Co-Op hosts Eco Friends West Berkshire for the town’s first Mass Unwrap event

An environmental organisation is tackling single-use plastics.

Eco-friends West Berkshire held the town’s first Mass Unwrap at the weekend.

They spent a couple of hours at the Co-op in Thatcham town centre showing shoppers just how much plastic makes its way into our trollies.

Customers carried out their normal shop, paid for their items and handed their single-use plastic to the volunteers present.

The organisation unwrapped 55 plastic bags from items and six hard plastic tubs.

Volunteer Jenny Kirby said a lot of people were not surprised with how much plastic they had generated.

But expressed concern with lack of choice noting many stores don’t offer items like loose fruit and vegetables.

She said: “It was well supported and we had some positive feedback.

“People came specifically to shop and unwrap stuff.

“I think the issue is on some people’s radar but there is often no choice at supermarkets.

“For example, it can be hard to find loose mushrooms.

“Iceberg lettuce, apples, multipack chocolate and crisps come wrapped.”

Eco Friends West Berkshire is hoping to repeat the event and will provide dates and locations when organised.

It is also on the lookout for more volunteers.

The group is available on Facebook under Eco Friends West Berkshire.