Social Impact

We do not anticipate our mask having a large social impact since it will just be used similarly or in place of currently existing N95 masks. If it is cheaper than the N95, it could be used by more people, which would have a positive impact. In terms of social material needs, there needs to be a market for producing bioplastics, including people to farm and harvest the ingredients as well as mix the ingredients together to create the actual product, which we anticipate will occur. We need our product to be accepted by the general public, which pertains to both social and cultural processes. In order to get bioplastic to be widely accepted, we can create educational tools and materials to provide the public with information and educate them about the benefits of bioplastics to the environment, human health, and the economy. Cellulose or paper is already a component of most kinds of facemasks, so there is unlikely to be any social issues stemming from a use of paper. However, people may take issue with the concept of wearing agricultural waste. A survey might be taken to address the usage of plant waste in the process, and terminology could be altered accordingly. (i.e we say it's made of plant material instead of yard waste).