An MP is encouraging businesses to reduce their single-use plastic usage.

Watford MP Richard Harrington in encouraging business in the area to #PassOnPlastic, as part of the Sky Ocean Rescue campaign.

The Grove Hotel has already committee to only serving drinks with paper straws on request, and Mr Harrington has pledged to reduce his use of disposable cups, plastic straws and plastic cutlery in his daily life.

He said: "In recent months, Sky have been working hard to raise awareness of ocean health. I’m delighted to join their campaign by looking at ways to reduce my own plastic consumption, and encourage others to do the same.

"We all have a role to play in protecting our oceans and making small changes can make a huge difference. That’s why I’m encouraging local businesses to do their bit.

"I want to lead from the front here and so I will making an effort to reduce my single-use plastic consumption."

To show the scale of the problem with plastic consumption, Sky Ocean Rescue's whale, Plasticus, made up of a quarter of a tonne of plastic, arrived outside Parliament recently.

This is the amount of plastic which enters the oceans every second.

Sky Ocean Rescue was launched in January last year to spotlight the issues of ocean health and inspire other to make changes.

For more information visit skyoceanrescue,com