Campaigners hoping to turn the tide on single use plastic are hoping to get businesses on board.

Litter Free Coast & Sea and Dorset Food & Drink are inviting local businesses to stop automatically using single-use plastics in a drive to reduce the amount of unsustainable packaging found on our beaches.

The groups say recent media interest in plastics in our oceans has prompted customers to demand more sustainable containers for their on-the-go food and drink, meaning more and more businesses are interested in making the switch to recycled and sustainable packaging.

Litter Free Coast and Sea has been working along the Dorset coast with communities, individuals and businesses to reduce the amount of litter, often from plastic, that ends up in the sea or on Dorset beaches.

A ‘Plastics Surgery’ is being held in West Bay – and representatives from firms are invited to along 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.

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. This will 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."

The surgery takes place at The Salt House, West Bay on Monday, February 19 from 2pm-5pm. There is also an event in Weymouth at McDonalds, St Mary Street, on Wednesday, February 21 from 3pm-6pm.

If you are a Dorset business offering takeaway food and drink and would like to attend email hello@dorsetfoodanddrink.org or call 01305 228239.