Prisoners are increasing their production of re-usable shopping bags following the donation of sewing machines to the Isle of Man Prison.
Inmates are also expanding the ‘lines’ manufactured by designing and making prison discharge bags, in which prisoners can carry their possessions when leaving the prison.
Education Manager Judy Jackson explains, "The public response since we announced we were making Morsbags for Zero Waste Mann has been very positive.
"One lady bought three brand new sewing machines for us, and we have had several others donated that people had finished with.
"It means we have enough for training prisoners how to use the machines, and many more people are able to get involved in making Morsbags.
"Additionally, prisoners have designed and made ‘discharge bags’ to carry home their belongings on being released from prison.
"Previously, prisoners used bags that had been purchased by the Prison Service."
Home Affairs Minister Adrian Earnshaw says, "This is an initiative that is positive on all levels.
"It benefits prisoners by encouraging them to learn new skills and to make a contribution to the local community by supporting an environmental campaign.
"Long term, it could have an additional impact by reducing numbers of plastic carrier bags in circulation on the Isle of Man, many of which find their way into our coastal waters.
"The fact that prisoners are now able to expand the range of products they are making is a credit to them and to the support available at the Isle of Man Prison in Jurby.
"It’s all part of the programme we are implementing at the prison to increase education and skills training available to prisoners."
Hilary Cairns, of environmental charity Zero Waste Mann, is pleased at the increased output of Morsbags.
She said, "To date the ‘Mannin’ – that’s the Isle of Man pod – has produced a total of 439 Morsbags, of which approximately 160 were made by prisoners, putting us currently in 26th place on the Morsbag world rankings list.
"We were thrilled at the public response to Morsbags at Tynwald Fair and the Royal Agricultural Show, where we encouraged the public to swap a plastic bag for a free Morsbag for life and commit to saying no to plastic bags.
"We are hoping to have many more to give away in a free swap for used plastic bags on International Plastic Bag Free Day on Saturday 12th September 2009, in the Strand Shopping Centre, Douglas.
"This day is in conjunction with the Marine Conservation Society and Zero Waste Mann, and is to encourage shoppers everywhere to ditch plastic bags for good.
"However, we are appealing for people to donate material for the project – unwanted duvet covers or curtains are ideal."
Anyone who has material suitable for making Morsbags is urged to take it to Zero Waste Mann’s base at the Green Centre, near Shoprite Chester Street, open Saturdays from 10am until 2pm.
Zero Waste Mann estimates that there are in excess of 5million plastic bags used on the Island each year, despite recent steps by some stores to discourage issuing bags.
Find out more about Morsbags here.
