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Plastic bags may become a thing of the past in Argyll with local groups trying to stamp them out in favour of environmentally-friendly alternatives.
Tarbert Conservation Initiative (TCI), recycling group The GRAB Trust and local residents met on February 14 at the Templars Hall to discuss phasing them out in the village.
In Ardrishaig, Primary School pupils have designed their own reusable bags which they are selling for £3 to parents and the wider public to reduce the use of disposable bags.
Dunoon has already agreed to a similar venture and intend to move over to fully recyclable bags.
Such action is common worldwide with Bangladesh, India and France all having bans on disposable bags.
The well-attended meeting in Tarbert involved a presentation by Aisa Nebreda (GRAB) showing the pollution and damage caused by plastic carrier bags followed by a discussion with local residents.
TCI already has the support of some businesses including the Co-op and are now trying to get more local traders on board. The next stage is to secure possible manufacturers of recycled bags and to put the relevant options to businesses in the area.
As well as being good for the environment, the project in Ardrishaig is designed to raise funds for a school in Malawi. Following the closure of the former Lochgilphead Primary School, excess books were shipped off to the African country. However, with nowhere to put them, the school are now raising money to help build a library.
The P7 pupils, who planned, designed and ordered the bags, have now raised almost £400 to add to the fundraising organized by Mrs Attwood in Tayvallich.
Further information can be obtained by contacting Ed Tyler via the website ourclimateourfuture.org or through Aisa Nebreda at The GRAB Trust on aisa.nebreda@argyll-bute.gov.uk (Tel: 01546 604227). ‘Argyll’s Amazing Bags’ can be bought from Ardrishaig Primary School.
