HELPING to solve the plastics problem ‘one bag at a time’ are the newly formed ‘Holsworthy Baggers’ who are part of the Morsbag movement, writes Zoë Uglow.

Each group of Morsbag creators is known as a ‘pod’ and is made up of a group of sewers and crafters who work together to create re-useable fabric bags, which they hope will one day replace disposable plastic ones.

The new Holsworthy pod was formed by Debbie De Ste Croix, a former member of the well-established ‘Bude Baggers’ group.

Debbie moved to Holsworthy twelve years ago and last week decided it was about time she set up her own Morsbag pod in the town.

She said: “I used to be part of the Bude group but it is hard for me to get over there now I’ve moved so I thought I should set up a new group here.

“We are really brand new. I only expressed an interest last week to see if anyone would like to join me and so far I have had 15 people say they would consider it, which is great.”

Debbie explained that members of the Morsbag movement come together in pods to cut, sew and embellish fabric carrier bags using recycled materials and offcuts.

Each bag is unique but follows a specific pattern, with a double-stitched hem to ensure it is strong and long lasting — unlike disposable plastic bags. The group then visit local supermarkets and hand the bags out for free to shoppers as a replacement for a 5p plastic carrier bag.

The idea behind Morsbags came from Clare Morsman who wanted to rid the world of plastic carrier bags. In 2007 she began creating reusable bags from her narrow boat in London.

Since then the movement has continued to grow, with more than 1,500 pods now crafting the material bags.

Debbie said: “It turns into a bit of a competition with other pods to see who can give out the most bags. People are always shocked when we say they are free and try to give us money, but we will never take it — I am employed but am just happy to do my bit in my spare time.”

Debbie said conservation and the environment are two of her passions and this was the driving force behind her joining the Morsbag initiative in the first place.

Debbie is a ‘marine mammal medic’ with British Divers Marine Life Rescue and through this work she has seen the devastation plastic waste can cause to marine life.

“Conservation and the environment are very important to me. We see it far too often that large marine mammals having the consequence of death from a stomach full of plastic — I have seen turtles, seals and their pups die because of plastic waste in our seas.

“For this reason I am also part of the ‘leave the wrapping at the till’ movement, which sees us shoppers removing the plastic packaging that is often unnecessary from produce and handing it in at the till — a swede does not need to be wrapped in plastic!

“Often the plastic can’t be recycled so it gets thrown in the general waste. This then goes to landfill and inevitably ends up in the sea.”

However, Debbie believes if everyone is able to ‘do their bit’ then collectively ‘we can begin to tackle the problem’, and Morsbags is just one step on the ladder.

She said: “If everyone can do their bit, collectively we can make a big difference.”

Debbie added she isn’t just looking for capable sewers to join the new Morsbags pod: “Anyone can help, it’s a sociable thing really as we just give the bags away for free.

“If you can’t sew there are jobs cutting patterns and ironing — the ironing is actually quit an important job as the handles and seams all need to be kept nice and flat — and members can even bring cake if they want!

”I am hoping this will be a nice way to get in touch with new people whilst giving away handmade bags for free.”

The Holsworthy Baggers will be holding their first ‘non-sewing’ session today (Thursday) at 2pm in ‘Filter Through’ coffee shop in Holsworthy to discuss future plans.