BUSINESSES are being urged to stop using single-use plastics as part of a campaign to reduce the amount of unsustainable packaging found on Dorset’s beaches.

Litter Free Coast and Sea and Dorset Food & Drink will be holding ‘Plastics Surgeries’ at three locations across the county this month.

Local food and drink businesses are being invited along to the surgeries to find out more about environment friendly takeaway food and drink packaging and explore alternative packaging options available for items like straws, coffee cups, and cutlery.

A surgery takes place in the PierView Room of The Prom Diner at Undercliff Drive in Boscombe on Tuesday, February 20, between 2pm and 5pm.

There will also be events at The Salt House in West Bay on February 19 and McDonalds in Weymouth on February 21.

Matilda Manley, Litter Free Coast & Sea project coordinator, said: “We are really excited to be working on this project and providing local businesses with the opportunity to come along to a ‘Plastics Surgery’ event to explore the different products available and talk to eco-friendly packaging companies, as well as hearing inspirational ideas from local businesses who have already made the switch or have put in place schemes that encourage customers to bring reusable containers”.

Katharine Wright, from Dorset Food & Drink, said: “The Plastics Surgeries will also discuss the idea of a Dorset co-operative buying facility to reduce costs by bulk buying together. Come along and be part of a drive for Dorset Food & Drink takeaway outlets to get together and become a ‘plastic free’ county. Let’s show how communities can work together to improve the Dorset environment - be part of something to be proud of and promote your business at the same time”.

Businesses interested in signing up are invited to email hello@dorsetfoodanddrink.org or call 01305 228239.