Crediton shops cut down on plastic useTHE story "Crediton shops praised for attempts to go plastic-free" appeared in the Courier on Friday, March 30, issue 1183.

Shopkeepers in Crediton, who have been trying to go plastic-free have been praised by Mid Devon District Council’s recycling officer, Felicity Jones, for their initiative.

She congratulated the shops that have attempted to use less plastic.

However, she agreed that while plastic is the cheapest option she would welcome any shop trying to do without it.

Felicity suggested that shoppers could take along reusable containers or bags, or even cardboard boxes to use to carry their shopping in.

She also explained that the black plastic food containers, which are used by supermarkets in some ready meals and fresh meat cannot be processed at some recycling centres but Mid Devon have processors that will accept these containers.

Felicity also explained that recycling is left to the individual.

Do you think it should be left to the individual or do you think manufacturers should take more of the responsibility and use less plastic packaging in the first place?

Please let me know.

You can Contact me at 102 High Street, Crediton or email: [email protected] .

What you told us ……….

If they want people to recycle more they need to make it easier. Mid Devon District Council issues black plastic boxes with lids that break easily and then get blown all over the road along with the recycling. In Exeter residents have two wheelie bins, one is used for all the recycling. Residents don’t need to sort it and it’s much easier because it all goes in one bin and gets sorted afterwards. To encourage people to recycle more MDDC need to make it easier and perhaps do the same as Exeter City Council and have a large wheelie bin for all the recycling.

Crediton Resident

I agree with there being too much plastic. I noticed over Easter how much packaging there is on Easter Eggs. You remove the cardboard and then all the plastic to find a tiny egg inside. There doesn’t need to be that amount of packaging.

Sandford Resident

I would agree that there is too much plastic packaging. Some things do need it and some items have far too much of it. I am all for cutting down on plastic use where possible. Sometimes it’s not essential.

Michael Lee, Sandford