A YOUTH-LED group of passionate volunteers is aiming to make Glasgow the world’s first plastic-free city.
Glasgow Over Plastic creates educational resources, runs training sessions and organises events working in partnership with other individuals, communities, businesses and politicians.
With some initial support from FirstPort to become a Community Interest Company (CIC), the group has held mass clean-ups on the banks of the River Clyde and the Forth and Clyde Canal at Maryhill, which attracted dozens of concerned residents.
“At our most recent event we collected more than 70 bags of rubbish in an hour,” explains the group’s finance director Arrate Gomez.
“The clean-ups have been very successful, and they have helped us raise awareness of what we are trying to do. So many people came out to support us, it was fantastic.”
Bringing neighbours and friends together is at the heart of the Glasgow Times Streets Ahead campaign, which is now in its ninth year of supporting projects and initiatives all over the city.
With the generous support of our partners, Glasgow City Council, City Charitable Trust, City Building and CGI, we are helping people improve their local areas and build community spirit.
Glasgow Over Plastic was set up in June 2018 by Jack Barrie because he wanted to bring together a group of like-minded people keen to tackle the plastic waste problem.
“He has since moved on, but we continue the group’s work,” explains Arrate, an environmental consultant whose background is in wind energy.
“It was something I was very keen to be part of from the start.
Read more: Glasgow groups benefit from Streets Ahead grants
“On travels abroad, I was horrified to see plastic waste in even the most remote locations - on beaches, miles from anywhere, you’d find bits and pieces of plastic on the sand and floating in the water.”
GOP provides training and support for local businesses to help them go plastic free and the group is currently building a visionary roadmap, to help signpost people to businesses, shops and services in the city which are plastic-free.
“We have had a lot of demand for our plastic free workshops for schools, and we want to do so much more, but as with many organisations like ours, we are relying on volunteers who have day jobs and other commitments,” adds Ms Gomez.
“We are hoping to attract many more volunteers to get on board with us, so we can achieve even more.”
She adds: “Plastic is everywhere. It is a huge problem for the environment, here and abroad.”
Are you part of an inspirational project like Glasgow Over Plastic? We want to hear all about the great work being done in communities across the city.
It could be an environmental initiative; a gardening project; an innovative workshop for older people; groundbreaking youth work; or something that brings your neighbours together.
Perhaps you work for a “green business” or social enterprise that cares more about the people and environment around it, than just making money? Maybe your school is working hard on a community initiative? We would love to hear your stories.
Streets Ahead grants are available - you can find out more at www.glasgowtimes.co.uk or email ann.fotheringham@glasgowtimes.co.uk to get a copy of the application form.
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