The Devon Environmental Business Initiative (DEBI) has a new chairperson for the start of its 23rd year.
Peter Morgan, Environmental Officer at Paignton Zoo, took over the reins at the most recent DEBI board meeting after Andy Vickery, who has held the position for 10 years, formally stood down.
“I’m delighted to take on the role – I hope to continue Andy’s achievements in keeping DEBI at the forefront of the green community,” said Peter.
“Andy has shown amazing commitment working on behalf of DEBI. He is a true environmental champion with a thorough knowledge of...
A natural desire to be part of the ‘in crowd’ could damage our ability to make the right decisions, a new study has shown.
Research led by the University of Exeter has shown that individuals have evolved to be overly influenced by their neighbours, rather than rely on their own instinct. As a result, groups become less responsive to changes in their natural environment.
The collaborative international study, which includes academics from Princeton University and both the Sorbonne Universites and Institute for Research in Computer Science and Automation (INRIA) in France, is...
An energy efficient council has been recognised for its ambition, commitment and innovation at a national awards ceremony.
Exeter City Council won the Best Public Sector Energy Management Award at the Public Sector Sustainability Awards.
The award follows the success of a range of energy efficient and renewable initiatives and a further programme of ground-breaking renewable projects to be introduced by the City Council. The local authority has installed solar panels on top of the Civic Centre and other buildings, as well as fitting low energy LED lights throughout its...
Staff at Torquay’s coastal zoo have spoken out about the amount of litter on the beaches and in the sea and highlighted the threat to marine life.
Clare Rugg, from Living Coasts, explained: “Beacon Cove is the beach on our doorstep. Some litter is brought in by the waves but much of it is left by beach users. The Council regularly cleans the beach – but it becomes littered again overnight! We think the problem is getting worse. Some people who volunteered at our recent big beach clean weekend were horrified by how much rubbish was picked up.
The shortlist for the 2014 Devon Environmental Business Initiative (DEBI) Awards has been announced with a good showing from Exeter businesses.
A total of 55 entries were received, with judges implementing tough criteria to select the finalists in each category.
DEBI Chair Andy Vickery, said: “We’re delighted to have such a wide range of businesses and educational initiatives from all areas of Devon represented in the shortlist.
“The judges will be visiting all of them over the coming weeks in order to make an informed decision on the outright winners in each...
Exhibition runs Saturday 20 September – Sunday 9 November
Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Bovey Tracey, Devon, TQ13 9AF
The exhibition takes its direction from Common Ground, a Dorset charity who explored the relationship between nature and culture through areas such as music, sculpture, poetry and film. The Devon Guild is breaking new ground by using the media of craft to celebrate the charity’s idea of ‘local distinctiveness’ or ‘the unique characteristics such as customs, myths or plants’ - of a neighbourhood or small community.
Celebrating home-grown making with a showcase of 12 craftmakers who use materials which are locally distinct, natural or recycled. The show explores local heritage and environment using traditional skills and resources combined with contemporary approaches. Exhibits include organic sculpture, roadkill materials, installations and recycled jewellery. Open daily. Free. 10am-5.30pm
It is sometimes said that the environmental crisis is but a symptom of a deeper crisis, which is a spiritual one. I have a lot of sympathy with this suggestion, but what does it mean? Spirituality, in a general sense, has to do with what makes us tick. It draws on those aspects of life which we cannot measure such as beauty, joy, kindness, love, relatedness and purpose. Spirit in most traditions implies vigour and vitality - the very breath we inhale and the life-giving energy we find in our heart of hearts. It is thus both profound but also intangible. We may sense a deep spiritual aspect...
A new website has been created to help visitors and residents get out and explore Devon’s green spaces, promoting everything from a gentle woodland stroll to an invigorating bike ride, from spotting our celebrated wildlife to discovering ancient geology.
The new website, www.exploredevon.info , has been launched by Devon County Council to bring together ideas for things to do and places to go to be more naturally active outdoors while enjoying Devon’s fantastic natural environment.
The website also supports the ‘Naturally Healthy’ theme of the Devon Local Nature Partnership...
With almost half of the 5,000 people who visit East Devon’s Pebblebed Heaths every day walking their dogs on the Commons, landowner Clinton Devon Estates is taking steps to help people pick up after their pets.
One of the biggest complaints among visitors to the Heaths, which are one of the region’s most important wildlife sites, is dog fouling, so now Clinton Devon Estates is starting a trial of dog bins at a number of key car parks on the Commons.
The initiative is in collaboration with East Devon District Council, whose dog warden will be keeping an eye how the public...
