Bernie Davis has been the stalwart force behind the Sidmouth Eco Hub project – both organising behind the scenes and attending every single session these last months.
Here is her full report, plus photos of the March sessions at the Tourist Information Centre and Library:
Reduce/Reuse/Recycle
The three ‘Rs’ of sustainability are Reduce/Reuse and Recycle. Following them will protect the Earth ensuring there will be enough resources and material goods not only for us but for the generations that come after us.
Reduce means using less, so instead of using a plastic bag from the supermarket you bring your own reusable bags. Reuse means using things again rather than throwing them away. Creatively upcycling old objects or repairing broken items are alternatives to buying new items. Recycle means turning existing items into new products, for example, converting old glass bottles into new glass jars or turning out-of-date newspapers into cardboard. Recycling is a way to give old items and new life and prevent them from being sent to a landfill site. When it comes to waste management however it’s best to reduce our consumption and reuse items first, because recycling requires more energy and resources and eventually has a bigger environmental impact.
One of the EDDC Recycling Officers came to Eco Hub Sidmouth held at the library last weekend ready to answer any questions concerning how our waste in the Sidmouth area is managed, where the items in our recycling bins go and ultimately what happens to them. A steady stream of residents engaged in conversations with him about their concerns; some brought samples of various kinds of plastic packaging to find out if it’s recyclable and where it should be disposed of. They were pleased to find that EPR will make manufacturers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products. This was included in news of new waste legislation called Simpler Recycling, to be introduced 31st March. It is intended to improve waste management practices and reduce environmental impact. This will include:
1) Mandatory Recycling for Businesses
2) Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
3) Ban on Single-Use Plastics
4) Increased Landfill Taxes
5) Household Waste Separation Requirements
For items to be reused they may need to be repaired, renovated or even rebuilt. A member of the Sidmouth Repair Cafe came with his work bench prepared to sharpen secateurs, demonstrating the kind of activity that is on offer at the monthly meetings at St Frances Church Hall on Woolbrook Road. They meet on the last Saturday of each month from 10:00 to 1:00. The Repair Cafe attracts a great team of fixers including electrical engineers and people with textile, woodworking and general repair skills. A core value of the group is to share skills and encourage learning so repairs are carried out in conjunction with the person who brought the broken item. There is no charge for repairs, although donation boxes are available.
The third R of sustainability is reduce. In a culture where almost anything, from anywhere in the world, can to be bought and delivered to our doorsteps within a matter of days, reducing our consumption can be a challenge. However, inspiration could come from the Swedish idea of ‘lagom’ meaning ‘not too much, not too little…just the right amount’. Lagom encourages us to appreciate what we have and be mindful in our consumption habits by buying only what we need. We can achieve a more sustainable lifestyle that supports both us and the planet by being more conscious about what we purchase, waste less and make environmentally friendly choices. In this way not only can we achieve a more balanced lifestyle but our carbon footprint will be smaller.
April’s Eco Hub Sidmouth topic will be Active Travel – promoting walking and cycling. At the TIC on 12th and at the Library on 26th from 11:00-1:00.
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