Disposed, Discarded, Dumped
January 2021 Online Photography Exhibition
Throughout January, I have documented the disposed, discarded, and dumped facemasks that I have seen on my journeys to work. Each time I walk over 'the green bridge' a facemask has appeared and then disappeared repeatedly. In the process of documenting and exhibiting these, I wonder; who has worn this mask, who has disposed, discarded, or dumped of their mask - whether by accident or on purpose - like this...How can one treat an object that can save lives -the lives of their family & friends - this way? and How can one treat their planet this way?
Disposed, Discarded, Dumped is an online photography exhibition that seeks to highlight the environmental issue surrounding facemasks. Hundreds of thousands, even millions, of single-use masks are being dumped outdoors, polluting our planet and causing harm to wildlife who try to eat them and/or become tangled in them. For guidance on How to dispose of your personal or business waste, including face coverings and personal protective equipment (PPE), and the safety of litter picking, during the coronavirus pandemic - please visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-disposing-of-waste#litter-picking-during-coronavirus
"Once removed, you should store any reusable face coverings in a plastic bag until you have a chance to wash them at home. If a face covering is single-use, you should place it in a normal residual waste or litter bin, to protect the environment and help limit the spread of coronavirus. Please do not put them into a recycling bin”