Group fights pollution with pillowcases

A group of women have taken it upon themselves to help tackle the world’s plastic pollution problems, one pillowcase at a time.

Boomerang Bags are reusable bags made from recycled materials like pillowcases, duvets and curtains, providing a colourful alternative to plastic bags.

The concept is simple: use them, bring them back and reuse them.

Boomerang Bags started in Australia, as a grassroots, community-driven movement tackling plastic pollution at its source.

Bayview resident Alana Adamson said when she found out about the movement she wished someone did that in her community.

Then, she realised, she would have to become that person.

‘‘The bags are made from material that would otherwise be put into a landfill,’’ Adamson said.

The Kaipatiki-based sewing bee meets once per month, to sew and meet other like-minded community members.

Despite having only started in April, the bags are becoming so popular, it’s getting hard for the group to keep up with demand.

Especially now that Simply Fresh in Hillcrest has taken Boomerang Bags into its store for customer use.

Store owner James Mclean said his customers have been enthusiastic about the ecofriendly option.

‘‘Each time, the women deliver around 500 bags,’’ Mclean said.

It is a good starting point for using less plastic, and it has made us look at other ways we can cut down on plastic, as well, he said.

Boomerang Bags now has over 100 members on Facebook and has joined forces with community houses to spread and encourage the movement.

Kaipatiki Community Facilities Trust co-ordinator Jill Nerheny said it’s an informal group for people to make a difference.

‘‘We wanted to help bring the girls together and make sure they are resourced well,’’ Nerheny said.

Adamson encourages other communities to get involved now too, to support the international effort.

‘‘It’s about communities helping a world-wide problem,’’ she said.

Find Boomerang Bags North Shore Auckland on Facebook.

Supported by the Birkenhead Licensing Trust.

Tracy Jeffery, left, and Jenny Bartlett said it’s all about helping communities.