A PLASTIC free support group has created a plan to shop entirely plastic-free in their town.

Llangollen Plastic Free, the plastic free group that has been nominated for ‘Plastic Free Community’ status by environmental conservation charity Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), for its work to commit businesses in the town to reduce their plastic use, has set out a new plan for people to shop without using plastic.

Mair Davies, chair of the plastic-free group, has developed the plan to give people the know-how to shop plastic-free as concerns rise over the negative effects of plastic waste on the planet and its oceans.

Denbighshire Free Press:

Ms Davies, who uses the plan for her own weekly shop, said: “When I first began to tackle my waste I found that I was having to travel to get specific items and it was quite daunting.

“I realised that some could be done locally and that shop owners were amiable to cooperate, and even expand their product range, so it seemed obvious that the information needed to be put out for other shoppers who want to do the same.

“I love using the plan and the community feel of shopping local, which is not just economically better for the community but it is more environmentally friendly too."

The plan includes:

  • Gwyn Davies Butchers, who provides meat in biodegradable bags
  • Porters Delicatessen, who provides ‘home container refills’ on products such as dishwashing liquid, rice, seeds, olive oil and cheese
  • Zingiber, who provides home container refills as well as plastic-free toilet paper and toothbrushes
  • Llangollen Oggie Shop, who provides bread and pastries in biodegradable bags
  • Dee Valley Produce, who provides bag-your-own loose fruit and veg
  • Pro Adventure, who provides refillable water bottles, plastic-friendly straws and eco-friendly clothing
  • Llanvalley Natural Products, who provides plastic-free soap, shampoo and moisturisers

There are also several glass bottled milk delivery services for residents in the town.

Ms Davies said: “Llangollen is a small town centre so none of the shops in the plan are far apart. I also save time on the other end, with less filling up my bins, no heavy bin to take out and less trips emptying it.”

Asked about the price of her plastic-free shopping, Ms Davies said: “Overall I've not seen a huge change in my monthly spending.

“The biggest shift for me was the mental shift required when you have a change in routine and how I now go about my own consumerism.”

Rachel Yates, plastic free communities project officer at SAS said: “ It’s great to see how our communities are taking the initiative and coming up with useful, locally sourced tips on how to cut single use plastic in day to day life.

"Linking up with local businesses and drawing up something specific to the area is a fantastic way to engage with the local economy and also encourage shoppers to make quick, easy changes to their buying habits.”

Visit the group's Facebook page, 'Plastic Free Llangollen', to find out more and get in touch.