International Plastic Bag Free Day is this week and the Herts Ad went to visit a refill shop in St Albans which is helping reduce plastic waste all year round.
In its ninth year, the day is to raise awareness of the environmental impact and hazards of single-use plastic bags, and promote more sustainable solutions. The Refill Pantry on London Road helps people contribute positively to the planet by taking their own containers to fill up with hundreds of different items, from coffee beans to cleaning products.
We spoke to the owner and St Albans residents to find out their ideas.
Regular customers use the pantry with various containers in which to take their purchases home.
St Albans resident and teacher Nathan McMinn said he much prefers this type of shopping as he feels like he is creating a better future for younger generations by cutting back on the use of plastic.
He added: "Certain products are more expensive and I don't mind paying that knowing it has been ethically sourced. Other things are cheaper, such as spices, which are pence instead of pounds."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here