Free reusable organic cotton bags will be given out by shops for a month.

They will also switch from plastic carriers to compostable corn starch bags.

The campaign is organised by Village Green Teams in Leavenheath, Polstead and Stoke-by-Nayland.

The teams – which help people adopt sustainable green ideas – got money from the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty sustainable development fund.

Park Street Stores and Post Office and Scotland Place Farm, in Stoke-by-Nayland, Polstead Community Shop and Brewery Farm Shop, Assington Farm Shop, and Lower Dairy Farm in Little Horkesley are taking part in a month's trial.

Helen Chen of the green teams said: "If in that time we can reduce the number of disposable carrier bags people use, we hope the shops will be able to make the switch to corn starch bags long-term.

"The village green teams encourage everyone to switch to reusable bags to help make our environment safer and cleaner."