A Gatehouse children-centred charity has announced a new eco-friendly venture.
And The Gatehouse Bunker (TGB) hopes its project will become the local benchmark for reducing single-use plastic.
Dubbed the Refill Station, the scheme works through customers buying a range of bottled products.
Buyers then return with their bottles for a top-up from a 20-litre container at a lower cost.
Young people at TGB helped devise the initiative after running a ‘Conserve 2 Preserve’ project. The eco drive looked at ways of making a positive impact on the environment.
And through suggestions and discussions the idea for The Refill Station was born.
Project coordinator, Sara-leigh Cain, said: “We have always kept the ideas and needs of the children and young people at the heart of all we do.
“Their ideas steer us in the groups and activities we offer through TGB.
“It therefore is very fitting that they are also part of this new venture on the business side.”
Items initially being stocked in The Refill Station include personal care, laundry and cleaning products.
Young people involved the Conserve 2 Preserve project will keep a tally of the plastic bottles saved through reuse.
Sara-leigh said: “Our young people are also looking forward to volunteering time through school holidays, filling up and saving on waste.
“We are all about providing opportunities for young people to learn new skills that are transferable through further education and employment.
“The opportunities The Refill Station will provide will enhance this greatly.
“And we want to ensure that every bottle sold gets reused time and time again.”
She added: “The Wee Shop within TGB provides local crafters with a sales space.
“So we hope The Refill Station will boost footfall – and encourage people to reuse plastic bottles.”
TGB as been running from No1 High street since 2019. It currently has 20 groups and projects running for all ages.
