Take care of the mask

Description

Due to the global pandemic of the Covid-19, the use of disposable plastic, especially face masks has significantly increased. Face masks are categorized as infectious waste and it represents a major problem to the community and public health especially if they are discarded in the environment.

That is the reason that the project "Take care of the mask" was designed. It aims to educate citizens about the importance of proper disposal of face masks, as well as a long-term influence and advocacy for the City of Osijek to become a city without disposable plastic.

There will be a direct influence on the local community through public activities and education on how to reduce plastic waste, especially the disposal of protective masks because they fall into categories of infectious waste.

The direct beneficiaries of this project are citizens, the local community while indirect beneficiaries are representatives of the City of Osijek (institutions), the private sector, Clinical hospital Osijek and the media.

The PLANTaža Association will take on the role of the project leader and coordinate the implementation of activities, while we will conduct advocacy activities with representatives of institutions (City of Osijek) to directly influence the ultimate goal of the project and advocate for Osijek to become a city without disposable plastic.

Summary of project results

The project aimed to address several key issues and challenges arising from the widespread use of protective face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic:

1. Environmental Pollution – The improper disposal of single-use masks has led to significant environmental pollution, particularly in urban areas and natural ecosystems. In Osijek, discarded masks were commonly found on streets, in parks, and near public institutions, with many likely ending up in the Drava River.

2. Increased Plastic Waste – The pandemic led to a surge in the use of single-use plastic products, including masks, food packaging, and other hygiene-related materials. This increase has exacerbated the global plastic pollution crisis, delaying efforts to reduce plastic consumption and implement sustainable alternatives.

3. Threat to Marine and Wildlife – Studies, such as those from Oceans Asia, have highlighted the severe impact of discarded masks on marine life. Microplastics from masks pose a long-term threat to ecosystems, contributing to the deaths of thousands of marine animals and birds each year.

4. Lack of Public Awareness and Proper Waste Disposal – Despite the widespread use of protective masks, little attention has been given to their proper disposal. The project recognized the need for greater public education on responsible waste management to minimize both environmental damage and the spread of infections.

5. Delays in Environmental Policies – The pandemic led to delays in implementing crucial environmental measures, such as bans on single-use plastics. The project aimed to counteract these setbacks by promoting sustainable solutions and advocating for environmentally friendly mask alternatives.

By addressing these challenges, the project sought to raise awareness about responsible mask disposal, reduce pollution in local and global ecosystems, and encourage long-term sustainable practices.

The project implemented several key activities to address the issue of disposable mask pollution and promote sustainable alternatives.

1. “Take a New One, Exchange the Old One” Initiative

Instead of traditional workshops, public gatherings were organized where volunteers distributed informational leaflets and reusable cloth masks at three high-traffic locations in Osijek. The goal was to engage directly with citizens, educate them about the harmful effects of single-use plastics, and encourage them to switch to reusable masks.

• Locations and dates:
  • Trg Ante Starčevića & Trg Slobode (Sept 1, 2021)
  • Portanova Shopping Center (Sept 23, 2021)
  • Main Market (Sept 24, 2021)
• Impact:
  • 300 leaflets and 150 reusable masks distributed
  • Direct conversations with 150 individuals to raise awareness
  • Positive feedback and support from citizens

2. “Why Say No to Single-Use Plastics” Workshops

Workshops were organized for senior citizens, focusing on painting and personalizing reusable masks. Participants not only adopted reusable masks themselves but also took additional masks for family members, expanding the project''s impact.

• Workshop dates and locations:
  • Vodenica, Solar Square (Sept 1 & 3, 2021)
  • Vijenac Josipa Kozarca (Sept 9, 2021)
• Impact:
  • 30+ participants engaged
  • 90+ reusable masks distributed
  • Increased awareness among families and communities

3. Advocacy Against Single-Use Plastics

The project also aimed to influence local policies by advocating for a ban on single-use plastics in Osijek, aligning with a 2019 decision that had yet to be implemented.

