Deckchair seat and windbreak made of recycled sail cloth, thanks to Peter Le Masurier, of Wight Sails.
JONI Rhodes, operations manager of the EcoIsland Partnership, writes: Following its launch in April this year, the EcoIsland Partnership CIC has gone to great lengths to become the hub of all things eco on the IW.
While building relationships with local businesses, it became clear that there were already many companies fighting the good fight. One such company is Abbotts Flooring (www.abbottsflooring.com), which joined the Greenback scheme due to its policy of recycling all the vinyl floor covering it removes. Based in Lake, Abbotts are becoming increasingly frustrated at the amount of flooring they were taking to landfill and decided there had to be a better way.
The solution was to recycle the vinyl flooring, at the company’s own cost as part of its commitment to a greener, more sustainable business. Abbotts is now looking at carpet-recycling options, one of which is turning carpeting into equestrian bedding material.
Still not feeling it was doing enough, Abbotts approached EcoIsland with another request — an appeal to other Island companies to do the same.
We are hoping that, with the help of the County Press, we can unite Abbotts with other flooring companies Islandwide, who it is offering to help to recycle materials.
Another material that is going to landfill locally is sailcloth. Peter Le Masurier, of Wight Sails (www.wightsails.com), approached EcoIsland to ask for help.
Frustrated at the lack of availability of recycling for these huge pieces of material, which he had been storing at his property in vast quantities while looking for an alternative, Peter started to get creative.
He now makes all sorts of things, from recycled sail cloth, including bags, awnings and deckchairs. Peter is looking for sites to accommodate recycling points, so the sailing community can dispose of their cloth in a responsible way, and would invite anyone with sail cloth to contact him before going to the tip.
These are not the only companies on the Island doing sterling work with regard to the environment and sustainability, and we want to hear from others who are doing the same. Contact Joni at the EcoIsland HUB on 01983 299886 or e-mail hello@eco-island.org.