A brainchild of Cape Town based Ballo ethical fashion brand, which make goods from recycled offcuts and other sustainable materials, the masks feature a pleated double fabric layer – one layer of white cotton inside and another on the outside with a bit more vibe.
With an easy to fit elastic-over-ear design, there’s 5 different fabric designs to choose from, and if you order more than one, Ballo will try to come up with as much variety as possible “so you can easily tell them apart”.
Why support the business? As it’s the case for many countries, the rapid spread of COVID-1 and subsequent travel ban meant that many SMMEs would have to shut down stores and workshops.
For Ballo, this meant cutting off revenue to the business and its 10 employees. “We have designed and made masks to fulfill the public need and try to ensure we can 1. pay staff salaries 2. pay rent and 3. have jobs to come back to when things calm down.” And of course “because none of the other masks had vibe,” founder Alistair Barnes said.
Disclaimer: These face mask will not guarantee prevention from contracting or cure of COVID-19.
They are rather designed to help stop users from coughing and sneezing onto others and to help remind them not to touch their face or your nose with dirty hands.
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