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Denmark volunteers divert single-use plastic from landfill by sewing 8000 recycled net bags

Isabel VieiraAlbany Advertiser
Carolyn Oliff, Isobel Wilson, Maree Mahoney, Bobbie Batten, Denmark IGA Xpress manager Greg Chatfield, Flora Blackwood and Karen Andersson.
Camera IconCarolyn Oliff, Isobel Wilson, Maree Mahoney, Bobbie Batten, Denmark IGA Xpress manager Greg Chatfield, Flora Blackwood and Karen Andersson. Credit: Nic Duncan

A group of Denmark women have achieved a new milestone after sewing more than 8000 fruit and vegetable bags from recycled netting to help divert plastic from landfill.

Plastic Reduction Denmark volunteers have been sewing the recycled-net bags and gifting them to the IGA Xpress for the use of local customers for the past four years.

The bags help divert single-use plastic from landfill and aim to encourage a positive change in behaviour, according to PRD co-ordinator Karen Andersson.

“While the WA Plan for Plastics is under way, PRD urges the community not to wait for regulation, policy makers or politicians, but to make choices today that are best for the environment and consequently for all,” she said.

“PRD has a core of six women, however over the past six plus years many community members have joined in to make this and other plastic reduction initiatives possible.

“The group always welcomes new faces to help with the net bag project and there are other initiatives including shopping bag sewing, community bunting making and wash stations.”

The group also upcycles old curtains, doonas and men’s ties into reusable shopping bags alongside the fruit and vegetable net bags.

The volunteers also run a wash station which aims to reduce the use of plastic crockery and cutlery at public events such as the Denmark Arts Markets.

The next sewing busy bee will be on July 5.

For information, call Ms Andersson on 0476 205 155.

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