Although this pandemic has put our lives on pause this does not mean global issues cease to worsen. Unfortunately, global issues are still highly prevalent and with our current lifestyles we are a long way from making effective changes. Pending the industrial revolution and the increase in our consumption rates, our anthropogenic activities have given rise to the global waste crisis. With the current pandemic, our use of disposable and single use plastic items has significantly surged, which only further worsens the dilemma with plastic pollution. Plastic appears as cheap, "convenient", and easy to get rid of however this is definitely not the case. People often directly correlate sustainability with "eco-friendly" and although an aspect of sustainability does include ethical environmental practices, to be sustainable is also to be economically and socially mindful. So what does this have to do with masks? Instead of spending your money on disposable masks every other week, why not invest in a reusable one for the longterm? Instead of being personally involved in the contribution to plastic pollution and the destruction of ecosystems, why not just invest in a reusable mask that will save you the trouble and the lives of hundreds of other organisms? Your decisions make a huge impact and it is time we take accountability for them. It is time we stand up for what is right. It is time we challenge ourselves outside of the boxes we are molded to fit in and it is time we train our conscience to be more aware of the world around us and how our lifestyles may affect that. 

Where do I start?

Signing this petition will encourage the board directors at ISLQ to ban the use of single use face masks and rubber/plastic gloves for the next academic year

Visit this google document and explore the retail websites I have provided you with that range from reusable face masks, biodegradable gloves, reusable face masks with pocket filters, and even black-owned businesses that make and sell face masks. 

What does this mean for the future?

You have the potential of being more sustainable with your financial expenses and more environmentally conscious with your lifestyle decisions.

More importantly, if we are able to successfully follow through with this, we will be using this to encourage all schools in Qatar to ban the use of single use masks and plastic/rubber gloves. We have the potential of leading and representing an important cause, what's stopping you? 

Why should I buy from a black-owned business?

Minority groups have ultimately suffered the most during the Covid-19 pandemic so you have the opportunity of both supporting a small business in need and being more sustainable!