A NEW group has started in Redditch with the aim of highlighting plastic waste.

Members of the the group, Eco n Wise Redditch, set themselves an initial challenge of reducing the amount of plastic waste created in their own households.

For one week they collected all plastic waste to see how much they used and what exactly could be recycled.

The group ranges from couples to large families, but their conclusions were all the same - there is too much of the toxic substance.

The combined findings were that out of 389 items collected, only 131 were recyclable, which means 66 per cent was going to landfill.

Member and environmental campaigner Claire Davies said: “As a family of six, we try to avoid plastic as much as is reasonably possible, yet we still created 88 items, with only 24 that are recyclable.

"I have the luxury of time to bake, and research alternatives, but it shouldn’t be this time consuming. Easily accessible and affordable options for plastic free living need to be readily available, and quickly.”

She said the group welcomed the recent highlighting of the issue by the current government, and the ongoing commitment of Redditch Borough Council to promote recycling.

"As a group of individuals we are keen to see the current interest in this issue become a real force for change, both locally and further afield," she added.

The group approached Redditch MP Rachel Maclean with what it has been doing and challenged her to make a plastic audit of her office, and look towards becoming as plastic free as possible.

The MP said she welcomed the chance of taking part in the audit and was looking forward to reporting back the results.

Mrs Malcean said: “Through the work of Eco n Wise, it seems Redditch is clearly leading the way in getting the message out there that we must do more to reduce plastic waste and find alternative affordable options for plastic free living."

For more on the group, visit facebook.com/groups/econwise