Author: JW

Here’s some sound advice from the latest issue of The Big Issue – which is very much the sort of thing even in these parts we can make use of: Right now, living more sustainably might not seem within many people’s budgets. Being eco-conscious is often associated with purchasing expensive alternatives, such as solar panel… Continue reading Save money, save the planet – with The Big Issue

Yes, it’s that time of year… and the Stuff blog in New Zealand is there to help us through. Yes, a few of the links are NZ-specific, but it’s fresh and fun, as you’d expect from Down Under: When holiday costs closely follow Christmas expenses, finances can easily turn from a mostly-manageable flow into the… Continue reading Save money, save the planet – it’s Frugal February

Congratulations! Environmental entrepreneur named exceptional business leader Earthly Biochar is an impressive brand that offers a truly exciting solution to increasing emissions An entrepreneur from North Devon has been named as one of 2022’s most exceptional business leaders. Lottie Hawkins was recognised at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2022 Grand Final. Lottie, founder of Earthly Biochar, won… Continue reading Sustainability Entrepreneur of the Year goes to Devon

Nominations have opened for the Devon Farm Business Awards 2023, as organisers celebrate a decade of recognising “the county’s enthusiastic, innovative and pioneering agriculturalists”. Last year’s winner Chris Berry from Higher Thornton Farm near Exeter is encouraging nominations: “I’d say to anyone who knows of someone doing great things (including themselves), to get on and… Continue reading Devon Farm Business Awards: nominate!

Eight companies founded by young people in the West Country have just been recognised for their innovation: A foldable electric motorbike and a robotics company that aims to eliminate bias are among the innovative South West businesses to scoop a share of £1.25m, it has been announced. The eight companies from across the region, which… Continue reading Innovate UK funds young entrepreneurs in the SouthWest

Last month, some impressive awards were given out in Dorset: Congratulations to Lyme Regis! Plastic Free Lyme Regis business award We’re delighted that Plastic Free Lyme Regis – which is part of Turn Lyme Green – has been awarded the prestigious Jurassic Coast business award for best eco-business in 2022. Our Plastic Free champion Grenville… Continue reading Jurassic Coast business award goes to… Plastic Free Lyme Regis

One great ‘green’ project idea for school or home or club is to mend a few clothes – then parade in them: For something a little more contemporary, here’s some really snazzy stuff going on: ‘Make do and mend’ theme for school’s fashion show | The Hunts Post And here: Stivichall Primary School – Year 6… Continue reading Parade your make-do-and-mend fashion!

The Family Mission series has put together all sorts of engaging videos on how we had to be creative during WW2: These days buying vintage or second hand clothes, and making adjustments to clothes that are already in your wardrobe, has become more and more popular as folks try to be more eco-friendly. Of course… Continue reading On a family mission to make do and mend

A lot of schools have been putting their project work on-line for us to learn from and make use of – very much part of their Design and Technology courses: As part of our topic on World War Two we have been looking at how people had to make do and mend. We decided that… Continue reading Great make-do-and-mend projects for schools

How good are your sewing skills? 5 Reasons Why Children Should Learn to Sew Here’s another ‘make-do-and-mend’ story from school: Rachael Bletchly: ‘Teach kids to make do and mend? “”Seams” like a top idea’ MPs have the right idea — it’s high time we stopped buying new clothes and remembered the value of the sewing… Continue reading A stitch in time… learning how to sew at school