It looks like we *finally* graduated from using face shields after almost two years. For now, at least. Last November 15, the Philippine government lifted the requirement for areas under Alert Levels 1, 2, and 3. In areas under Alert Level 4, it’s up to the LGU’s discretion. However, face shields are still required in hospitals, high-risk areas, and under Alert Level 5. So you’re celebrating and throwing your face shield in the air to signify this momentous occasion, but what now? Reports say an estimated 65 million face shields are being used per day in 21.8 million households nationwide. Where do you throw your collection? Here are some ideas on where how you can recycle your face shield or where to donate them.
The Plastic Flamingo (The Plaf)
Face shields? MINE PLS! pic.twitter.com/8RXp8xzcWU
— The Plaf (@zeplaf) November 16, 2021
To hit many (plastic) birds with one stone, you can also drop off other plastic wastes such as plastic bottles, hangers, PVC tubes, plastic cups, utensils, all cleaned and dried. Your plastic waste will be transformed into planks and posts to help build buildings, furniture, and more.
Consider donating it to vets and clinics
Call your local pet clinic and inquire if they’re accepting donations of used but clean face shields. Some clinics repurpose plastic face shields for DIY pets in their care. They even use them as safe collars for exotic pets.
Use it to hold your vaccine cards
Recycle your face shield and use it as a vaccine cardholder. Vaccination cards act like primary IDs these days. You have to carry it with you at all times so you can dine in at restaurants, board a plane, enter a resort, get a haircut, and many other activities open only for fully-vaccinated individuals. Since our vaccination cards easily wear out or worse, get folded and smudged, you can use your face shield’s acetate to keep them looking brand new until your booster shot.
Protective gear for cooking
😩😩😩 pic.twitter.com/kBh0ZvknDc
— Maris Racal (@MissMarisRacal) August 12, 2021
Many Pinoys suggest keeping face shields to protect yourself from oil splashes when cooking. Unless you’ve got thick skin, everyone’s a little bit scared of frying fish and all the hot oil it involves. Face shields are useful in shielding your face from the hot oil spray. You can also wear them when chopping onions to avoid tearing up.
Got stocks? Healthcare workers might need them
You can always donate your new and unused face shields to those who are still required to wear them. Hospital workers aren’t exempt from face shield freedom. Call up your health worker friends or contact local hospitals to inquire about donating your stocks.
Check with your barangay
Christmas decor and costumes
Consider keeping it for the future
The past few months were filled with wishy-washy decisions from the government on keeping face shields or ditching them. Who knows what they’ll decide tomorrow? Besides, the Alert Level could rise, especially since the holidays are approaching. It’s better if you hold on to your face shield for now until we’re out of the woods.
Got more ideas on how to recycle your face shield? Share it with us in the comments!
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