TRADERS across the county are doing their bit to save the planet by reducing the use of plastic and encouraging shoppers to bring their own containers for loose goods.

Among them is The Healthy Life Co in The Little Brittox, Devizes run by Justina Pettifer.

Ms Pettifer has installed new systems in her health shop to make it easier for people to refill rather than use plastic.

She said: “We have made the decision to remove single-use plastics from our shelves and have installed a refill system in their shop.

“The refill system covers household products including washing up liquid, fabric softener, toilet cleaner, multipurpose household cleaners and hand soap.

“It also includes foods too, including seeds, nuts, dried fruit, flour and porridge oats.

“We plan to add more to the refill service, so these products are just the tip of the iceberg.

“Customers can bring their own containers and buy as much or as little of each item as they like.”

The shop has also launched a new on-line service for thousands of products.

She said: “We’ve made it easy for customers to filter the products – filters include gluten free, dairy free, vegan, organic, British made and more.

“We are also now offering a click and collect service to help engage the local community and a courier service for those further afield.”

In Marlborough a new store is opening later this month that literally gets rid of packaging. Hayley Lambert's Zero Waste Shop in Unit 7 Hughenden Yard will sell anything from washing up liquid and cleaning products to spices, beans, flour, rice, pasta, seeds, nuts and vegetables.

She said: "With plastic waste being a hot topic at the moment it feels like people are really ready for the shop and a change in a way that they buy their food.

"With documentaries like Blue Planet, Drowning in Plastic and A Plastic Ocean, most of us have been exposed to the shocking images of the plastic pollution plaguing our seas."

About 18 months ago she noticed a new zero waste shop and thought it was a really good idea.

"It's become a passion of mine as I've become increasingly environmentally aware and wanted to do something and make a difference," she said.

"Over the past couple of years Zero Waste Shops have been popping up all over the country, providing the increasingly conscious consumer a way to shop without unnecessary packaging and with the knowledge of exactly where their food is coming from.

"Everything is sold loose, by weight and can be taken away in recycled paper bags or customer’s own containers."

The store will also sell reusable organic bags.