• Key advocacy activities:
  • Meetings with city officials:
    • City of Osijek’s Office (Aug 20, 2021)
    • Unikom d.o.o. (waste management company) (Sept 13, 2021)
  • Public discussion panel: "Osijek Without Single-Use Plastics" (Sept 21, 2021)
    • Included city representatives, waste management experts, and environmental advocates
    • Livestreamed on Facebook for broader reach
  • Dissemination of results:
    • Online meeting with environmental NGOs (Sept 23, 2021) to coordinate further advocacy efforts

Challenges & Lessons Learned

• Low collection of disposable masks: Due to the summer season and hygiene concerns, only 23 masks were collected.
• Lack of media presence: Despite outreach efforts, no local media representatives attended the public panel discussion.
• Limited NGO participation in advocacy: Although an invitation was sent to 10 organizations, only a few joined the advocacy discussions.

Overall Project Outcomes

• Successfully educated citizens on the environmental impact of disposable masks
• Encouraged the transition to reusable alternatives
• Engaged local authorities and NGOs in discussions about policy changes
• Raised public awareness through direct engagement and advocacy

During the preparatory phase of the project, we involved Ivan Kaniža, a long-time member of the association PLANTaža, in designing the project''s visual identity. Through a service contract, he created graphic solutions for flyers, masks, and banners. His unique graphic style contributed to the distinctive identity of the project.

Additionally, we engaged Osijek-based videographer Marin Lončar to produce a promotional video for the project. His expertise in filming and editing added significant value to the outreach and visibility of our initiative.

The printing and technical execution of promotional materials were handled by Foto Art, a family-owned company known for its expertise in photography and graphic design. Their professional guidance greatly influenced the final appearance of the project''s materials.

Educational and Community Engagement Activities

One of the key project activities was the mask painting workshops under the initiative "Why Say No to Single-Use Plastic?". More than 30 senior citizens from Osijek and local retirees'' associations participated in these workshops, learning about the harmful effects of single-use plastic and the benefits of using reusable fabric masks.

In the initiative "Take a New One – Exchange the Old One", we organized educational workshops and leaflet distribution in busy areas of the city. The leaflets provided practical advice on reducing plastic waste at home, and participants had the opportunity to exchange used disposable masks for reusable fabric ones.

Targeted Support for Senior Citizens

We specifically involved senior citizens in this project due to socio-economic reasons. Through our previous work, we noticed that many retirees repeatedly used disposable masks due to financial constraints, often wearing them for extended periods despite visible dirt and wear. This practice posed serious health risks, especially for those with pre-existing medical conditions. By providing them with reusable fabric masks and raising awareness about the dangers of prolonged use of disposable masks, we directly contributed to improving their health and well-being.

Advocacy and Policy Dialogues

The project included advocacy efforts against single-use plastic, which involved consultations with representatives of the city administration and the municipal waste management company. Meetings were held with city officials, including senior advisor Sonja Kovač, as well as Tatjana Škugor and Stevo Anetić, to discuss the possibility of installing collection bins for used masks if necessary.

A public debate was also organized, bringing together stakeholders from different sectors.

This discussion served as a platform to align efforts between the city, public services, civil society organizations, and private businesses. Key topics included reducing disposable mask waste, improving advocacy strategies, strengthening civic activism in recycling efforts, and accelerating the implementation of the new Waste Management Act.

Collaboration and Networking

To expand the project''s impact, we reached out to organizations with similar environmental programs through Zoom meeting.

These organizations were encouraged to take action in their communities. Following the project''s completion, we sent them a formal invitation for continued collaboration and created an online platform for sharing results and future advocacy actions.

During the discussions, a preliminary agreement was reached with the Tourist Board of Zlarin for an online presentation about their experiences in banning plastic on Zlarin Island. This public lecture will take place in the coming months at PLANTaža’s community space.

Furthermore, organizations from Knin and the civic initiative "Ja bolji građanin" expressed interest in collaborating on similar future projects, despite being unable to attend the online meeting.

Future Prospects

During a meeting with the local municipal waste management company, their representatives expressed interest in continuing collaboration and exploring the possibility of installing collection bins for disposable masks.

Through a combination of artistic engagement, educational activities, community support, and advocacy efforts, the project successfully raised awareness about the dangers of single-use plastics and promoted sustainable alternatives, particularly among vulnerable groups such as senior citizens. The project also fostered long-term partnerships that will continue to drive positive environmental change in Osijek and beyond.