Doug McLaren
Doug McLaren was bitten by the recycling bug in the 1980s when he worked with the Mid Craigie Community Business Project encouaging business start-ups. While other people saw waste, Doug saw opportunity. He went on to set up a charitable social enterprise known as Tayside Recyclers. His vision reached beyond recycling to include a more encompassing re-use and refurbish philosophy, recycling only when no other use could be found. The vast old jute mill in Dundee occupied by Tayside Recyclers’ Emporium is testament to this vision. Not only is a range of material reclaimed, but local theatre companies come in for props and art students for materials. Almost every conceivable commodity from household to business has found its way to Tayside Recyclers. As a social enterprise, much emphasis is placed on supporting inspired volunteers, from schools, colleges and the local open prison, and helping the long term unemployed back into a work ethos.
His next project is an eCo Centre where customers would be able to see stock online and view it via their mobile phones. He wants second-hand to be first-class. And Doug’s whole ethos is to demonstate how to live a low carbon lifestyle. He cycles as much as possible, is a member of his local community council, Chairman of the local Friends of the Earth Scotland, organies local beach cleans, is Chair of Sustain Dundee and plays a pivotal role in the Dundee Partnership for the Environment.