Organic, Sustainable, Reusable Face Masks for Adults and Kids

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Ready or not, our world is beginning to open back up. As lockdowns are being lifted and businesses are gradually allowed to begin operating again, the question remains: what is the safest way to get on with our lives? One piece of that answer is, of course, face masks.

Like almost everything else these days, face masks have unfortunately become controversial and politicized. But research is all coming down on the side of us wearing fabric masks whenever we are in public.

These studies show that when we wear masks, we reduce the number of potentially infected droplets that make it out of our bodies—either by sneezing, coughing, or just exhaling—and into the world. Remember: you’re not wearing your mask primarily for yourself, but for others. The purpose is to catch the microscopic droplets of fluid that get expelled from your nose and mouth in order to prevent them from making it over to the immunosuppressed person in front of you or the older cashier across from you at the grocery store.

But also, there’s evidence that while cloth face masks might not completely protect you, it can reduce the severity of COVID if you do catch it, but reducing the number of droplets that make it to your mouth and nose.

There are a few other compelling reasons to wear a mask, too. It can keep you from touching your nose and mouth with potentially infected hands. It can be a display of your solidarity for your community, a way to communicate non-verbally that you care about doing your part to slow the spread. And choosing a fabric mask can help to free up the N95 and surgical masks that are much needed by our medical workers.

Lastly, remember that masks are just one piece of the puzzle. They’re not a magical solution that’s going to stop this virus in its tracks. But, combined with other interventions like social distancing, handwashing, and a healthy lifestyle, it all adds up to save lives.

Organic, Reusable Masks from Sustainable & Ethical Brands

So, since face masks might just be the hottest fashion accessory of 2020, we’ve rounded up the best organic, sustainable, and ethically made face masks for adults and children.

The masks below are made from natural and non-toxic fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, and silk. They are either undyed or colored with plant-based and/or non-toxic dyes, and many are made from fabric scraps as a way to reduce waste.

Aside from the communal health benefits, there’s another reason to purchase masks from the brands below: as ethical and sustainable fashion brands have transitioned from making apparel to masks in the last couple of months, many of them have managed to keep their small business afloat and continue employing their seamstresses and garment workers during one of the worst seasons our job market and economy has ever seen.

But ethical brands aren’t the only ones transitioning to fabric masks. So are sweatshops. So it’s important you get your mask from a trusted source.

How to Choose a Good Mask

According to research that came out in August, N95 masks are the most effective, but we knew that. Right after that comes triple-layer synthetic, surgical face masks and triple-layer cotton masks. Many of the masks below have a pocket to insert an additional paper filter as well. Avoid neck fleeces (gaiter masks used by runners), folded bandanas and knitted masks.

If you don’t have time to wait for a mask to be shipped to you, here is a tutorial for how to make your own. There are also a ton of makers selling handsewn masks on Etsy, so you could also consider searching for one that’s made locally to you.

How To Use Your Mask Properly

Of course, none of the masks below are N95 masks and they haven’t passed any sort of third-party certification for effectiveness. They are NOT for medical workers.

But for those of us in the general population, here are a few tips for how to use your mask:

• Try not to touch the mask too much with your hands, especially on the inside.
• Wash your hands before and after putting on and removing your mask each time.
• On each of the individual product pages below, there are directions for how to safely wash your mask. But in general, most of them can be put in the washing machine on the gentle cycle, but with hot water for sanitization.
• Some recommend purchasing a few masks and rotating them out. You can wash each one after it’s used, then leave it to sit for 2-3 days to allow any potential virus droplets to die off.

DoneGood

DoneGood is a marketplace that carries a variety of different types of masks from many ethical and sustainable brands, so they have a variety of sizes available for both adults and children. All of the reusable masks carried on DoneGood are made ethically around the world out of eco-conscious materials, and each brand contributes to a different give-back initiative when you make a purchase.

Price: $10+

Roopa

For: Adults

Price: $20 – $40

Material: Conventional cotton (recycled and virgin) & silk

Made in: Bengaluru, India

Give Back: Proceeds will be split between UNICEF and ProjectArt, a national nonprofit that promotes art education for youth

Parachute

For: Adults

Price: $30 for a set of 5

Material: Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified cotton

Made in: USA

Give Back: For every set sold, they will donate a set to those in need through Baby2Baby and The Bowery Mission.

Amour Vert

For: Adults

Price: $40 – $50 for a 3-pack

Material: Various – organic & conventional cotton, Modal, and TENCEL

Made in: USA

Give Back: Each purchase ensures an essential worker in the City of San Francisco will receive a non-medical grade mask.

Sourcery

For: Adults

Price: $38

Material: Upcycled – mostly silk

Made in: Handmade in NYC

Patagonia

For: Adults

Price: $15

Material: Recycled polyester

Made in: USA

Naturepedic

For: Adults

Price: $49 for a 6-pack

Material: GOTS organic cotton

Made in: Chagrin Falls, Ohio, USA

Give Back: Sold at cost and not for profit. Hundreds of face masks have also been donated to the Cleveland Clinic, university hospitals, and other local facilities.

Made Trade

For: Adults

Price: $15

Material: Recycled hemp & organic cotton

Made in: Portland, Oregon, USA

Give Back: Made in partnership with Altar to provide employment for sewers affected by the pandemic

United By Blue

For: Adults

Price: $20 for a 3-pack

Material: Deadstock hemp, organic cotton, and recycled polyester

Made in: China

Give Back: For each 3 pack purchased, one mask will be donated to Philadelphia’s homeless through Chosen 300.

Groceries Apparel

For: Adults & Kids

Price: $15 – $40

Material: GOTS certified organic cotton

Made in: USA

Give Back: Masks are donated to essential workers with each purchase.

