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

Host an Energy Show in your community!

Host an Energy Show in your community!

We are looking for 5 communities to host an Energy Show in autumn/winter 2025/2026. This pop up 3-4 hour exhibition will support your local community to access advice and expertise on saving energy, reducing bills, retrofit & renewables.

July 4, 2025
Community Energy in Totnes - A Talk

Community Energy in Totnes - A Talk

Explore how local community energy can benefit your pocket, your community and your planet, and how TRESOC is helping to guide Totnes into a more sustainable and resilient energy future.

July 1, 2025
Moor Trees showcases its achievements and ambition to see 10 million more trees take root on Dartmoor

Moor Trees showcases its achievements and ambition to see 10 million more trees take root on Dartmoor

Marking its 25th anniversary, Moor Trees asks supporters to embrace its vision of luscious woodland on Dartmoor by 2050 to help combat the climate and nature crises

June 30, 2025

Groups

Transition Town Totnes

Transition Town Totnes

Transition Streets - a community-focussed initiative supporting social cohesion, carbon reduction, and energy saving; Incredible Edible Totnes - supporting local and accessible food growing in public spaces; Totnes Climate Hub - a public space for creating community support and local responses to our global challenges; REconomy Project - a project inspiring economic regeneration locally; Time to Breathe - a meditative space for personal wellbeing support

20-100
Volunteers
Charity
Project Cost
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

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
Run a Composting Scheme in Your Community

Run a Composting Scheme in Your Community

The Marsh is a thriving community compost group open year-round

Volunteers
Project Cost
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