A FUNDRAISING campaign aimed at opening a zero waste store in Barry, is underway.

Stuart Burnell and fiancee Amy Greenfield, of Evans Street, want to open the Vale’s first store, in the former Terry's Cafe, in Holton Road.

Awesome.Wales will also host a coffee shop and community hub hosting workshops and cooking demonstrations.

The business will be a plastic free shopping experience with no unnecessary packaging.

Shoppers will bring their own jar, bag or container to pick from more than 450 items including oats, rice, spices, fresh fruit and veg, bread, cakes, washing up liquid, laundry detergent, soap and shampoos.

The store will also offer eco-friendly products including bamboo toothbrushes, metal straws, reusable coffee cups and double walled water bottles.

Mr Burnell, 42, director of Awesome, said “Our aim is to help local residents to protect the environment while doing their weekly shop.

"Most of the products in-store will also be cheaper or comparable in price to the supermarket, so you’ll be saving money as well as the planet.

“We can’t do this on our own, so we’re asking for the local community’s help.

“In return for your pledges we have over 25 different rewards available, from getting your name on our wall of gratitude, sourdough starter kits, reusable coffee cups and free coffees, to our Awesome. day out if you are feeling particularly generous.

"Whatever your preferences we are sure you will find a reward to your liking and definitely worth pledging for.”

The duo aim to offer ethically produced and locally sourced products.

Bread is sourced from Penarth, glass bottled milk comes from Jones Dairy, in Barry, and coffee beans are roasted by Uncommon Ground Pontypridd.

The store will also feature vegan and gluten-free options, as well as cruelty free toiletries.

Awesome is a social enterprise which means the pair hope the coffee shop space will host community events and workshops, including hosting Barry’s first Repair Cafe, a monthly event where broken items can be repaired instead of sending them to landfill.

They will host cooking workshops teaching young people how to cook from scratch using healthy whole-food ingredients.

There will also be educational, environmental workshops where people can learn how to make cleaning products such as fabric conditioner and beeswax wraps which are an eco-friendly alternative to cling-film.

The workshops and events aim to reduce wastage and create a community spirit and atmosphere.

Profits from the Community Interest Company will be invested in local groups and activities, allowing more people to become involved and decreasing social isolation.

Company co-director, Amy Greenfield, 37, said: “We watched in horror the BBC documentary Blue Planet II and realised that something needed to be done to save our environment.

“Mankind’s current reliance on plastic cannot continue without it having a devastating impact on the environment and wildlife, we’ve all seen the terrible pictures of sea life being affected by plastic waste in our oceans.

"We can all can take steps that make a difference right now.

"A few small changes made by a whole bunch of people can make a huge impact.

"Shopping at Awesome.Wales will help you to make these small changes.”

The shop will open at the end of June.

More than 700 people have completed a survey with an overwhelming 93 per cent stating they would like to see a zero waste shop in Barry.

Individuals and businesses can make a contribution via www.crowdfunder.co.uk/awesomewales