A time for change
Greenhouse gases, water saving, growing your own vegetables and renewable energy were on the conversation menu along with a celebration cake at Abbeyfield House in Brecon.
Vanessa Garwood from Renew Wales and Councillor Mark Perry from Brecon Town Council joined residents, staff and Trustees as they celebrated generating over 9000kw of electricity since fitting their solar panels early last year.
Renew Wales had already supported Abbeyfield House to undertake an energy audit of the building. As part of a plan to reduce its carbon footprint, the charity fitted solar photovoltaic panels.
"Solar electricity is green renewable energy and doesn't release any harmful carbon dioxide or other pollutants" said Peter Jackson, Chairman of Abbeyfield Brecon. "As an organisation we are thinking hard about our carbon footprint” he said.
The lively climate change conversation was fuelled by cake iced with the number of KW hours of electricity generated and attendees at the Celebrating Solar Party shared their concerns about climate change. Encouraged by Vanessa they thought about what they could do individually and together to make a difference. "No action is too small" she said "being neighbourly and doing things together can make a difference."
Many of those at the party made personal pledges to making a difference.
"We may be old but it doesn’t mean we don’t care about the planet and about future generations" said one resident.
Ideas that came forward included sharing journeys, reducing waste, using water saving taps and showers and reducing food miles by growing fruit and vegetables at home. "Renew Wales is pleased to work with other community groups to help them develop their ideas to tackle climate change" said Vanessa. "It’s amazing what a conversation and a cake can lead to."
"We have been overcome by the commitment and generosity of those attending, someone at the event is now considering sponsoring more panels on the building" said Mr Jackson.