LET's THINK ABOUT PLASTIC.

Welcome to the tap Website.

We assume since you're here, you care about reducing the amount of plastic in our seas. Whether you are an individual, a business owner or manager, there is something you can do, and you can start now.

Think About Plastic (TAP): Transforming Arran by reducing plastic waste

Think About Plastic is dedicated in stopping plastic entering the sea and ultimately for our coastlines to be plastic-free, starting with the Isle of Arran, U.K. In January 2019, Arran became the first community in Scotland to receive the 'Plastic-Free' accreditation. Of course Arran is not 'plastic-free' (just yet!) this was just the first step on Arrans journey in reducing our plastic footprint.

Learn more

Our mission

The Isle of Arran’s campaign started in February 2018 by a group of island residents in response to the publicity about plastic waste in the sea and witnessing litter arrive on their shores. The group Think About Plastic (TAP) was formed to create a focus for the campaign’s work. TAP pulled together key organisations and businesses on the Island to put in place SAS’s (Surfers Against Sewage) five-point plan. The objectives include; setting up a community led steering group, getting commitment from North Ayrshire council, signing up local businesses as partners, and reaching out to community groups and individuals to spread the word and minimise the amount of disposable plastics they use. Read below to find out more.

A community of ecological thinkers...

Our Story

On the 19th June 2018, North Ayrshire Council passed a resolution to become a "Plastic-Free Council" by 2022.

Arran-based councillors Timothy Billings and Ellen McMaster said that:

"North Ayrshire Council is committed to minimising the use of single use plastic, and recognises TAP-Arran as an important ally in this work. We are delighted that TAP has gained this accreditation for Arran."

Plastic: The miracle product with a dark side.

Plastic is a miracle product that has changed our lives. It is used everywhere: in our laptops and mobile phones, UPVC doors and windows, in our cars, hip replacements. Plastic packaging for food has allowed the amount of organic waste we produce to plummet.

But....

Disposal of plastic is causing serious problems. The most damage is caused when plastic gets into the sea. Over time, waves and ocean currents break bits of plastic down into smaller and smaller parts called microplastics. Plankton feeds inevitably end up consuming microplastics which then work their way up the food chain to our own dinner plates.

Research on potential health risks of microplastics is on-going and current results are not clear. However, what is clear is that having huge amounts of plastic floating around our oceans and being consumed by sea creatures is never going to be a good thing.

Do we have to stop using plastic?

Plastic is used in so many vital parts of our lives that getting rid of it altogether would be virtually impossible. Then there is the problem that some of the alternatives to plastic do even more damage to the environment.

So, what can we do?

Today, the most important thing we need to do is to keep plastic out of the sea. There are various, simple things we can do that will make a massive difference:

Recycle. This is the most important and easiest way to keep plastic out of the sea. And, recycling will reduce the amount of landfill.
Reduce use of single-use plastic. By far the most plastic in the sea is from single-use items, especially drinks bottles. Carry your own re-useable water bottle instead of disposable plastic bottles.
Educate. Click here to learn simple steps towards becoming as plastic free as possible.
Sign up your community at: www.plasticfree.org.uk
Become TAP Accredited if you are a business owner. Find out more here.

Donate