Bid to achieve a Plastic Free Fife stepped up as campaigns link up

Campaigners against single-use plastics from across Fife are joining forces to push for change.

The Plastic-free Fife network has been set up to help communities eliminate unnecessary use of single-use plastics.

Communities in Dalgety Bay, Anstruther, St Andrews, Charlestown, Limekilns and Pattiesmuir, Kirkcaldy and Dunfermline are involved, and are already supporting a new group in South Queensferry.

Grain and Sustain, a zero-waste grocery store in Burntisland, is also backing the scheme.

James Daw from Plastic-free Dunfermline said: “The aims of the network are to share information, co-ordinate events and campaigns, and provide support for communities wishing to start and develop local campaigns to reduce single-use plastic.

“By working together we can do more.”

The Covid-19 pandemic has seen single-use items such as face masks washed up on beaches.

But James, 48, said taking steps such as using washable face masks could help minimise the impact on the environment.

“In these hard times there are still ways people can reduce the amount of plastic they are using,” he said.

“Some coffee shops have found a way for people to use keep cups and you can use reusable masks.

“Covid-19 has made people more aware of the environment and aware of the things they can do without. People are less bothered about buying clothes, which can contain plastic.”

Anyone interested in getting involved with the plastic-free network can contact the group on hello@plasticfreedunfermline.org.uk.

Picture: Gareth Jennings. James Daw and Kim Blasco, of the Plastic Free Fife Network as well as Surfers Against Sewage, at Dalgety Bay.