A Helping Hand by Iestyn Smith

A Helping Hand Why, where and how to be green in Ceredigion

Ymlaen Ceredigion Edition 2 June 2005

Ymlaen Ceredigion

Ceredigion County Council

Ymlaen Ceredigion supports development that is led by local communities and fulfils their social and economic needs whilst taking into account future consequences, including the need to improve the environment. Ymlaen contributes to positive solutions to community development and regeneration through projects including health promotion, sustainable energy, recycling and waste minimisation, as well as providing education, information and consultancy services. Ymlaen also works with other organisations at the strategic level to promote policies for sustainable development and Local Agenda 21. For more information contact: Bob Jacques (Co-ordinator), 15-17 Portland Road, Aberystwyth, SY23 2NL Tel 01970 633395 Fax: 01970 633392 bobj@ymlaenceredigion.org.uk Original concept by Bob Jacques and Helen Nelson. Comprehensively updated by Pippa Gallop and Ivan Posinjak. Ymlaen Ceredigion is grateful to the European Youth Programme (For more information see www.connectyouthinternational.com ) and Ceredigion County Council for funding the production of this booklet, as well as the many people who helped with suggestions and provided information for its contents.

The corporate aims that have been adopted by the Council in order to deliver high quality cost effective services are: ● Providing the finest learning opportunity for the whole Community ● Developing the quality of life ● Stewardship of the environment ● Promoting economic prosperity ● Promoting involvement, participation and partnership to achieve the development of strong communities in Ceredigion ● Providing high quality services to the public through well trained, managed, motivated staff and through third parties where the County council acts as an enabler For general enquiries please contact: 01545 570881, or visit the council's website www.ceredigion.gov.uk.

Ceredigion County Council

designed by zodshop 01239 711638 info@zodshopdesign.co.uk environmentally sensitive design & print studio powered by renewable energy

Contents Energy and Warmth Saving Water Waste: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Food Shopping Timber, DIY and Building Transport Your garden (and beyond) Money Taking Action

Disclaimer While Ymlaen Ceredigion welcomes the contributions of the persons and organisations mentioned in this booklet, inclusion in the publication does not necessarily mean that Ymlaen Ceredigion endorses their activities. Ymlaen Ceredigion recognises that many other relevant organisations could have been included in the publication, and wishes to emphasise that omission from the booklet in no way implies that an organisation is not making a valuable and relevant contribution to sustainable development in Ceredigion. Ymlaen Ceredigion has endeavoured to ensure that information included in this booklet is accurate but cannot accept responsibility for any losses incurred by persons or organisations as a result of inaccurate information contained in this publication.

Can you afford to be green?

Your Ecological Footprint

Some of the suggestions made in this booklet will save you money, such as the suggestions for saving electricity and fuel. Other things, like ethical banking, recycling or switching to a green energy scheme, need not cost you any extra. Some products, though, like high quality local organic food, environmentally friendly cleaning products or paints, may cost you more.

The demands we make on the planet for resources are greater than nature can supply; like money it is possible to spend more than we earn - for a while. It is possible to calculate our 'ecological footprint' by working out how many planets we would need if everyone lived like we do. Using this method we can see how unsustainable our lifestyles are. Worldwide we use about 1.2 planets, (WWF Living Planet Report 2004) but if everyone lived like we do in Wales we would need nearly three planets to sustain us. (www.walesfootprint.org)

The only answer is to do what you can afford, and if you think you cannot afford something, let shop staff know that you might buy it if it was cheaper.

Sustainable development Sustainable development means "Meeting the needs of the present without compomising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" (Brundtland Report, 1987). Sustainable development is therefore not just about the environment. It is also about improving our communities, cultural heritage, our health, our quality of life and our democracy in ways that do not damage the our environment. Sustainable development applies to us as individuals in our homes, to our local community and to the world as a whole. It is about understanding that what we do locally affects not only us, but the rest of the world. The idea of sustainable development encourages us to think globally and act locally to change things for the better.

Find out your household's ecological footprint and register your interest in the issue: www.myfootprint.org Footprint of Wales: www.walesfootprint.org For more information contact Stuart Bond at WWF Cymru, 01286 676826, sbond@wwf.org.uk

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A Helping Hand?

Purpose of 'A Helping Hand' To bring together practical advice and information about what people in Ceredigion can do at home and in their daily lives to: ● Help the environment ● Strengthen our communities ● Strengthen the local economy

How can this booklet help? This booklet contains: ● Practical Suggestions on being 'green' in Ceredigion

Including how to use renewable energy at home, recycle waste, conserve water, and chose environmentally-responsible options for the garden and DIY ● Local Contacts who can help ● Tips on saving money ● Useful Information on how and where to find out more

You can make a difference ● You choose the goods and services you buy. ● The collective power of you and others making similar choices

influences what is available. ● One of the reasons that 'green' products and services are becoming

more available is because people demand them. ● Damage to the environment only happens because people let it. ● Inform yourself, ask questions, and take action against

unsustainable practices ● Why not get involved in strengthening your area socially,

economically or environmentally?

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How much will energy conservation of homes do to reduce CO2 emissions and fuel bills? Housing contributes just below 28% of the total CO2 emissions in the UK, so it is vital to cut energy use in the home. 58% of domestic energy is used for space heating, so this is the main priority for energy-saving. The potential reductions on fuel bills and therefore CO2 emissions are impressive, with up to 15% savings by fitting loft insulation, and up to 32% savings by replacing a 15 year old boiler with an efficient condensing boiler. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that the average household could save £200 per year by implementing energy efficiency measures.

