The Voice has spoken to one Arran resident who has embarked on a personal plastic free journey, A Plastic Free Lent…
Isla Blair says “This year, for Lent, I have decided to give up plastic! Whether this shall be possible I don’t know, but I will give more of my non-plastic experiences next month. So far, I have informed my 18 year old, working son, that meat is off the cards as it seems all to be in plastic (in the supermarkets, at least, and I haven’t got to the butchers as yet). I did try to sell the delights of corned beef in a tin but, he wasn’t up for the challenge!
However, it will be a challenge, trying not to consume any plastic for 40 days; but then, that is what Lent is about. I am not part of a religion, but most years, like many others, I try to give something up for Lent. Usually based on personal over-consumption and self motivation. My hope, this time, is to be more concerned with the plight of all beings and the earth, and to act, learn and feel as St Francis of Assisi lived; with frugal possessions, humility of self and, so, a greater spiritual life. Lent runs from 14th February until 29th March 2018. I have bought one plastic item, so far…”
Isla will report back on her progress over the coming weeks. We look forward to hearing how she gets on!
And here are some tips from the Surfers Against Sewage Commuity Tool Kit, which you can download from their website www.sas.org.uk, on how to reduce our use of single use plastics:
- Remember your refillable water bottle
- Take a reusable coffee cup and refuse single-use take away cups
- Refuse single-use packaging
- Resist a straw; straws suck
- Refuse a single-use plastic bag and take your own
- Take your own cutlery or use sustainable alternatives
- Avoid single-use plastics in the bathroom
- Refuse single-use condiment sachets
- Do your own #MiniBeachClean.- Grab a handful of plastic pollution every time you visit your beach