How do you tackle plastic pollution, material waste, and social isolation in one fell swoop? That's a problem that Jordyn de Boer and Tania Potts are helping to solve with Boomerang Bags, fuelled by a burning desire to tackle plastic pollution at its source.
Initially, they decided that, providing people with reusable bags, seemed like a good place to start to reduce single-use plastics, and fostering sustainable behavior.
However, when they discovered that there were no manufacturers of reusable bags in Australia, in typical entrepreneurial fashion, they decided to do it themselves.
However, there was one problem, neither of them could sew. So, not to be deterred, they called upon the help of friends and the local community to collect fabric and make the bags. And, that is how Boomerang Bags was born.
From a grassroots movement tackling plastic pollution at its source, volunteers from all fabrics of society now get together to collect pre-loved or post-consumer material and turn it into reusable bags.
Community 'working bees' provide a wonderful opportunity to connect, share, socialize, have a laugh, as well as learn a thing or two about the issues surrounding plastic pollution and what can be done about it.
The bags are distributed to family, friends, schools, colleagues, or bagless strangers at the supermarket, as a sustainable alternative to plastic bags. It's a great way to start conversations and raise more awareness.
Boomerang Bags has spread into over 900 communities across 23 countries. It provides community groups, schools, businesses, and individuals with the tools, resources, and guidance so that the project can be adapted and implemented anywhere in the world
Plastic pollution is a global threat, not only to our oceans and natural ecosystems but to human health.
Material Waste: Australian's send 85% of textiles to landfills each year. Boomerang Bags works only with post-consumer materials, giving some of this textile waste a second life as a useable product.
Mental health/social isolation: Anyone can get involved in the project. It provides an opportunity for people to volunteer and connect with other like-minded people, share stories, find purpose and have fun!
Find a community near you to volunteer or donate materials, or start a new community in your local town or school! Details are on the Boomerang Bags website.
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