient on their own, providing they are double layers. Of all the filter options I would choose coffee filters. They have been proven efficient when used in 3-4 layers, although any filter material only adds a small percentage to the already acceptable filtration efficiency of the cotton masks.
I think the biodegradable coffee filters make most sense. Another option is vacuum cleaner bags that filter. 1 bag makes a few mask filters.
I have previously texted you that your mask fits me perfectly and is my favorite (a friend made one but it doesn’t fit me).
I think I will add the coffee filter. I put my coffee grounds and filters in the compost, anyway.
I agree with those who have (correctly) stated that wearing a mask protects others from our coughs and sneezes. Just a plain, cloth nose/mouth cover and 6ft. minimum distance should be sufficient for non medical use.
So for now, I don’t feel the need to use a filter. If I did, I would choose the least environmentally harmful option
The latest information indicates that two layers of silk behind a layer of cotton gives good results. Silk is biodegradable and washable.
I like the pocket idea as that means we are using less material that is being disposed. I appreciate the desire to be completely biodegradable, but the disposable, single use filters are the only ones we can be sure will give us the desired protection.
I would not buy single use filters and I don’t think it goes well with everything touches everything else. I would just say that the cdc recommends that people wear a 2 layer or more cloth mask while out in public. While our masks have a filter pocket, we are unable to obtain a filter that aligns with our standards of everything touches everything else. Therefore, at this time we cannot offer a filter. If you want to use a filter you could use a coffee filter or a cut up shop towel etc. We are working hard to obtain a filter that is good for you and good for the earth. We appreciate your patience etc etc. People who shop your products are very resourceful and can make do with something else or just rely on the quality of your mask without the filter (which is compliant to the cdc recommendations:)
Effective and proven seem most important in these new times where the science is changing the norm every day. Then quick to market would be my hope. Thank you for what you are doing.
We purchased your masks and are already using coffee filters with them. The small pocket that your masks have sewn in are very small and make it difficult to insert. We fold them in half and open them once they’re in…not that easy to do. It would be good if you made the pocket larger to accommodate whatever filter you choose.