Passionate local urges proper disposal of face masks to protect wildlife

IT ONLY takes a walk down to the shops or beach to notice a face mask left on the ground, but Surf Coast local Kathryn Mazylis is doing her part to keep them off our coastline and is urging others to follow suit.

Wearing masks has become part of Victorian’s everyday life throughout this COVID-19 affected year and an unfortunate by-product has been the high volumes of masks that are disposed of incorrectly, often simply left on the ground.

Ms Mazylis is a frequent walker along the beach and has begun playing her part in tackling this issue, by picking up masks throughout her walk, often filling multiple bags after a few days.

Having lived on the coast her whole life, she has seen the damage rubbish can do to our wildlife and sea creatures and she is encouraging fellow community members to play their part, and even better make sure you bin your mask in the first place.

“We love walking on the sand and looking at the ocean, but we’ve got to protect it,” Ms Mazylis said.

“You can go down to the beach and have fun, but take everything with you.

“I can understand not wanting to pick up a mask… but we can prevent all of it (by not putting them there in the first place).

“It’s not a few masks, there’s an abundance of masks.”

Ms Mazylis, who has been putting the word out via the Surfcoast Community Facebook page, said she was hoping to start a group having received plenty of messages offering support and interest in keeping the coast clean.

“There are heaps of people that want to help and pick up rubbish, I had lots of people messaging me.

“I think there’s heaps of people that want to help, but there’s not a group to do it in… I’d love to get one started.

“It could be something for the community, something people can join if they want.”