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5 Reasons to Wear Reusable Protective Gear at Work

In the wake of concerns about the current COVID-19 pandemic, we all need to take continuous precautions against the disease. As experts advise, we should always wash our hands, observe physical distancing, and wear personal protective gear such as face masks, which have been proven to be very useful in terms of preventing the dispersal of respiratory droplets from infected individuals.

With the variety of choices available on the market today, the question is which type of protective gear we should purchase. We are all familiar with traditional hospital-grade disposable respirators and surgical masks, which surged in demand as the pandemic kicked in at the start of the year. But more recently, resourceful individuals and even apparel companies have also begun producing reusable protective gear. Aside from reusable cloth face masks, there are now innovative new products like antimicrobial hand protectors and antimicrobial socks for kids and adults alike. These have become quite popular, especially for everyday use outside of hospital settings.

Reusable protective gear is something you can consider for yourself and your family members for their sustainability, comfort, and aesthetic appeal. Here are five reasons to choose these over single-use protective gear or cheap, but low-quality apparel.

Wearing a mask on the daily? If you haven't already, it is time to consider reusable protective gear so you can stay protected & save money.

More Sustainable and Environment-Friendly

Not even a year into the pandemic, there have been a number of news reports about many disposable masks and gloves polluting our oceans and washing up on shores all around the world. This just goes to show the massive amount of waste we are generating with single-use protective gear.

Choosing more sustainable alternatives will help you do your share in caring for the environment while still protecting yourself and others from the threat of COVID-19. Professional-grade surgical masks and respirators, like N95 masks, can be reserved for those who need them the most: medical frontliners such as doctors and nurses.

 

Sturdy, Long-Lasting, and Cost-Efficient

Disposable protective gear are designed and manufactured for single use only. They are made of materials that are typically not washable, and thus, it is not advisable to reuse them. Another concern is that you will need to replace them after every use, which is likely to burn a hole in your pocket. Reusable options not only provide you with weeks or even months of use, but they can help you save big bucks as well. All you need is minimal effort to launder them once in a while, or you can also just throw them into the washing machine with your other clothes.

Fun and Fashionable

Who says you can’t express your personal style even during difficult times like these? All the more during this season of gloom and anxiety should you be able to find an outlet for creativity and imagination. Professional protective equipment typically comes in staid colors and designs. Meanwhile, reusable protective gear often comes in a plethora of designs, patterns, and colors that will surely fit any mood you are in.

You can buy several of these items and build your very own wardrobe of protective clothing that’s actually wearable and easy to style up. It’s a great way to draw some psychological comfort from fashion, and to stay true to who you are and how you want to present yourself, despite the circumstances.

fun and fashionable masks

Discreet and Convenient to Use

Reusable protective gear, such as face masks, hand protectors, and legwear made of sustainable fabric, are just like any other pieces of apparel. You can throw them on as you dress up before heading out of the house. You can also pack them more easily during travel and wash them just as you would any article of clothing. Compared to medical-grade masks and gear, the cloth-based counterparts are also generally more comfortable to wear.

Most importantly, since they blend in better with your regular attire, reusable protective gear doesn’t draw unnecessary attention from other people. Conversely, wearing a medical respirator and a pair of gloves immediately makes other people wonder whether or not you are sick.

Some Offer Added Protection

Certain varieties of protective gear also boast additional features, like antimicrobial properties that make it harder for pathogens to thrive on them. Treated textiles like these can withstand several wash cycles without losing these properties. As such, products like these may give you better value for money in terms of the benefits that you can enjoy.

 

If you’re looking for personal protective products, why not consider going for textile-based reusable gear? A lot of people have already seen the advantages in choosing such products. You’ll be able to see these for yourself if you give reusable protective gear a try. Look for the kind that you and your family members can use comfortably for a long time.

 

This post contains affiliate links and I may receive a commission, at no additional cost to you, should you purchase through one of my links. Please see my disclosure for more information.

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TWL Working Mom

Jennifer is the owner of TWL Working Moms. She is a full time teacher, a mom & step mom, and NBCT Facilitator. Jennifer lives in Washington State and is a born + raised New Yorker. In her spare time, she loves traveling, yoga, the beach, writing, listening to books and drinking coffee.

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