Please also find below a number of resources and useful information that the stalls at our Torbay Climate Conversation have made available to help us all reduce energy and emissions.
Active Travel
Sustrans is a national charity making it easier for everyone to walk and cycle. The work they are doing creates healthier places and happier people.
Mike Elm, our Sustrans Officer, spoke during his presentation about 20-minute neighbourhoods. This is Sustrans goal for cities and towns to be places that connect everyone to each other and what we need. These neighbourhoods are places where everyone can thrive without having to use a car. Sustrans think that the best way to do this is to ensure that it is easy for people to meet most of their everyday needs by a short, convenient and pleasant 20-minute return walk - 10 minutes there, and 10 minutes back. More information about 20-minute neighbourhoods can be found on Sustrans website.
Torbay Cycling and Walking Routes Forum - A citizen-led group created in 2021 to provide thoughtful engagement to us about the infrastructure plans for Cycling and Walking in Torbay.
Car and Bike Sharing information can be found on CoMoUK - the charity for the public benefit of shared cars, bikes, e‑scooters and rides
There is also CoCars – Largest UK car club in the local area.
Homes
Exeter Community Energy (ECOE) have a range of services available for residents including their Healthy Homes for Wellbeing project and their new Retrofit Advice service.
The Healthy Homes project works with vulnerable households and those who need help accessing government and local funds to improve their homes.
The new Retrofit Project will seek to tackle many of the key barriers that home owners face in commissioning work, including lack of appropriate contractors and concerns around the quality of works, taking a more localised approach to creating a market for energy efficiency.
This new end-to-end retrofit service will include advice, a My Home Energy Planner assessment and Retrofit Co-ordination to assist householders in procuring contractors and carrying out Quality Assurance.
If you are a building professional working in our area or are a homeowner or private landlord looking for advice, contact Exeter Community Energy as they are currently giving free general advice, plus guidance surrounding the Green Homes Grants.
There is also a free of charge service from the Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP). Those who have a low income, receive tax credits, receive Housing Benefit, receive an income or disability related benefit or have a long term illness or disability can book an appointment with one of the friendly, qualified LEAP advisers to discuss how they can save money and energy. LEAP also have a great webpage full of useful information on things you can do around your home to save energy.
Food Waste Reduction
Love Food Hate Waste – includes recipes, information on how to reduce food waste and the benefits.
Recycle Devon – tips, tools and inspiration for reducing food waste. Including a recipe book to help you waste less and save more.
Love Food Hate Waste - Recycle Devon
Waste Minimisation
Recycle Devon – useful information about how Devon residents can reduce, reuse and recycle.
Recycle Now – 5 easy ways to reduce waste, plus lots more information
Get Composting – Get Composting offer Torbay residents good value composting equipment.
getcomposting.com | Composting is not just for gardeners - it helps the environment too!
Torbay Cloth Nappy Library – free cloth nappy trials and information. Contact details: torbayclothnappylibrary@googlemail.com; 07942 473390; Torbay Cloth Nappy Library - Home | Facebook
Refill Devon - Participating cafes, bars, restaurants, banks, galleries, museums and other businesses display a round, blue sticker in their window, inviting thirsty passers-by to come on in and fill up their bottles – for free. The aim is to reduce the amount of plastic bottles ending up in our streets, rivers and seas – whilst keeping you healthy, hydrated and saving money at the same time. Refill Devon - Recycle Devon
General Recycling Information
What to do with garden waste - Torbay Council
What can I do with bulky waste? - Torbay Council
Recycling at home - Torbay Council
FREE Climate Change course available at South Devon College
South Devon College are in the great position of being able to offer a FREE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Climate Change and Environmental Awareness Online course for adults over the age of 19 who live locally.
The course is available online and is usually completed within one term. There is a comprehensive booklet available to learners which they may keep on completion of the course. It covers two key areas including: Understanding Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Protection and Understanding Industry and the Environment.
New enrolments are available now for cohorts starting in January 2022 and April 2022. Enrolment can be actioned by visiting South Devon College’s website.