I cannot deny that I am thrilled to bits to have this opportunity to share what we do here at Bedknobs, with fellow CoaST members. And, if truth were out, I would have to admit that I’m even more excited at being able to find out what my fellow CoaST Ambassadors have been up to – and are planning - and what we can glean from them!

Sustainable living is an ongoing learning curve and here at Bedknobs, we’re definitely not too proud to learn from others who share that same ethos. Sustainable living being neither rocket science nor set in stone, is all about flexibility and being willing to adapt to change.

And yes, it’s not always easy being ‘green’. A recent example for us resulted from the digital switchover here in Cornwall in August/September. We had thought long and hard whether to take the easy option and replace our Phillips Combi TV/video player/recorders with flat screen TVs with dvd recorder/player? We did much research into the options available and what would best suit our guests’ needs.

In the end - and after hours of agonising and debate - and some annoyance at being forced into these changes anyway, we ultimately settled for Freeview set top boxes and rejoiced at having kept 4 humungous lumps of plastic and other toxic materials, out of landfill.

Sad to say, such joy was short-lived. We have now been forced to compile detailed Instructions ‘How to Operate your TV and Set Top Box’ that run to 2 x A4 pages, explaining in simple terms to our guests just why and how they need to use 2 remote controls to reach their favourite channel! Even worse is that when eventually we replace the Phillips Combis, we’ll be dumping set top boxes as well though hopefully parts will be salvaged/re-used under WEEE Regulations.

On a brighter note, Bedknobs has just placed its first order for Origin Coffee, Origin http://www.origincoffee.co.uk supply coffee that is ethically sourced and locally roasted - and they do so with passion!

And has everyone discovered Cornish Crisps? Yes, Cornish crisps - made here in Cornwall using Cornish potatoes - see http://www.thecornishcrisp.co.uk (sorry Burt’s!!)

Both Origin coffee and Cornish Crisps can be sourced through local Supplier of local food, Plough to Plate http://www.ploughtoplate.co.uk