Inverness councillor praises business for environmentally-friendly face covering approach
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Inverness councillor Emma Roddick has praised local business owner Sara Boussaikouk for her socially-responsible approach to distributing hand-crafted, reusable face coverings to those in need amid a surge in littering of single-use masks in Inverness.
Miss Boussaikouk has been providing her colourful, environmentally-friendly face coverings for free to local charities and those unable to afford the usual £5-6 price tag – a initiative funded mainly by top-up donations from purchasers and her own pocket.
Since the Scottish Government's announcement that face coverings – already required on public transport – are to become mandatory in shops from Friday, Cllr Roddick has noticed a sharp increase in throwaway masks being left lying in the streets.
She said: "It has been really disappointing to see a rise in littering of single-use face masks around Inverness. It's important that people act on the new rules around face coverings in public spaces, but this can be done in a way that is sustainable and keeps our city tidy.
"Sara's approach to making quality, reusable face coverings available to those who might not have been in a position to purchase these for themselves cuts down on waste and is exactly the sort of community spirit we should be encouraging in these difficult times."
Miss Boussaikouk added: "As a climate justice student, I'm very passionate about promoting reusable alternatives. At the beginning of lockdown, myself and my mum were horrified by the number of masks and gloves carelessly discarded. I wanted to do something about it, so I learned to make face coverings.
"I'm proud to supply masks in an accessible way so that everyone who needs one can get one."
