A Project Proposal of Banana (Musa) Fiber as an Alternative Eco-Friendly Facemasks

Vol.3, No.1D

Abstract

There is a constant need for alternatives to traditional sustainable and environmentally friendly masks. This document presents the first research stage into an alternative to the conventional mask made of banana fibres. The widespread use of facemasks in the world today is a grim reminder that the problems of the environment and health are still severe and urgent. Many non-biodegradable substances, such as synthetic plastics and synthetic rubber, are contained in almost all facemasks today. Furthermore, conventional face masks are only suitable for one person. This is a severe waste of resources and a major source of pollution in the environment. The Project Proposal of Banana (Musa) Fiber as an Alternative Eco-Friendly Facemasks would be a great solution to reduce the amount of improperly disposable facemasks on landforms and bodies of water. It is also a solution to reduce discarded waste. With all the statements discussed above, this study aims to reduce waste and prevent the expansion of Covid-19. The research design used for the study was quantitative-experimental, using purposive and simple random techniques. The statistical treatment used for this study was a t-test, which is used to determine the difference between the two groups of respondents. Using the questionnaire as the research instrument, the researchers’ survey was used to identify the level of acceptability of the Eco-friendly facemask in terms of construction materials, procedures and design, effectivity, and presentation.

The study's respondents are 5 STEM Teachers and 13 Selected STEM Students. The following procedures were undertaken in the process of developing the miniature model: prepare the floor plan and the materials, prepare the layout, cut the Banana (Musa) Pseudo-stem, extract the fibre, cut it into pieces, and put it in the boiling water, then add the 25mL Sodium Hydroxide Solution (NaOH) to soften it, drain the water, blend the Banana (Musa) Pseudo-stem with water, put it to the water, strain the fibres, then let it dry under the sunlight, and the researcher sews the banana (Musa) fibres together with the ear loop to finished the product. The study's results in constructing materials, design and procedures, effectivity, and presentation are Highly Acceptable. The acquired overall mean of the STEM Teachers was 4.17, interpreted as Highly Acceptable, and Selected STEM Students have an overall mean of 4.08, interpreted as Highly Acceptable. The t-value was 2.583, and the t-computed was 0.5322. It indicates a significant difference between the assessments of the two respondents. To further improve the project, the respondents recommended that the packaging be a box or put in plastic to be hygienic. To be more creative, paint or draw the facemask. For the smell, add more sodium hydroxide solution to be more odourless. To give a quality impression, make the appearance aesthetic and presentable.