WOULD it be easy for you to reduce your household's use of plastic? What obstacles would get in the way?

Islanders have been taking up the Marine Conservation Society’s Plastic Challenge during July, with support from Isle of Wight organisation, Plastic Aware.

The group has been asking people for their ideas and recommendations, and is running a Facebook campaign and blog throughout the month.

Anne Sayer, joint founder of Plastic Aware, has led the Island force trying to reduce their plastic.

She said: "I've gradually been reducing the amount of single use plastic I use anyway but this challenge really has encouraged me to try more things.

"I like making my own bread and cakes which helps reduce packaging and I try as much as possible to buy fruit and vegetables without packaging but sometimes when life is busy this doesn't happen."

Annette Steed, a busy mum of two, said: "I thought I would try the challenge after seeing the terrible effects plastic is having on our oceans on Blue Planet. My children want to do more and I feel I should be leading the way.

"I'm struggling to get rid of cling film completely, and the beeswax wraps are expensive, so it's been really useful reading the ideas from Plastic Aware.

"It's reassuring other people find it a challenge too, but great we are all trying our best. I've certainly saved lots of money by taking out my Klean Kanteen water bottles instead of buying bottled water. It's great to see the refill scheme growing on the Island."

Tracey Darch, of Shanklin, said: "For more than 30 years my husband Martin has picked litter up from paths and beaches when we are out walking. He is as keen to reduce our plastic use as I am.

"We stopped using liquid soap and have gone back to using bars. We found the 'Who Gives a Crap' toilet paper which comes wrapped in paper and supports those in countries where toilet facilities are poor.

"I am trying to encourage plastic reduction in my workplace so I look forward to see what changes happen there.

"It hasn't all been plain sailing as after work I am sometimes just limited to the choices I have near me and supermarkets still have so much fruit and veg wrapped in plastic. I have been contacting companies about their policies to reduce plastic. "

John Cattle, of Wight Trash in Ryde, is also trying the challenge.

"We've started to look at the packaging we use at our shop. We have to bubblewrap our online sales so now we are looking at biodegradable alternatives.

"I've bought a reusable water bottle and won't buy fruit or veg that is packaged. The most challenging thing so far is not getting ready packed meals. I often have to grab lunch on the go, which is usually packaged. I need to think ahead and prepare lunch in advance.

"We're lucky in Ryde to have a butcher, bakers, fishmonger and a fruit and veg shop which all helps. It's certainly been interesting thinking more about alternatives."

Anne would like interested businesses to come forward with their support.

Send your ideas to Plastic Aware via Facebook and use the hashtag #PlasticAwareJuly.

The campaign is being sponsored by Island business Message in a Bottle, and the writer of the most engaging post will receive £25 to spend on its products.