ILKEY’S community cafe has launched an initiative to help reduce the amount of plastic used in the town.

The ‘ReFill’ project, operating at Outside the Box, on Bridge Lane, is offering products that can be bought using paper and fabric bags or recycled plastic containers.

“We are really keen to play our part in helping to reduce waste and the damaging environmental impact of plastics,” said operations director Jenna Peel.

“We know that we all need to be using less plastic in our everyday lives either by choosing alternatives or by reusing the plastic items we already have. Our ReFill project gives people the chance to do this easily and without needing to travel outside of Ilkley.”

The scheme includes dried goods such as rice, pasta, fruit and seeds and the café’s homemade granola, as well as washing liquids and a selection of environmentally friendly items including soaps and shampoo bars. Customers can either bring their own containers or use the donated bottles and containers available at the café.

The charity has started with a relatively small range of products to test what local people really want.

Louise Hale, the charity’s Chief Executive said: “We did some consultation with our customers and supporters as part of our project planning and this informed our initial product range. We really want to know what customers would like to see stocked by ReFill as we progress our plans for the future development of the project and so welcome all comments and suggestions.”

Jenna added: “We have had great feedback so far, local people have really welcomed the opportunity to ‘do their bit’ in trying to shop more sustainably and at the same time be able to support our work as a local charity.

“We have lots of families who are customers at the café who often find it difficult to buy household staples that are not in plastic. Our project gives a simple and local way for them to do this. Plus we are sourcing products from sustainable suppliers who are themselves committed to reducing the use of plastic and so it is also helping to promote sustainability at a larger scale.”

The project is also being used to support members at the cafe, young people and adults with learning disabilities, to learn more about recycling and reuse. Jack Riley, one of the members involved in Outside the Box, said: “I think its really good. I like helping customers with it.”

Local resident Lisa McCloughlin said: “This is a fantastic addition to the town, I think its very much needed.”