Devon

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/AmandaKeetley-PlasticGameChanger-047.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-33639" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/AmandaKeetley-PlasticGameChanger-047.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/AmandaKeetley-PlasticGameChanger-047-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/AmandaKeetley-PlasticGameChanger-047-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/AmandaKeetley-PlasticGameChanger-047-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/AmandaKeetley-PlasticGameChanger-047-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Say hi to Amanda Keetley, Executive Director of the local charity, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://devonenvironment.org/" target="_blank">Devon Environment Foundation</a>. An environmentalist and marketing expert, she also co-founded <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.lessplastic.org.uk/" target="_blank">Less Plastic CIC</a>, and has campaigned to reduce plastic pollution locally and globally since 2015, including writing a book to help people reduce plastic waste in their organisations, called <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.lessplastic.org.uk/product/plastic-game-changer-book/" target="_blank">‘Plastic Game Changer’</a>.



She believes now is the time to go beyond ‘minimising our negative impact’ and to be more ambitious ‘maximising our positive impact’ by doing all we can to give back to nature to repair the damage we’ve collectively caused. 



The Devon Environment Foundation turbocharges nature regeneration by funding grassroots projects that protect and restore nature in Devon, enabling them to replicate and scale to maximise their impact.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/AmandaKeetley-PlasticGameChanger-060.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-33650" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/AmandaKeetley-PlasticGameChanger-060.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/AmandaKeetley-PlasticGameChanger-060-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/AmandaKeetley-PlasticGameChanger-060-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/AmandaKeetley-PlasticGameChanger-060-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/AmandaKeetley-PlasticGameChanger-060-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



She lives in Kingsbridge with her husband and teenage sons, loves coastal dog walks, beach cleans and is a keen sea-swimmer. So, with the temperature hitting 28+ degrees (and Muddy being nosey) now seemed the perfect time to catch up with her to find out how she stays sustainable when she&#8217;s down the beach.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="640" height="481" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/amanda-keetley-bag.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-33653" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/amanda-keetley-bag.jpeg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/amanda-keetley-bag-300x225.jpeg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></figure>



Spill the beans, Amanda! What&#8217;s in your beach bag?



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Klean Kanteen  (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.kleankanteen.co.uk/collections/all" target="_blank">Klean Kanteen </a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="600" height="840" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/klean-kanteen.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-33665" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/klean-kanteen.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/klean-kanteen-214x300.jpg 214w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/klean-kanteen-357x500.jpg 357w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/klean-kanteen-375x525.jpg 375w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /><figcaption>Insulated TKWide 32oz (946ml) with Chug Cap, £36.95</figcaption></figure>



To avoid buying drinks and snacks in disposable packaging, I never leave home without a hot drink in my plastic-free flask, and some nuts and dried fruit in my stainless snack pot. Not only is this better for the planet, it’s usually the healthier and cheaper option too. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" Dicky Bag (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.dickybag.com/" target="_blank">Dicky Bag </a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="800" height="800" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/dicky-bag.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-33662" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/dicky-bag.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/dicky-bag-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/dicky-bag-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/dicky-bag-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/dicky-bag-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/dicky-bag-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/dicky-bag-200x200.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption>Midnight Blue Dicky Bag from £24.95</figcaption></figure>



 A hands-free dog poo carrier transforms dog walks. The leak-proof, airtight, insulated bag attaches to the lead so you can carry the poo in it until you find a bin. It’s been designed to hold poo bags, however as a plastic activist I prefer to repurpose newspaper or the paper wraps from our ‘Who Gives a Crap’ toilet paper to pick up and wrap the poo before placing in the Dicky Bag for safe keeping until we find a suitable disposal place. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Wild Swimming Towel (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/shop/natural-hammam-collection/" target="_blank">Wild Swimming Towel</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/swim-towel-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-33659" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/swim-towel-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/swim-towel-2-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/swim-towel-2-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/swim-towel-2-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/swim-towel-2-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/swim-towel-2-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/swim-towel-2-200x200.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Hammam towel from the Outdoor Swimming Society, £25</figcaption></figure>



I love this light weight hammam towel from the <a href="https://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Outdoor Swimming Society (opens in a new tab)">Outdoor Swimming Society</a> – it’s perfect for chucking in your bag to be ready for spontaneous dips, and also doubles up as a picnic blanket, or even a scarf / shawl if the weather takes a sudden chilly turn.



