Welcome to the Sustainable Shores summer special! A newsletter brought to you by Exmouth Town Council, with seasonal updates on what we’re doing locally to tackle the climate and nature emergency.

This summer, we’re learning how to “Tread More Lightly”, starting with the Exmouth Festival, where we’ll be showcasing and championing sustainable actions and activities. Look out for free training sessions to learn about climate change and how best to tackle it. Try out the Reusable Nappy Scheme and support a social media campaign to bring us closer to nature. Don’t forget to return your Exmouth Cup and take a stroll down to Sideshore to check out the Community Hub and feed Samudra with some empty plastic waste. Read on to find out more and get involved.

“Just one reusable nappy”

The Real Nappy Project launched in Exmouth 25th June 2024 at the Community Hub at Sideshore, in collaboration with local group Bosom Buddies and Exmouth Town Council. Real Nappy Advisors were on hand to highlight the dual benefits of cloth nappies: cost savings and waste reduction.

Attendees learned that using just one reusable nappy can positively impact both their finances and the environment. The event also offered trial kits containing various types of reusable nappies, liners, and wipes for borrowing.

The launch event was well attended by mums, dads, and babies. The next free drop-in session is scheduled for Tuesday, 23rd July at 9:30 AM – 11.30 AM at the same location, the Community Hub at Sideshore. The project aims to hold monthly sessions and is considering the introduction of a real nappy hire scheme.

For more information, please contact Zoey Cooper at zoey.cooper@exmouth.gov.uk, visit the Bosom Buddies Exmouth Facebook Page, or stop by the Eco Stall at the Exmouth Festival in Manor Gardens on 20th and 21st July.

Making the most of heavy rain

We have several water butts in Exmouth now to help keep Exmouth in bloom. They come in all shapes and sizes – and we intend to install many more! Harvesting rainwater (and let’s face it, we have plenty of rain!) is a cost-effective way to keep indoor and outdoor plants hydrated and reduce your water bill. Keep an eye on South West Water’s website – they should have free water butts to give away very soon.

Will you join the Green Team?

This year’s Exmouth Festival (19th to 21st July), will have a strong focus on sustainability, alongside great music, food, and entertainment. Expect three days of fun with an eco-friendly message.

To achieve its ambitious sustainability goals, Jess Magill (Arts Manager) and Zoey are looking for volunteers for a ‘Green Team’ to assist with various tasks. These include guiding people to the correct bins, discussing Exmouth Town Council’s sustainability initiatives, promoting reuse (specifically the Exmouth Cup), managing the Cycle Hub, advocating for a more plant-based diet, and supporting our Eco Stall in Manor Gardens.

If you’re interested in joining the Exmouth ‘Green Team’ or want more information, please contact Zoey at zoey.cooper@exmouth.gov.uk. Full training and briefing will be provided.

In the Hub for the last half of June, join me (Zoey Cooper, Climate Officer) on Tuesday 25th (1-4pm) to talk about rubbish! Meet Transition Exmouth on Thursday afternoon (1-5pm) and pop in to meet one of our lovely climate volunteers on Friday and find out what’s going on in Exmouth (1-4pm). Join Plastic Free’s brilliant beach clean on Sunday! For July’s schedule, take a look below.

Next plant-based bring and share meal

The next free bring & share meal will be in the Sideshore Community Hub on the 14th July from 12.30-2.30pm. Please note there are no washing-up facilities at the Hub – and please bring your own cutlery and a drink.

Reducing plastic and single-use in Exmouth

If you’ve borrowed an Exmouth Cup (or two!) please return them to a cafe in Exmouth so others can enjoy this free borrow and return scheme. We are trying hard to eliminate single-use cups in Exmouth. Please help us to achieve this ambition.

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