MANY local businesses have signed up to become Refill Stations in the effort to keep people hydrated.

Passers-by can now see the Refill sticker in many Selkirk shop windows and know they’re welcome to fill up their re-usable water bottle for free.

With the help of the eco group at Selkirk Parish Church, ten local businesses have already signed up for the scheme.

Thirsty shoppers can visit The Three Hills, The County Hotel, The Selkirk Deli, The Forest Bookstore, Grieve’s Snack Attack, Jazrose, The Courthouse Coffee Shop, The Waterwheel, Lochcarron Visitor Centre and Ettrick Valley for a free refill.

The Regional Coordinator says: “Selkirk businesses are encouraging more people to take a step away from relying on single use plastic bottles.

“We know lots of businesses already offer this simple service but find customers often feel embarrassed or cheeky for asking.

“By letting people know they can look for the Refill sticker and always be able to get a water refill on the go.

“It’s a really simple concept with a really big potential result”.

Despite the rise in reusable water bottles, the problems with single use plastic are still prevalent.

According to the Environmental Audit Committee over 7 billion plastic water bottles are used each year in the UK.

They also reported that plastic bottles now make up one-third of all plastic pollution in the sea.

And if everyone in the UK refilled just once a week, more than 340 million plastic bottles would be prevented at the source.

City to Sea is the organisation that is the driving force behind the national Refill Scheme.

They decided to create an app that can allow the Borders public to locate their nearest Refill Station wherever they go.

Natalie Fee, founder of City to Sea added: “Our refill app puts the power to stop plastic pollution in people’s hands.”

“Save money, stay hydrated and prevent plastic pollution.”

For more information or if any other local businesses would like to be involved, contact anne@dbethune.com or go to www.refill.org.uk