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Cotton Tote Bag (opens in a new tab)" href="https://lessplasticclothing.com/collection/totes" target="_blank">Cotton Tote Bag</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1053" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/less-plastic-tote.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-33668" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/less-plastic-tote.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/less-plastic-tote-285x300.jpeg 285w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/less-plastic-tote-475x500.jpeg 475w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/less-plastic-tote-768x809.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/less-plastic-tote-499x525.jpeg 499w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Less Plastic Tote, £12</figcaption></figure>



 A versatile cotton reusable tote bag that can be used for shopping, beach trips, or any day out. There’s a selection of Less Plastic / More Nature designs to choose from but any reusable bag will do. Top tip: have one bag you reserve specifically for mini beach cleans so you can give back to nature by spending a few minutes picking up ocean plastic at the end of every beach trip, emptying your finds into the bin or recycling when you get home.



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Beauty Kitchen Skincare  (opens in a new tab)" href="https://beautykitchen.co.uk/pages/seahorse-plankton-plus" target="_blank">Beauty Kitchen Skincare </a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="800" height="800" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/skincare-amanda.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-33663" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/skincare-amanda.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/skincare-amanda-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/skincare-amanda-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/skincare-amanda-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/skincare-amanda-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/skincare-amanda-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/skincare-amanda-200x200.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption>Seahorse Plankton+ Really Radiant Moisturiser, £20</figcaption></figure>



It’s not sun protection, but this organic, vegan face moisturiser made from micro algae and seaweed is my absolute favourite beauty product. I particularly love that Beauty Kitchen products come in glass jars and they encourage customers to return them after use for reusing and refilling. The company gives back by donating a percentage of sales to the <a href="https://www.theseahorsetrust.org/">Seahorse Trust</a> (based in Devon!) and <a href="https://www.plasticsoupfoundation.org/en/">Plastic Soup Foundation.</a> <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Vivobarefoot trainers (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.vivobarefoot.com/uk/" target="_blank">Vivobarefoot trainers</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="700" height="700" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/vivo-barefoot.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-33660" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/vivo-barefoot.jpg 700w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/vivo-barefoot-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/vivo-barefoot-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/vivo-barefoot-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/vivo-barefoot-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/vivo-barefoot-200x200.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption>Primus Lite II Womens in Apple Blossom, £115</figcaption></figure>



When I can’t literally be barefoot, then Vivobarefoot minimalist trainers are the next best thing. Super comfortable and lightweight, the company also has very high eco credentials, a Bantham connection, and is one of Devon Environment Foundation’s key partners.



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Stay Wild Swimsuit  (opens in a new tab)" href="https://staywildswim.com/" target="_blank">Stay Wild Swimsuit </a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1500" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/stay-wild-swimsuit.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-33658" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/stay-wild-swimsuit.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/stay-wild-swimsuit-200x300.jpg 200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/stay-wild-swimsuit-333x500.jpg 333w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/stay-wild-swimsuit-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/07/stay-wild-swimsuit-350x525.jpg 350w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>The Odyssey One Piece, £170</figcaption></figure>



Stylish, sustainable swimwear made from ocean plastic designed to flatter every female body type! 😊 It’s expensive, but really well made and will last the test of time. A good book



These are some my faves and, if you’re looking for help to cut plastic in your workplace, then mine!! 



<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hidden-Life-Trees-International-Communicate/dp/0008218439">The Hidden Life of Trees</a>: What They Feel, How They Communicate &#8211; Discoveries from a Secret World by Peter Wohlleben, William Collins, £9.99 <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wilding-return-nature-British-farm/dp/1509805095">Wilding</a>: The return of nature to a British farm by Isabella Tree, Picador, £7.99 <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Entangled-Life-Worlds-Change-Futures/dp/1784708275">Entangled Life</a>: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds and Shape Our Futures by Merlin Sheldrake, Vintage, £9.34 😉 <a href="https://www.lessplastic.org.uk/product/plastic-game-changer-book/">Plastic Game Changer</a>: How to Reduce Plastic in Your Organisation to Make a Difference to Plastic Pollution’ by Amanda Keetley), Less Plastic, £9.99 



Fancy doing your bit for Devon&#8217;s environment?



If you want to help protect and restore nature in Devon, a donation to the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://devonenvironment.org/donate/" target="_blank">Devon Environment Foundation</a> is a brilliant way to support a wide range of local grassroots projects and help them to amplify their impact. 



Find out more about the projects DEF has supported to date <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://devonenvironment.org/grants/" target="_blank">here</a> and join the Devon Nature Club <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://devonenvironment.org/easy-way-to-regularly-give-back-to-nature/" target="_blank">here</a>.



Join a group beach clean with <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.tillthecoastisclear.co.uk/" target="_blank">Till the Coast is Clear</a> who offer organised clean up events on foot, or on ribs/kayaks all through the year.

Muddy meets Amanda Keetley

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