August 20, 2020

How Good is Your Mask for Your Health? What’s Its Impact on the Environment?

Life practically changes in the blink of an eye.
One day we were going out, enjoying our lives, and freely communicating with people.
And then the pandemic hit us with the intensity of a fast-moving bullet train.
Cut to the present, today, we have masks on our faces and constant fear in our hearts.
Authorities at all levels, across the globe, have urged citizens to wear masks to protect themselves and limit the spread of the virus.
Masks have been deemed as one of the three primary ways in which we can stay protected. The other two being social distancing and frequent washing/sanitization of hands.
For the layman, the mask is a Messiah. Our only savior. A simple solution to the pandemic that shook the world.
And a wide spectrum of the global population has accepted masks as a part of the new normal.
But, are masks really that great?
Do they really protect us?
How much is the environmental impact of masks, if any?
Are masks healthy?
Well, these are just some of the burning questions that you will not find answers to. At least not easily.
The world is suffering from two deadly issues at the moment. One the virus, and second the herd mentality that we follow.
With literally no questions, we have started using the masks that are being offered to us. Some people have gone as far as to make it a style statement.
Ever so often one hears of a unique mask. It could be a medical-grade mask that promises that extra percentage of security. Or it could be a mask made from eco-friendly materials.
It might take you a while to find out how effective a mask is or what its environmental impact is. But you’ll find branded and designer masks in a jiffy.
But, we are sure you have your priorities set right. And that’s why we have tried to understand the efficacy and the environmental impact of different types of masks. …Read More

Vishal Vivek is the Founder and CEO of Ukhi, a pioneering bio-materials company dedicated to ending plastic pollution by converting agricultural waste into high-performance compostable polymers. With a background in sustainable entrepreneurship and over a decade of technology experience, he leads Ukhi’s vision to create scalable, planet-positive material solutions. Previously, Vishal founded the Hemp Foundation, where he empowered more than 1,000 farmers and advanced sustainable livelihood initiatives. His work has been recognized through awards such as the HDFC Parivartan Grant and featured in leading publications like Forbes and Entrepreneur. Times Group recognized him as a legendary entrepreneur and published his biography in “I Did IT- Vol 2” alongside social pioneers like Bindeshwar Pathak (Sulabh International) and Anshu Gupta (Goonj). Vishal has authored more than 200 articles on sustainability and hemp, reflecting his deep expertise and advocacy for regenerative solutions. His commitment to grassroots impact led him to live in the remote mountains of Uttarakhand, where he immersed himself in the lives of marginal farmers, understanding their challenges and co-creating economic opportunities through hemp-based initiatives. A deeply passionate innovator, Vishal often draws inspiration from seemingly impossible achievements: “If Elon Musk can make rockets reusable, or Dashrath Manjhi can carve a path through a mountain with rudimentary tools, why can’t we eliminate the demon of single-use plastic while uplifting struggling farmers? We will make it happen—whatever it takes.” Ukhi is proud to be supported by premier institutions including IIT Guwahati, NSRCEL-IIM Bangalore, Indian School of Business (Hyderabad), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR Pusa), and the Indian Institute of Packaging. Vishal is committed to demonstrating that business can be a powerful catalyst for global environmental and social good. Connect with Vishal Vivek