Manx Herald Isle of Man: Zero Waste Mann launches ‘Guerrilla Bagging’ campaign

Zero Waste Mann launches ‘Guerrilla Bagging’ campaign
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Chas Richard on 28 April, 2009 02:06:00
 
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 25th, 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 6th May, and everybody who is concerned about waste and
recycling on the island is welcome to attend.
More info on www.zerowastemann.org