Crosby’s Soroptimists take part in various recycling initiatives.
In one small project, members have been asked to collect their family’s empty medicine blister packs. They can deposit the packs at local participating Superdrug pharmacies.
Club members not able to visit a Superdrug pharmacy themselves can still participate. Here Soroptimists Norma Marshall and Linda Key deliver a consignment of packs handed in by fellow members.
Once collected from the pharmacy, the packets are separated by polymer type. They are cleaned (if necessary). The material is then extruded into plastic pellets to make new recycled products.
This initiative is just one example of Soroptimist International’s commitment to link its work to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. The UN Goal 14 is “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, sea and marine resources for sustainable development”. Earth’s largest ecosystem – the ocean – is endangered by plastic pollution. Over 17 million metric tons of plastic entered the ocean in 2021. Action on plastics is vital.
The word ‘Soroptimist’ derives in part from the Latin word ‘soror’, meaning ‘sister’. So ‘Blister Sisters’ seems an appropriate caption!