The Wotton-under-Edge Chamber of Trade has launched its Plastic Pledge, at a celebratory event hosted by the 1st Wotton-under-Edge Brownies and attended by chamber members and representatives of Stroud District Action on Plastic, Stroud District councillors and council officers, the Wotton Area Climate Action Network and local schools.

Under the new pledge, the chamber's members will play their part in reducing the town's reliance on plastic - to refuse, reduce, reuse and recycle, switching to alternatives wherever possible. The members have also pledged to act as Plastic Free Community ambassadors for the Stroud district - challenging single use plastic in their own workplace and supply chain, offering consumers alternatives wherever possible and leading by example so that others will follow.

Martin Tucker, president of Wotton's Chamber of Trade, said: "Plastic is a versatile, durable material that continues to have a role in modern life. But the huge greenhouse gases from plastic production and issues around plastic pollution mean that we need to think much more carefully about where, and if, we use it. The biggest issue is with single use plastics, used once before they are thrown away - items such as plastic bags, drinks bottles and most plastic packaging. By eliminating these, chamber members can make a real difference to the impact of plastic on our environment."

Chloe Turner, project coordinator for Stroud District Action on Plastic, said: "We're very grateful to Wotton Chamber of Trade for embracing this challenge so enthusiastically. Not every business can forgo plastic entirely, but many of the businesses we've spoken to are surprised how easily and quickly they can greatly improve their plastic footprint. Every small swap contributes to a wave of change, and it's fantastic that the chamber have made this pledge across their membership, leading the way in the district's business community."

Cllr Catherine Braun (Green, Wotton-under-Edge ward) said: "I'm delighted to see the local business community rising to meet the challenge of plastic pollution, and particularly pleased that the first local Plastic Pledge has been launched in the Wotton ward - let's hope it's the first of many! Stroud District Council is fully supporting Stroud District Action on Plastic in this community engagement work, part of its drive to help the whole district achieve Plastic Free Community status."

Stroud District Action on Plastic works with businesses, schools and community groups across the district.