Resources and waste partnership would create ‘one stop shop’
PLANS are afoot to create a new partnership bringing together local organisations and voluntary groups to “make sure everyone is pulling in the same direction for the benefit of Shetland and its environment”.
Shetland Islands Council (SIC) waste management team leader Colin Bragg and chairman of the SIC’s transport and environment committee Ryan Thomson have held talks about starting a Shetland Resources and Waste Partnership.
They are keen to see a “one stop shop” created in the isles where people can go to for information on how to cut down on waste and use resources more wisely.
“We’ve both had constituents approaching us asking for information in regards to the recycling roll-out and have mentioned the frustration of having so many brilliant and unique eco-friendly organisations within Shetland but cannot find information on them,” Thomson explained.
The councillor pointed to the new Zero Waste Shetland group and the Two Minute Beach Clean initiative as examples of DIY efforts which could benefit from being accessed under one umbrella.
“If we can somehow correlate all these organisations, voluntary groups, events and ideas we can hopefully help those who are searching for ways to help Shetland’s environment,” Thomson added.
A longer-term goal of the possible partnership is getting local agencies and organisations on board to tackle waste together.
It is understood Bragg and Thomson have spoken to the likes of Shetland Amenity Trust and social enterprise COPE about the idea.
The pair have also been in talks with Zero Waste Scotland about getting an official ‘Zero Waste Shetland’ accreditation for organisation, groups and businesses.
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