Published on:
26
September 2008
An empty shop unit in Alloa was turned into a sustainability information centre yesterday (Thursday).
Over 200 people visited the "Past Reflections, Future Directions" event, which was put together to give Clackmannanshire residents the chance to find out more about what they can do to save the planet and save money at the same time.
The Energy Saving Trust and Energy Challenge between them gave away dozens of energy-efficient light bulbs and over 30 'power down' switches for computers, as well as a wealth of information and practical advice about how to keep warm and comfortable in the face of rising energy bills.
The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) and Alloa Community Enterprises (ACE) were on hand to give advice about composting and recycling. There was also advice about saving money as you drive, and about walking and cycling: cheap, healthy and environmentally friendly.
The centrepiece of the event was a consultation on the draft Clackmannanshire Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy, which will guide how the Council deals with these issues over the coming years. This is document open for public consultation until 24th October and visitors to the event had the chance to discuss it with the Council officers involved.
The day was also part of a week-long residency by the Clackmannanshire Green Map Initiative, who turned the unit into a temporary studio to gather stories and photographs of Alloa from bygone days. The Community Compass Project will culminate in an exhibition and DVD celebrating the lives of ordinary people in Alloa.
Visitors were asked to sign up to take at least one action to protect the environment, and their pledges were entered into a prize draw. One of the lucky winners of an energy-efficient kettle, Sheila Wynne, made seven pledges, including buying more seasonal and unpackaged food and to hang washing up to dry rather than using a tumble dryer.
The day was hailed as a great success. Councillor Eddie Carrick, Portfolio Holder for Sustainability, said: "I'm pleased to see so many people here today. Sustainability and climate change are important issues, but they can also seem overwhelming. I'm glad to see that so may people are taking an interest in what the Council is doing to tackle these issues, and would invite everyone to take up the opportunity to give their views on the Strategy."
The Council's Sustainability Team Leader, Niall Urquhart, added: "This day has shown that a lot of people are willing to take small actions, and that can add up to a big difference for our environment. By joining with the Community Compass Project we have shown that sustainability is about more than just the environment: it is about valuing our history, our heritage and our communities."
There is still time to contribute to the Community Compass Project: contact Enid Trevett on 01259 217852 or email enid.trevett@cvsclacks.org.uk
The consultation on the draft Clackmannanshire Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy is open until 24th October. You can download a copy of the Strategy from the Council's website, www.clacksweb.org.uk or contact the Sustainability Team on 01259 452582 to request a hard copy. Comments should be submitted in writing to the Sustainability Team, Clackmannanshire Council, Kilncraigs, Greenside Street, Alloa, FK10 1EB or by email to sustainability@clacks.gov.uk.
At the end of the consultation, the Strategy will be amended as appropriate, and all comments will be compiled into a report that will be presented to Council early next year.