WHEN it comes to recycling ideas, a Chagford businessman has hit fertile soil after scooping one of the top prizes in this year?s Devon Environmental Business Initiative (DEBI) awards 2007. Chagford?s ?composting guru?, Nicky Scott, has been named this year?s Devon Environmental Champion. Nicky Scott has been recycling all his life. Dedicated to the ancient art of composting, he has written several books on the subject and was one of the founders of the co-operative organisation, Proper Jobs Ltd in Chagford, which was set up in 1992 to encourage people to reduce their waste. Nicky said: ?It?s been such a surprise. I had no idea I?d been nominated. ?If you?d told me ten years ago that I?d be winning a prize for composting I wouldn?t have believed you! But now people are coming to me to find out what they can do, either as individuals or as a community, and that really is fantastic.? Nicky was nominated by Clare Moakes of the Environment Agency, who says his commitment to supporting people has been inspirational: Clare said: ?I really do believe that Nicky?s efforts have helped to change so many people?s perception of composting. ?Not only has he encouraged individuals to believe that their efforts really can make a difference but he has also influenced businesses and local authorities across the country. ?Nicky truly deserves this award.? The awards were set up 15 years ago by the DEBI to celebrate and raise awareness of the environmental steps that were being taken by companies across the county. This year?s competition has been the biggest so far with nearly 90 companies being in a position to enter the awards. If you would like to enter next year?s awards visit http://www.debi-online.org.uk">www.debi-online.org.uk or call 0845 257 3324.
