I am writing in response to “ Coronavirus face masks that end up in the sea will take 450 years to degrade, marine conservation group warns ” (December 11). If Hong Kong needed any warning for a complete switch to reusable masks, this is it. Mask-wearing has become second nature for Hongkongers during the coronavirus pandemic, but the reason many people choose use-and-throw masks is that they are worried about the effectiveness of the cloth version and using disposables is just more convenient. However, the article really forces us to pay attention to the environmental threat caused by discarded face masks, and choose the sustainable option instead. Face masks are of course a must during the pandemic. Moreover, Covid-19 might not be controlled in a short time. The government has done its bit by already sending out two batches of reusable CuMask+ masks to all residents. However, to save marine life and the environment, the government should promote the adoption of cloth reusable masks more strongly, and eliminate any misunderstandings about their ability to protect. Further, this is a global issue and countries should cooperate on solving the problem. The people of the world should be able to find a balance between protecting both themselves from Covid-19 risks and the marine environment from pollution. Rosita Lee, Kwai Chung Stay home to reduce use of disposable masks Face masks have become essential in our daily lives. It’s mandatory by law to wear a mask in designated public places in Hong Kong to reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission. But it is sad that the price of our peace of mind might be an environmental catastrophe. Disposable masks are widely used in the city, with some people going through several a day to better protect themselves, and the discarded masks are contributing to environmental pollution. It is unfortunate that cloth masks are seen as little more than an accessory, even though those with filters are just as effective in safeguarding us from the virus. It would take much effort to convince people to switch to reusable masks. I believe one way to reduce the use of disposable masks is to stay home. The government is urging us to do so anyway amid a coronavirus fourth wave . This way, we can both carry out our civic duty and help save the environment. It is an easy yet effective solution. Your article on the pollution caused by disposable masks used photos showing masks washed up on the beach, which expose the problem of improper disposal. Some people may just discard used masks on the street or in the countryside. The government could consider imposing stricter measures to ensure the proper disposal of such waste, not only to prevent environmental pollution but also to stave off the possible spread of the virus. We should be aware of the environmental impact of our actions and do our utmost to prevent harm to the planet. Tracy Yip, Kwai Chung Pandemic is no excuse for damaging the environment Environmental destruction caused by humans has only worsened in recent decades. It is ironic that while carbon emissions worldwide have fallen dramatically this year due to Covid-19 lockdowns that reduced industrial production and fossil-fuel transport use, there has been a surge in plastic pollution because of the widespread use of disposable masks and more people ordering takeaways. Such waste is polluting waterways and oceans, and affecting marine life. It is high time we thought about the long-term impact of our actions and changed our habits. We must bring our own lunchbox and cup or straw for takeaway meals, as well as choose reusable masks or, better still, make our own cloth mask. There are plenty of YouTube videos showing us how. Such sustainable choices should become second nature for us if we want to protect the environment for future generations. We are not sure when the pandemic will end. But our thoughtless actions today would ensure that our diverse environment disappears one day. Ada Yuen, Shek Lei