FIFE COUNCIL is cutting down on single-use plastics in its buildings.

It means it will stop providing plastic and paper cups, plastic teaspoons and plastic straws in its cafes and larger offices from Monday.

Schools are just getting rid of single-use teaspoons at this point but will continue to look at becoming zero plastic as, currently, milk cartons from a vendor are being delivered with plastic straws.

Councillor Ross Vettraino, convener of the environment, protective services and community safety committee, said: "Our throw-away culture is having a devastating impact on our environment, and that’s why Fife Council is committed to reducing plastics consumption.

"In its daily activities, the council uses over 900,000 plastic teaspoons, 160,000 plastic cups and 18,000 plastic straws every year, as well as a range of other single-use plastics.

"The council is asking its employees join with it in its journey to eliminate all of them."

The move is part of the council's 'Cut it Out' campaign which is designed to minimise the use of plastics that are used once, even if the item or material can be recycled afterwards.

The campaign is asking staff to carry a reusable bottle or cup for their water and hot drinks or use reusable cups available in staff kitchens.

Fife Council cafes will provide reusable teaspoons while wooden stirrers will continue to be provided for tea and coffee.