A group of transition year students from Presentation college Tuam, led by Aoife O’ Malley and Aoife O’Rourke joined 2 members of Eco-Congregation Tuam in a reduce plastic Campaign. It was named the Enthusi Plastics Campaign.
The Aims
The aims were to raise awareness of the environmental damage of plastic bags and to encourage the cessation of their use. Alternatives suggested were:
- Recyclable paper bags
- Biodegradable bags
- Shoppers own reusable bags
5 groups of 2-3 members visited the shops with an explanatory note on what the campaign was about.
The Method
A total of 30 shops were visited by members of the group. On visiting the businesses the members were met very favourably overall, ranging from very enthusiastic, to being aware and intending to change should problems/challenges be overcome.
- 5% had changed completely to paper bags
- 90% had made changes where they felt they could already
- No one said they were not interested
- One said they would get back to the group but didn’t
Obstacles to businesses changing from plastic
As the business people engaged and discussed the issue it became evident it was simpler to make changes in some sectors than others but certain inhibiting factors were identified in many.
- Cost
Cost is a major factor in many businesses particularly where the volume is large or the business is a small independent retailer. Biodegradable bags are 10 times more expensive and large paper bags can be as costly. - Convenience
Plastic bags are compact, easily stored and water proof and easy to source. Wet products like meat and fish pose particular problems. This is why they had become so widely used. - Products arrive already packed
Many products arrive from producers already in plastic wrapping, ie. vegetables, clothing. All clothing arrives in soft plastic which cannot be recycled and costs of bins for land fill is considerable. Pharmacies while giving out paper bags with purchases, dispensary packaging is usually plastic and they would welcome a better product if it was available. - Consumer demand for plastic
Many consumers still want plastic. Some accusing the shops of being too mean to provide a decent plastic bag. Or ‘It’s Ireland , it rains’!
Outstanding interest in Campaign
As already stated the group were met with nothing but politeness showing the quality and awareness of Tuam traders in the Environmental issue raised. That said some stood out for the sheer level of interest they showed:
- The Quilt shop as well as using only paper are making out kits to make your own shopping bag.
- Fallons and Connaughtons and Feeleys took considerable time with the group, giving valuable insights into the obstacles to change and how they are striving daily to overcome them.
- In O’Tooles Supervalue a staff member took the time to make out a 4 page report on efforts and plans to reduce plastic and are looking into providing fully biodegradable bags for shop counters.
All in all it was an interesting and informative campaign for all which certainly raised awareness and gently nudges those wavering to a more pro-active stand in ridding the shops of plastic bags.
Campaign prompted further work
Working closely with Tuam Tidy Towns the group was delighted to take a stand at the children’s event Tuam Og, a Nature and Bee friendly Festival organised by Patricia King Callaghan.
It was felt that some of the issues brought up by shop managers could be addressed by speaking with the general public. The students made out a questionnaire to get feedback on attitudes and purchasing habits of consumers re the use of plastic bags from shops and the home.
Survey
A. Do you make a conscious effort to recycle items at work or at home?
B.When buying items in a shop will you ask for a paper bag instead of a plastic one?
C.When buying items in a shop will you turn down the offer of a plastic bag?
D.Do you encourage others in your workplace or home to recycle?
Replies
A. 100% yes
B. 60% yes
C. 50/50% varied, depending on item. Some did not realise meat and fish could be put in biodegradable bags
D. 90% yes to family, varied at work
No one said they would ask for plastic. The response was very positive overall and people were impressed and inspired by the work of these young people
Tuam Parish Eco-Congregation would like to extend their gratitude and congratulations to the girls involved. The level of commitment and skills, interest and creative ideas they showed was truly inspiring. It was a joy to work with them. It reflects very positively on their school and teachers. Furthermore, they have expressed a wish to continue the “partnership” next term when they are in 5th year. We look forward to working with them to realise some of their excellent ideas.
