Ethical Brands Who Are Making & Donating Masks for Essential Workers
The greatest thing that has come from the COVID-19 outbreak and quarantine has been the outpouring of community involvement and contribution. As our incredible healthcare personnel and other essential workers are struggling to get the supplies and protective gear they need due to the increasing Coronavirus cases (and stockpilers limiting folks’ access to necessary, life-saving supplies), many businesses, large and small are rallying to create masks for those in need. Here are some of our favorite brands donating masks for healthcare and essential workers.
Sustainable brands donating masks during COVID-19
Baggu - known for its reusable shopping bags made in bold patterns and colors, Baggu is working with its longtime manufacturing partner to create medical grade, FDA-approved masks. To date, the brand has donated $10,000 to import masks to New York, where the demand continues to grow. To assist in Baggu’s mission, you can donate here.
Selva Negra - a sustainable, woman-owned ethical fashion brand, Selva Negra is dedicating its factories to produce reusable, protective cotton masks. They are working to source medical grade materials to create FDA-approved masks, but at this time they are offering protective layers for those in need. You can find more information on how to donate to their cause here.
Elizabeth Suzann - another woman-owned brand focused on creating clothing with quality, sustainable materials, Elizabeth Suzann and their team are creating masks from the safety of their homes for caretakers and essential service employees. Their masks are made of cloth, so they are intended to be used as additional protective layers over N95 masks. Donations can be made on their website here.
Big Bud Press - known for its size-inclusive, unisex styles, Big Bud Press is using its resources to create 100% cotton jersey masks with waterproof 50/50 poly cotton blend exteriors for LA and Chicago area hospitals, homeless shelters, clinics, youth centers and more. The brand is not only allowing this opportunity to help serve community members in need, it’s also helping to keep their team employed during California’s Shelter in Place order. To support their mission, you can donate here.
Machete Jewelry - jewelry brand, Machete, is offering a sale on its eco-friendly acetate pieces with the proceeds going towards the donation of surgical and N95 masks for hospitals and healthcare centers. The purchase of one piece results in the donation of 25 masks. Learn more here.
We’ll continue to update this list as we discover more brands we believe in who are creating masks to aid in the shortage. There are several large companies such as Zara, H&M and brands within the LVMH luxury brand conglomerate who are utilizing their resources and facilities to create protective medical supplies. There are also other resources such as the Mask Fund raising money for Personal Protective Equipment.
It should be noted that there are stringent requirements for masks that can be used for medical professionals. Cloth, specifically vintage or pre-loved, is not a recommended material for those working in the medical field. Masks made of new cloth are great for protecting and prolonging the lives of N95 masks, but they are not replacements for the medical grade masks. In most cases, you can contact your local medical facilities and request information on their mask donation requirements.
N95 masks should be saved for medical personnel. They need to be fit tested, so in many cases, those who are stockpiling them for personal use aren’t going to be protected in the same way as if their mask was properly fitted. If you have access to unused N95 or surgical masks, please consider that those on the frontlines of this pandemic are losing their lives due to this massive shortage. Donate what you can to keep our community safe.
We can’t thank our healthcare workers, first responders and essential workers enough for their continued sacrifice during this time. If it’s within your means, donate to the companies you believe in who are working to provide aid. Also consider sharing kind words, offering meals or even sending a Venmo for a bottle of wine to show your loved ones your appreciation.