Shops around the island are doing their bit to tackle the plastic waste issue.

This month we reported the Refill Isle of Man initiative was launched by Unesco Biosphere Isle of Man, which allows members of the public to enter shops and businesses displaying a special sticker and requesting to fill their water bottles up for free.

Just one example of the many shops supporting the scheme is The Bridge Bookshop in Port Erin and Ramsey.

The owners, Harry and Angela Pickard, believe the refill scheme will not only benefit the environment, but benefit shops across the island by bringing in more visitors.

’It’s all about cutting down plastic waste and it will encourage people to come into the shop.

’In reality everyone legally is obliged to go into a shop and ask for water, but everyone’s British about this and they don’t like to ask,’ said Mr Pickard.

He added that about four months ago they switched to using paper bags after previously using plastic ones for years.

Other shops which have recently joined as Refill Stations this month are: Foraging Vintners, Port Erin; Shakti Man and Milntown Café/Restaurant, Ramsey; Noa Bakehouse, The Alpine, The Tea Junction and the Villa Gaiety, Douglas; Greens, St John’s; The Shed, Laxey; Castletown Town Hall and the Secret Pizza Company, Castletown; The Boatyard, Peel; the One World Centre, St John’s; Niarbyl Café.

Laxey Primary School, which is a Unesco Biosphere Isle of Man partner, began its own refill initiative last year with students creating stickers that are now being displayed across the village.

The idea was suggested by students following a whole school beach clean with charity Beach Buddies. Garff Commissioners have supported the school with chairman Nigel Dobson accompanying pupils while distributing the special #LookAfterLaxey stickers to businesses.

Shops taking part include: Ballacregga Corn Mill; The Laxey Glen, the Cooperative; The Laxey Chemist; Swales Flooring; Laxey Health Centre; Laxey Dentist Surgery; The Shed; Trading Places; JJ Buttons; The Laxey Post Office; Nicola Bowker & Co; Mother Ts; Katrina Louise Hair and Beauty; Laxey Woollen Mills.