There will be a massive problem of waste linked to single use masks, gloves, etc. in the coming months -- it is possible that the entire global population will be asked to wear masks for months. As we know that the increase in pandemics is a result of environmental degradation, we should not react to the pandemic by provoking another environmental crisis...
For the general population, washable, reusable masks are a must.
For our healthcare providers, there is some promising research into sterilization techniques: https://www.nepr.net/post/yale-researchers-find-way-sterilize-and-recycle-thousands-respirator-masks
This applies to existing N95 masks already in circulation so doesn't require producing a new kind of mask -- how could we leverage existing recycling systems to implement this process on a large scale?
