West Cork's top eco firms are honoured with awards

AN edible community garden, a waste-free shopping option, an organic farm and a community group set up to protect the marine environment were the West Cork winners at this year’s Cork Environmental Forum (CEF) Awards.

The awards recognise the dedication and work of individuals and groups across Cork caring for the environment.

A commendation under the community and voluntary category was presented to Schull Community College’s incredible edible community garden for the transformation of a piece of waste ground.

Clonakilty’s refill shop, Twig, won the business and commercial award, which was nominated by Siobhan Hardiman. 

‘The Twig that grew from the Olive Branch is bringing this waste-free shopping option to Spillers Lane in Clonakilty,’ she said.

Not only is Twig contributing hugely to waste minimisation for the conscious consumers throughout West Cork, it is also adding to the business environment of the town with the addition of a room overhead that is used for many community services. 

Andie Beatty and some of his team were there at the ceremony to collect the prize, which was presented by Olan Hodnett of Down2Earth Materials, who referenced their own efforts to reduce waste and harm to the environment as suppliers of low-impact, low-carbon food service disposables.