TRADERS on Barry Island have ramped up their efforts to increase their environmental efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle.

The drive follows concerns about the impact of materials – such as straws, plastic spoons, disposable cups – which dominate seaside resorts.

Their efforts preceded a recent Whitmore Bay visit by celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, earlier this month, to illustrate the amount of plastic that flows into the sea.

Plastic was deposited on Barry Island’s beach for a three-part BBC documentary, co-presented by Anita Rani, investigating where our waste goes and if it is being properly recycled.

Measures introduced by some traders include re-usable cups, biodegradable straws and slush and smoothie cups, the introduction of paper bags to replace plastic

Café owner, Marco Zeraschi said: “The Slush cups we are using are biodegradable.

“That was the biggest headache.

“We’ve disposed of polystyrene products and done away with plastic spoons.

“I’ve got grandchildren. We’ve got to do something.”

Whitmore + Jackson owner, Dave Lewis said: “It’s really important that we have an eye on our environmental impact.

“It’s our business we are also protecting here.”

Mr Lewis said he was providing compostable items and wooden takeaway cutlery for customers and sourcing food and drink items for local suppliers to reduce the businesses carbon footprint.

“To me, it’s a no-brainer,” he said.

Coffee Cove and Wine Bar owner, Alex Davies said his business had stepped up efforts following increased environmental concern and was offering paper bags, and biodegradable cups, wooden spoons, and straws.

“For me, it’s such an important issue. I have children and I want them to live in a nice place and to grow up living in natural beauty.

“I think it’s brilliant to see some local businesses being concerned and increasing the choice for the people who visit.”

Louis Ross, who owns The Beach Hut and Barrybados brand, has sourced biodegradable Slush straws along with paper straws and bags, and wooden spoons – and, with other traders, has been sharing information on suppliers with environment-friendly products.

“It’s important to reduce non-eco-friendly waste,” he said. ”Think how many plastic spoons are used at Barry Island. It’s not going to have a major impact on businesses to do something.”