Penarth to go Greener
Gwyrddio Penarth Greening (GPG) a new community organisation, was launched last month to help local people respond positively to challenges posed by climate change and peak oil. GPG have come together in recognition that there are many things that the local community can do to prepare for the changes that climate change will bring. A large part of their work will concentrate on how Penarth can become less reliant on oil and other fossil fuels, by focusing on local food projects, sustainable transport, renewable energy projects and other initiatives.
GPG grew out of an initiative taken by the Ecology Group within Cytun (local ecumenical churches). Following some success with their early work on environmental issues, the initiative has grown into a wider community-based organisation. GPG currently comprises about 25 people representing local environmental and community groups and local residents. Although Cytun was the original catalyst for the initiative, the newly constituted group is now entirely community-led. GPG is pleased to have the involvement of the Welsh Assembly, Penarth Town Council and the Vale of Glamorgan Council. It is a group with no political or religious affiliations.
In common with many similar organisations working on innovative environmental projects across the UK, GPG aims to support the local community in adapting to the challenges of climate change, whilst bringing added benefits along the way. In the words of one member “the group aims to make the community stronger so that we can cope with changes in the climate, the economy and our local environment more easily”. By encouraging people to become more aware of climate change and peak oil, and to get involved in various projects, it is hoped that Penarth will become greener, more environmentally aware, and like other communities working in a similar way, a more cohesive community.
Acting Chair, Tricia Griffiths, speaking about GPG said “we are not trying to save the world, our aims are more modest and, we hope achievable. The news about climate change tends to overwhelm and depress people and, instead of responding, we bury our heads and hope it won’t happen. In common with 90% of the scientific community, GPG believes that climate change is real and will affect us here in Penarth. Together we can do many practical things to prepare for its impact; we can also identify and support sustainable initiatives such as reducing energy use in the home and shopping locally. We are keen to involve every part of the community, people of all ages, ability and disability, and to co-ordinate some of the excellent work that is already happening among such groups as the Eco Schools scheme and the Wildlife Trust”
GPG’s first project will be to work with local shops and shoppers to further reduce the use of plastic bags. The group is also planning a series of events to raise awareness about climate change and peak oil and to engage people in a positive way with things that can be done locally. GPG is hoping that many people will be interested in supporting their initiative. Leonie Horton, a member of GPG said “We are relatively small at the moment, but we are growing all the time and hope that people will continue to join us. It is a serious subject but GPG intends to make its projects and activities enjoyable and fun”. Anyone interested or wishing to join should email: gwyrddio.penarth.greening@googlemail.com or write to: Tricia Griffiths, Waltham House, Bradford Place, Penarth CF64 1AG.
We are hoping to have a website up and running before long, and would welcome any volunteers with web-development experience who can help us achieve this!
