“Our green agenda is about making sustainability part of everyday care, not just a long-term ambition. Whether it’s growing food in our gardens, switching to electric vehicles, or reducing waste and energy use, these are real, practical steps that make a difference for our residents, our teams and the environment.”
Across South West Care Homes, sustainability isn’t just a policy, it’s something you can see, touch, and taste. From jars of homemade jam made with garden-grown fruit, to raised beds full of herbs and vegetables, to our electric maintenance vehicle out and about between homes, our green agenda is becoming part of everyday life.
Garden growing is one part of a much wider programme, helping residents stay active and involved while also reducing food miles and supporting our commitment to a greener future.
Reuse, recycle, reduce
We are building a stronger reuse and recycle ethos across our homes, while also reducing single-use products wherever possible. This means buying thoughtfully, considering the full life of the things we purchase, and working with waste stream providers who share our sustainability values.
Reducing food miles and supporting local suppliers
Wherever we can, we promote the use of local products to cut down on air miles. We also ask our suppliers how they are reducing food miles and improving sustainability within their own operations.
The results are visible in our gardens and kitchens, where herbs, fruit and vegetables grown on site find their way into meals, preserves and baking.
Safer products and fewer toxic chemicals
We are reducing the use of harsh and toxic chemicals in our homes and offices by changing everyday practices and choosing non-hazardous alternatives wherever suitable options exist.
Lowering fossil fuel use
We are reviewing heating use across our homes and exploring where efficiencies can be made. Alongside this, we are investigating insulation improvements to help reduce energy demand and fossil fuel consumption.
Smarter water use
We continue to review water consumption and ensure wastewater is managed responsibly, helping to reduce our impact on the environment while maintaining high standards of care and hygiene.
Alternative energy and future investment
We are actively investigating options and developing business plans for further Solar and PV installations, along with other alternative energy sources for our homes, offices and vehicles.
This includes practical steps such as introducing electric vehicles for maintenance and operational use where appropriate.
Sustainable transport
We are promoting a sustainable transport ethos across the business, encouraging the use of EVs, walking and cycling where possible, and putting the right infrastructure in place at our homes to support this shift.
Green spaces for people and wildlife
Our gardens are being developed as places for both people and wildlife. By maximising green space, we enhance biodiversity while also creating calming, enjoyable outdoor areas for residents, families and teams.
These spaces support pollinators, birds and insects, while also supporting wellbeing and connection with nature.
Everyone included
Most importantly, our green agenda is shared with everyone who lives, works in, or has loved ones at South West Care Homes. We celebrate progress, encourage ideas, and make sustainability something people can take part in rather than simply read about.
What this looks like day to day
Sometimes it’s big projects. Often it’s small choices. Sustainability is built into the everyday.
It’s a resident clipping herbs for lunch and knowing exactly where they came from.
It’s staff planting pollinator-friendly flowers “because the bees will like it”.
It’s choosing refillable products and longer-lasting materials.
It’s homemade jam made from fruit grown in the garden.
It’s an electric vehicle quietly replacing a petrol one.
It’s turning green intent into green habit.
Growing more than food
There’s something fitting about gardens being at the heart of this journey.
They remind us that progress takes patience, that small actions add up, and that care is practical.
So whether it’s a windowsill herb planter, a raised bed full of vegetables, or the first careful steps
towards cleaner energy, we’re proud to be growing more than food.
We’re growing connection, confidence, and a culture that cares for the world around us.
If you’d like to get involved, speak to your Home Manager. Every cutting, seed and helping hand counts.