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
Sustainable Ashprington
Community composting scheme; creating biodiverse village green space; tree planting and Ash dieback replacement; rewilding Churchyard; swift boxes; National Trust Woodland volunteers; new riverside woodland with public access; toad migration; litter picking. Our Parish also includes the nationally-known Sharpham Rewilding Project who are keen to support this group.
5-20
Volunteers
Informal Network
Project Cost
Dittisham Parish Council Working Group
We have declared a climate & environmental emergency, we voted that we would consider the climate & environment in every decision and action, we have embedded that within our formal process and hire agreements, etc, we created an ongoing phased Habitat Plan to improve biodiversity on land we own or manage, and we are working on a wider Climate & Environment Plan.
5-20
Volunteers
Parish Council working group
Project Cost
Greener Ugborough Parish (G-UP)
The Wildlife and Biodiversity working group focuses on the native wildlife of the Parish, through both habitat management and biodiversity monitoring. The Transport & Mobility working group supports the reduction of local reliance on cars and encourages Active Travel. The Waste Reduction and Recycling group has produced recycling guidelines for the Parish.
5-20
Volunteers
Informal Network
Project Cost
Projects
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
Run a Composting Scheme in Your Community
The Marsh is a thriving community compost group open year-round
Volunteers
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
