WASHING up is always a chore - but you could lessen the pain by doing your bit for the environment.

The Duckworth Worcestershire Trust has introduced a refilling service for environmentally friendly washing up liquid at The Pump House Environmental Centre in Gheluvelt Park, Worcester.

Ecover products are based on renewable plant ingredients which are beneficial because they are biodegradable. They are also claimed to be less toxic for people, animals and for the environment itself. The centre demonstrates renewable technologies and is keen to offer the public a refill service for their empty Ecover bottles because they want to encourage people to embrace sustainable living.

Rosie Tooby, community liaison officer for The Duckworth Worcestershire Trust, said: "We feel it is important to provide the community with the facility to fill up their Ecover bottles here in Worcester. It's great to re-use them and save them from going to be dumped in landfill."

Anyone can visit between Wednesday and Saturday, from 10am-4pm to refill their Ecover washing up or laundry liquid bottles.

Prices for washing up liquid refills are 99p for 500ml or £1.65 for one litre. You can also refill a 1.5litre laundry liquid bottle for £4.50.