Discover more topics
Whether we like it or not, we live in a consumerist world. Walk into any shop and you will see aisles of products packaged in single use plastics, as well as many disposable or ‘short-life’ goods. We are constantly being encouraged to buy more than we really need. Our homes are filled with many items that end their days in land-fill (here or abroad), incinerators or in our rivers and oceans
Here in the South Hams there are a number of projects run through our community groups and companies whose volunteers clean up some of this waste, run re-use and recycling projects and also encourage residents and visitors to consider alternatives when purchasing products.
Hopefully some of the projects on this website may provide ideas and inspiration. Many established groups will be more than happy to talk with you about setting up your own project and may be able to share resources to make it easier. Why write a Risk Assessment from scratch when you can probably modify one that is already written?
If you have a project that fits into this category but isn’t listed here please ‘add a project’ so that we can share the good work you are doing.
Get in touch with Ben Bryant, our Saving Earth Resources Mentor, for any further information or advice on ben@sussh.org
News
.png)
Repair Cafes in South Hams
Repair cafes offer a refreshing and sustainable alternative to consumer culture by fostering a community spirit and promoting environmental responsibility.
June 10, 2024
.png)
Compost Life and Worm Farming
The addition of compost builds a healthy soil and so boosts the microbial activity, which provides food for hundreds of thousands of different species of fungi, bacteria and other organisms; these microorganisms are also food for a whole range of other organisms, which in turn are fed off by predators.
March 29, 2024
From Bonfires to Biochar
Composting is one of the few really positive things nearly all of us can do to positively benefit our environment and even play a small part in sequestering carbon. Even keen gardeners can find it a challenge to deal with especially woody material. All too often this kind of material is simply burnt on a bonfire. However, the high water content generally in bonfires produces masses of choking smoke and particulates extremely harmful to health. A bonfire could produce up to 30 times more particle pollution than a wood burning stove.
March 21, 2024
Resources
Groups
Ermington Environmental Group
Our aim is to focus on the needs of the residents of the village and the surrounding district in the areas of growing crops, recycling (composting, litter picking), wildlife surveys and sources of renewable energy.
5-20
Volunteers
Informal Network
Project Cost
Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve (Field Studies Council)
Cirl bunting habitat restoration, biodiversity surveys, management plan delivery, woodland management, hedgerow and tree planting and much much more!
20-100
Volunteers
Charity
Project Cost
Totnes Climate Hub
We have created a physical climate change response centre on the High Street where people can come to learn about our challenges of climate & ecological breakdown & also find effective ways to respond to these challenges locally with the community.
20-100
Volunteers
Charity
Project Cost
Projects
Promote Earth Friendly Values Around Our Food
Workshops promoting Earth Friendly values around food from the Deer Wood Trust
5-20
Volunteers
£5k - £50k
Project Cost
Host Climate and Nature Event with Local Sustainability Groups
A joint project led by SMASH with speakers, stalls and networking opportunities
5-20
Volunteers
<£5k
Project Cost
Engage your Community with a Nature & Climate Fair
Village summer Fair for South Brent with a focus on sustainability
20+
Volunteers
£5k - £50k
Project Cost
