Maggie getting her fill with top eco award

A KINSALE woman’s campaign to encourage people to re-use  single-use plastic bottles has been recognised by the Cork Environment Forum (CEF), who recently presented her with an eco award.

For over two years, Maggie Minnion has been offering a re-fill service at her eye-catching market stall named The Filling Station. 

Customers bring their own plastic bottles or use one of the pre-used bottles provided. 

They can top up from over 20 eco-friendly household products available – from laundry liquid and hair shampoo to cider vinegar to plant food.

She said: ‘Once people get into the habit of refilling, it becomes second nature and they not only get the satisfaction of knowing they are saving the environment from unnecessary plastic pollution, but they are also saving money, and getting quality eco-friendly products,’ she said.

Maggie’s Filling Station stall goes to weekly Farmer’s Markets in Kinsale (Wednesday), Clonakilty (Friday) and Skibbereen (Saturday). The stall also has other eco-friendly goods such as bamboo products (toothbrushes and socks), ’naked’ soaps, and some bulk foods such as organic rice.

‘I have seen a marked increase in people’s awareness of the problems of plastic pollution. Switching to re-using single-use plastic containers  is a simple way for all of us to reduce the problem.’

CEF is a Cork-based, not for profit organisation that works to promote sustainable development in the region, by connecting with key community groups and running sustainability events. Keiron Phillips of the Environmental Protection Agency described Maggie’s business as ‘integrating economic, social and environmental benefits’.