A BARRY Island trader has joined the war on plastic pollution.

Marco Zeraschi, who owns the Café in The Square, has joined Barry Town Council, ZeroWasteCardiff and Barry resident Aoife Blight’s efforts to make Barry and Barry Island free of single-use plastics.

Mr Zeraschi, whose family own businesses at Barry Island and Porthkerry Country Park, is offering customers the opportunity to dine at his establishment guilt-free.

The business owner has ditched plastic straws, cutlery, and polystyrene plates and sourced a range of travel flasks enabling customers to get discounts every time they visit and bring with them to reuse.

Mr Zeraschi said: “We are trying to move away from the use of the disposable cup so we’ve introduced re-usable flasks.

“Every time you buy a coffee or another drink you get 20p off your purchase.

“It’s encouraging people to reduce their carbon footprint."

The resealable flasks, emblazoned with Marco’s, Barry Island and Marco’s in the Park, are dishwasher and microwave-friendly.

“There are no nasty chemicals and no plastic-taste,” Mr Zeraschi said.

The 12oz flasks also fit most coffee machines and vehicle flask holders.

The flasks cost £5 initially, with a drink included in the price.

Mr Zeraschi, who has nine grandchildren, said he was thinking of the next generation afte becoming inspired by Sir David Attenborough’s Blue Planet II programme.

He said: “People come to the beach to enjoy themselves and we’ve got to protect it and keep the beach clean.

“We’ve got to think of the future and what we are doing now.

"Other traders are also doing things.

"I’m doing it for my grandchildren and their children.

“We’ve got to act now and be part of Barry’s bid to be plastic-free."

Referring to the shocking images seen by millions on Blue Planet II, Mr Zeraschi said: "Anyone who saw that plastic island would be shocked.

"It’s horrific.”

The travel flasks, which also serve as a souvenir, can be bought from Marco’s Café or Marco’s in the Park, Porthkerry Country Park, Barry Island.