Avocado

For: Adults & Kids

Price: $30 for a 4-pack

Material: GOTS certified organic cotton

Made in: Los Angeles, CA, USA

Give Back: Some proceeds go to the EcoHealth Alliance non-profit

Hackwith Design House

For: Adults & Kids

Price: $12

Material: Cotton

Made in: USA

Give Back: None, but allows their studio to stay open and employ workers during shutdown

AGAATI

For: Adults

Price: $15 – $100

Material: Cotton

Made in: India

Give Back: 100% of the sale will be donated to the artisan fund

Nia Thomas

For: Adults & Kids

Price: $15- $40

Material: Deadstock silk and cotton

Made in: Brooklyn, New York, USA

Give Back: None, but free/discounted for nurses & essential workers

Eileen Fisher

For: Adults & Kids

Price: $12 or 3 for $30

Material: Organic cotton jersey

Made in: Irvington, New York, USA

Give Back: One will be donated to an essential worker with each purchase.

ARIELLE

For: Adults & Kids

Price: $22

Material: Organic linen, cotton, wool, TENCEL, and milk fabric

Made in: NYC, USA

Give Back: Masks are donated to everyone in their supply and shipping chain, including USPS workers. Also allows their studio to stay open and employ workers during the pandemic.

Anchal Project

For: Adults

Price: $20

Material: GOTS certified organic cotton

Made in: Ajmer, India and Louisville, KY, USA

Give Back: None, but each purchase provides employment to those affected by the pandemic

DEMESTIK

For: Adults

Price: $45 for a 3-pack

Material:  Cotton

Made in: USA

Mode Revolution

For: Petite & Standard

Price: $20

Material:  Recycled cotton

Made in: Colombia

Give back: This initiative meant to offer artisans and informal workers an alternative income during this difficult time. Additionally, 80% of profits will be donated to local campaigns which are in charge of delivering food and basic goods to those in need.

Lakeshore Dry Goods

For: Adults

Price: $12 – $16

Material:  GOTS Organic Cotton

Made in: Petoskey, MI, USA

Mara Hoffman x Custom Collaborative

For: Adults

Price: $28

Material: TENCEL, organic cotton, and linen

Made in: NY, NY

Give Back: None, but each purchase provides vital income to the women in their programs who rely on fashion production work to support themselves and their families.

CanDid Art

For: Adults

Price: $18 – $22

Material: Cotton

Made in: Oakland, CA, USA

Taylor Jay

For: Adults

Price: $21 – $76

Material: Repurposed cotton

Made in: Oakland, CA, USA

Gracemade

For: Adults

Price: $25 for a 3-pack to $68 for a 5-pack

Material: Cotton

Made in: Los Angeles, CA, USA

Give back: For every mask purchased, Gracemade will donate one mask to a service industry or health care professional.

Printed Pattern People

For: Adults

Price: $20

Material: Cotton

Made in: Brooklyn, NY, USA

The Narativ

For: Adults

Price: $15 – $17

Material: Cotton

Made in: Brooklyn, NY, USA

Cee Cee’s Closet

For: Adults

Price: $20

Material: Cotton

Made in: Brooklyn, NY, USA

Studio 189

For: Adults

Price: $20

Material: Cotton

For Days

For: Adults

Price: $25 for a 5-pack

Material: Organic cotton jersey

Made in: Los Angeles, CA, USA

Give Back: 5 masks will be donated to essential workers for every 5-pack purchased.

Carolina K

For: Adults

Price: $25 for a 5-pack

Material: Cotton

Made in: USA & Mexico

Give Back: Masks will be donated with each purchase.

Christy Dawn

For: Adults & Kids

Price: $30 for a 5-pack

Material: Deadstock

Made in: Los Angeles, CA, USA

Give Back: For every 5-pack sold, an additional 5-pack is donated

Daniela Salzar

For: Adults & Children

Price: €10

Material: Organic cotton

Made in: Berlin, Germany

Give Back: None

Natasha Tonic

For: Adults

Price: $10 – $15

Material: Hemp (reversible)

Made in: USA

Give Back: With each purchase, a mask is donated to a homeless woman.

Life Without Plastic

For: Adults

Price: $18

Material: Organic cotton and hemp

Made in: Canada

Give Back: None

Olderbrother

For: Adults

Price: $45 for a 2-pack

Material: Organic Japanese cotton

Made in: California, USA

Give Back: A mask with be donated with each one purchased

The Ziran

For: Adults & Kids

Price: $45

Material: Silk scraps (reversible)

Made in: Los Angeles, CA, USA

Give Back: None

Sustain By Kat

For: Adults & Kids

Price: $16

Material: Organic cotton

Made in: USA

Give Back: None, but provides employment for those affected by the pandemic

Botanica Workshop

For: Adults

Price: $7.50

Material: Organic cotton

Made in: Los Angeles, CA, USA

Give Back: Buy one, donate one to an essential worker in LA

Caméléon

For: Adults

Price: DM them on Instagram to purchase a mask.

Material: Various

Made in: New York, New York, USA

Give Back: Donations are made to children hospitals, special needs homes, homeless shelters etc. with each purchase.

Alex + Nova

For: Adults & Kids

Price: $20

Material: GOTS certified organic cotton

Made in: South Korea

Give Back: None

Arraei Collective

For: Adults & Kids

Price: $12

Material: Hemp

Made in: Canada

Give Back: With each purchase, one mask will be donated to the Downtown Eastside Women’s Center in Vancouver, to a local old age home, to various charities and women’s center’s in South Africa.

Halfmoon

For: Adults

Price: $10

Material: Organic cotton

Made in: British Columbia, Canada

Give Back: None

Have another suggestion for us? Comment below and we might add it to the list!