THERE is still time to nominate your green heroes for the third 'Recycle Devon Thank You Awards', an initiative created by the 'Recycle Devon' team to encourage members of the public across the county to nominate people who deserve recognition for reducing, reusing or recycling.

In West Devon, the runner-up in last year's recycling centre operative/site staff category was Proper Job in Chagford.

Proper Job's primary objective is to raise awareness of the need to conserve resources and reduce waste. It is committed to the principle of local sustainability. Proper Job incorporates a range of interconnected activities including community composting, local food production, reuse, repair and recycling of up to 20 different lines. It also runs The Courtyard community café and wholefood shop selling organic, local, and fair trade products.

Manager Alison Sallis said: 'Last year we sold 57.6 tons of compost; re-used 16 tons of reusable item like sofas, wardrobes etc; recycled 18.7 tons of cardboard/metal, glass, textiles etc, not to mention all the tools, materials, clothes, textiles, bric-a-brac, paint and toys we sell through the shop. Last year we diverted well over 100 tons of waste from going into landfill.

'We employ some 15 local people at Proper Job and we have given training and jobs to countless others who have moved on to do great things regarding the environment.  

'One of our workers has recently done a PAT testing course so we are now able to take and sell small, working household electrical items. It's great that we continue to grow and can provide an extra service to such a rural community.'

Do you know someone who makes a real effort — a neighbour, friend, or maybe someone who works at a local business or is involved in a community group? A member of your local collection crew who picks up your recycling or works at a recycling centre? Or perhaps goes to a school or college as a student, teacher, helper or member of the support staff?

If you would like to nominate someone, please fill in the quick nomination form at http://www.recycledevon.org">www.recycledevon.org

The categories are:

l Your recycling hero (friend, family member, neighbour or local champion)

l School recycling hero — three categories — child or adult as well as class/group

l Community group recycling hero

l Collection crew/operative (recycling, garden, food, or refuse collector)

l Recycling centre operative staff

l Small business champion

For further information or to nominate, please see http://www.recycledevon.org">www.recycledevon.org website, or post your entry to : The Recycle Devon Team, c/o Devon County Council, Waste Management, County Hall, Exeter, EX2 4QD.