Share, Repair, Reduce, Reuse

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

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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

Repair Cafes in South Hams

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
Compost Life and Worm Farming

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

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

Groups

Bigbury Net Zero

Bigbury Net Zero

Bigbury Net Zero is a community group promoting cooperation between neighbouring parishes in Aveton Gifford, Thurlestone, Ringmore, Kingston & Modbury in order to reduce our joint carbon footprint and rebuild nature between the River Avon and the River Erme.

20-100
Volunteers
Community Association
Project Cost
Sustainable South Brent

Sustainable South Brent

We now have a number of well-established projects, including the Marsh Composting Centre, a school garden, a hedges and woodland group and the 4B's. We have more than 200 members. SSB works closely with South Brent Parish Council who declared a Climate and Ecological Emergency in 2019. The Trustee group is presently reviewing strategic priorities and is currently focussing new effort around transport and energy projects.

100+
Volunteers
Charity
Project Cost

Projects

Host Climate and Nature Event with Local Sustainability Groups

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
Tackle Food Waste with a Community Fridge

Tackle Food Waste with a Community Fridge

South Brent Community Fridge prevents food waste & helps with cost of living

5-20
Volunteers
<£5k
Project Cost
Promote Earth Friendly Values Around Our Food

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