TWO businesses in Stourport have been rewarded for their efforts to reduce plastic waste.

Plastic Pledge certificates were presented to Green's Vegan Cafe and As One Vegan Lifestyle, which are both based at the Vegan Hub in Stourport high street, by Worcestershire County Councillor Tony Miller.

Cllr Miller said: "These certificates continue to be a fantastic way to thank the people across the county, who are committed to reducing their plastic usage.

"It was a real honour to present Jude and Lindsey with their awards, and recognise all the good work they do to reduce plastics at the Vegan Hub.

"It's great to see all the innovative changes, and talk to local businesses and communities about the commitments they're making to reduce in their everyday life, and this scheme is a real celebration of that."

The Plastic Pledge scheme was introduced by Worcestershire County Council to recognise local businesses and people who have committed to reduce their use of single use plastics.

Green's Vegan Cafe, run by Jude Green, serves all its food in compostable or recycled packaging. It uses biodegradable plates and cutlery at events and all its paper plates and towels are 100 per cent recyclable.

Commenting on the award, Jude said: "I was really humbled to be nominated for a Plastic Pledge award. It's lovely to be recognised for the hard work that goes into making the Vegan Hub and its businesses successful.

"Showcasing the changes that can be made to run a green lifestyle is a real passion of both myself and Lindsey and has been for many years, and I'm so pleased that plastic reduction is something more people are becoming passionate about and committing to."

Lindsey Clode, owner of As One Vegan Lifestyle, which sells organic and gluten free products and plastic-free household items, added: "Receiving the Plastic Pledge award at an awareness event was a really fantastic experience, and a real acknowledgement of how far we've come in Worcestershire for raising awareness of the importance of reducing plastic usage."

Both companies received their certificates at a plastic awareness event entitled 'The Plastic Pollution Menace', hosted by the Transition Kidderminster group on Wednesday, November 21.

To nominate a business, organisation or individual for a Plastic Pledge award, email sustainability@worcestershire.gov.uk.