Meet our new columnist, Charlene Hammond, who in her monthly feature will be sharing practical advice on how we can all play our part in the war on plastic.

Since the birth of her son Harrison, now 10, 36-year-old Charlene Hammond from Lostock Gralam has tried to find alternative ways to do everyday tasks that don’t cost a fortune, and more importantly don’t cost the planet.

Northwich Guardian:

From eschewing disposable nappies in favour of the washable variety, to using refillable and environmentally friendly detergents, she started with small steps that make an impact on the bigger picture.

A nail technician by trade, Charlene has long sought to use eco resources in her day-to-day business, but around two years ago she felt the urge to do something practical to help others and the seeds of Plastic Free Weigh were sown.

Based at Knutsford Market, her eco shop sells dried food goods by weight, which means there is zero packaging. It also offers ecological and reusable toiletries, cleaning and household items.

“When Harrison was born, I did all that I could to try to minimise our impact, so I’ve been using environmentally friendly products for a long time,” explains Charlene.

“It was just an idea that I kept thinking about and couldn’t really ignore.

“I didn’t tell anyone at first because I wasn’t sure who was in the same head space as me.

 

Northwich Guardian:

“But in the past couple of years people seem to really be on board with the same things that I’ve been thinking about.

“Probably like a lot of people, I was really fired up by the Blue Planet series about plastic, and I thought I could do something to help people make changes to their everyday shopping choices that could make a difference to our planet.

“I want to show people that working towards a zero waste life isn’t as hard as they might think and that every little change makes a big difference.”

 

Northwich Guardian:

Charlene and her husband Chris, a designer and printer, run Plastic Free Weigh at Knutsford Market every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. In her columns, she’ll be sharing her tips on how to reduce your plastic consumption, giving advice on ways that you can become more eco friendly and asking for questions.

You can follow Plastic Free Weigh on Facebook, or visitplasticfreeweigh.co.uk Welcome, I can’t wait to share my journey and what I have learnt with you.

Northwich Guardian:

By Charlene Hammond

After watching The Blue Planet, I decided to research waste and how its dealt with, I was scared by what I found out. My son became very eco aware, we discussed the affects waste was having on our world. We needed to make changes, was it fair that our luxuries should damage this beautiful world we live in? Awareness is key guys; War on Plastic on BBC is a real eye opener!

Hundreds of billions of tons of plastic are floating in our seas, infiltrating our food and water systems.....and even in the very air we breathe.

Did you know only nine per cent of our plastic waste is actually recycled, 91 per cent ends up in landfill, being burnt or as litter in our oceans or on land. What can we do?

We need to reduce the amount we use! Simple.

No, no it’s not...

Northwich Guardian:

Actually it’s almost impossible to avoid unnecessary packaging, we have been brought up with it...it’s what we are used to, it’s everywhere.

Surely it should be easier to avoid? From frustration The Plastic Free Weigh was born, to offer convenient and cost effect eco-friendly alternatives. We are about making small changes, so this month I will bring you 5 small easy changes....choose one and see if you can turn it into a habit or try them all!

1) use a reusable water bottle (download the FILL app)

2) say no to plastic straws

3) BYO bags

4) avoid plastic packed fruit/veg

5) use tin foil or wax wraps over cling film Next month I will look at Greenwashing and how to do an earth conscious child’s party.

Please do contact me at charlene@plasticfreeweigh.co.uk if you have an idea for me to tackle!