Local environmental charity, Zero Waste Mann has added a new element to its latest waste prevention campaign. They aim to significantly reduce the number of plastic bags, being used by shoppers on the island, by encouraging people to take reusable cloth ones with them when they go out.

On Saturday, April 25^th, Hilary Cairns helped to launch the ‘Guerrilla Bagging’  part of the campaign by making cloth ‘Morsbags’ outside the Green Centre, near Shoprite, in Douglas.

Morsbags, which are made from old duvet covers and curtains, were distributed free to shoppers, preferably being ‘traded-in’ for their plastic bags, in a bid to cut down on their use; and also to stop them from, potentially, ending up littering the environment and harming wildlife. One large quilt cover can make 8 bags.

Chairman of Zero Waste Mann, Andrew Jessopp, said, “It’s a neat idea because it uses up old material, which may otherwise end up in the bin and get sent to the incinerator, and helps solve the problem of plastic bags at the same time.”

He continued, “We need shopkeepers to stop giving out plastic bags - which they are accustomed to doing, even when you have only bought something small like a packet of crisps - and shoppers to say, ‘No thanks, we have brought our own bag.’”

He added, “The great thing about the cloth bag, compared to even the plastic, so called, ‘bag for life’, is that it has so many more benefits. For a start, it will actually last a lot longer; it is sturdier, so it will carry heavier items without dropping through the bottom; it doesn’t rip or tear so easily; it can be put in the washing machine if it gets dirty; it folds up almost as small as the ‘bag for life’, so will easily fit in to a pocket; but the best thing is you can make them yourself.”

Anyone wishing to get involved in the campaign, and wants to make their own bags, you can find instructions on the website www.morsbags.com

However, if you are unable to make bags yourself, but still wish to get involved, bring old curtains and duvet covers to the Green Centre, on Saturdays; and we will pass on the material to other people to make bags.

ZWM is looking for volunteers to sew the bags, which are simple to make; but better still, why not make it into a ‘social event’ with some friends, a sewing machine, some old material and ‘refreshments’ and have some fun whilst also helping us make our campaign a success. Please come and see us down at the Green Centre; and we will help set you on your way with a pack of material cut to size. Then all you have to do is sew up the sides and attach the handles.

The Annual General Meeting of Zero Waste Mann will be held in the Green Centre at 7:30pm, on Wednesday 6^th May, and everybody who is concerned about waste and recycling on the island is welcome to attend.

More info on www.zerowastemann.org