European Energy Label Look for this label on electrical appliances. Manufacturers and retailers must tell you about the energy efficiency of many electrical appliances Products are rated from 'A' to 'G', with 'A' being the most efficient and 'G' the least efficient.

Energy and Warmth Some Energy-saving Tips ● A low energy bulb can save you around £65 on electricity bills over its lifetime. ● Just turning down your central heating thermostat by 1° C can cut your heating bill by 10% per year. ● Switch off home appliances completely. More than 6% of domestic electricity used is by appliances on standby. ● You can save up to 20% on your annual fuel costs by improving your central heating controls. ● You could save between £10 and £20 each year by fitting lagging, which should be at least 3.5 inches thick, to your hot water tank.

Insulate your home A typical home loses heat through: ● Walls 35%: Getting wall insulation is one of the best things you can do to save heat energy ● Roof 25%: Loft insulation could save you up to 15% on your heating bills. Your insulation should be 200mm (8 inches) thick. Consider doing this with an alternative material such as sheep's wool Thermafleece. ● Draughts 15%, windows 10%: Draught proofing doors and windows is both cheap and easy to install and could save up to 40% on your heating bill.

Energy Efficiency Recommended Label Buy where you see the blue sign to help save energy, money and the environment

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Conserving energy, saving money

Grants and Advice for Energy Saving ● First contact point

Information on grants, free home energy checks, advice on energy conservation measures. West Wales Energy Efficiency Advice Centre Mid-Wales Energy Agency

0800 512012 0845 458 5973

● Information on individual grants

You can get grants from several sources to help with the costs of saving energy and ensuring your home is warm enough. Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES) Welsh Assembly grants of up to £2,700 to make your home warmer, more energy efficient and safe, focusing on households with the greatest health risks. Council Housing Grants, energy officer (Ext. 4123) SWALEC Powergen Staywarm Scheme

0800 316 2815

01545 574132 0800 0729002 0800 614832

● Energy conservation - further information and advice

Association for Environment Conscious Building (AECB) Llandysul. www.aecb.net Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) Machynlleth, contact Sandra Cutler. www.cat.org.uk Energy Saving Trust www.saveenergy.co.uk Energy saving action pack, energy efficiency labelling and general information.

0845 4569773 01654 702400 0845 727 7200

Save Electricity ● Energy-saving light bulbs

Local electrical retailers Save electricity and money by buying low energy light bulbs. They last about ten times longer than conventional bulbs.

● Refrigeration plugs

Selected Iceland stores 'SAVA Plug' Savawatt UK Ltd (www.savawatt.com)

01789 490340

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CLIMATE CHANGE Climate change is probably the most serious environmental threat facing the world today. Its impacts will be felt globally, but the poorest countries are likely to be the most vulnerable, with an additional 80 million people projected to be at risk of flooding, mostly in Asia. Africa is expected to experience significant reductions in cereal yields, as are the Middle East and India. An additional 290 million people could be exposed to malaria by the 2080s, with China and Central Asia likely to see the largest increase in risk. Temperature increases, drought and flooding will affect people's health and way of life, and cause the irreversible loss of many species of plants and animals. Average global surface temperatures have increased by 0.6°C over the 20th century. The ten hottest years on record have all occurred since the beginning of the 1990s. Current climate models predict that global temperatures will rise by a further 1.4 to 5.8° C by the end of the 21st century. Global mean sea levels are also predicted to rise by 9 to 88 cm by 2100. The UK Climate Impact Programme has outlined four possible scenarios of climate change up to 2080. They forecast that Wales will be on average 1.1-2.9oC warmer, and also that there will be more frequent storms, a rise in sea level, and wetter winters and drier summers.

GREEN POWER SUPPLY SCHEMES 'Green' energy is generated by renewable sources such as wind, sun, water, wood and other plant products. Because they do not produce a net gain in CO2 and other greenhouse gases if managed correctly, they do not contribute to global warming. The UK now has a range of retailers offering green power packages of various sorts, often at no extra cost to the customer. Accreditation by the Energy Saving Trust's Future Energy logo is designed to assure that what customers get is what the companies promise. There are various green tariff supply schemes- retailers with whom you can contract to supply green power: they promise to buy in the equivalent of amount of power sold to you from renewable suppliers. The other set of schemes involve consumers making a donation to an eco - fund or Trust, by adding extra to their bills to support renewable projects.

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Energy and Warmth Renewable Energy Tips ● Firstly try to reduce your energy use to a minimal level. Compare the likely costs of switching to green energy suppliers at: www.energylinx.co.uk/energy ● A limited number of government grants are available for installing renewable energy equipment such as solar photovoltaic panels. For more details contact the West Wales Energy Efficiency Advice Centre or Mid Wales Energy Agency. ● A professionally installed solar water heating system for a typical house will cost between £2,000 and £4,000. The cost can be reduced by installing your own system. See the Centre for Alternative Technology's 'Solar Water Heating: A DIY guide' for details. ● A Wood Stove will usually heat one room, but may also have a back boiler to heat water and perhaps supply radiators. Modern, efficient central heating Wood. Boilers are also available. ● Automatically fed boilers require less looking after, but are more expensive. Wood Pellet stoves and boilers are increasingly common. The pellets are made from wood industry waste, and are drier than logs so have greater energy content - but they are more expensive. As the fuel is a standard size, the burners are automated and burn cleanly and efficiently. A domestic wood stove will cost between £500 and £1,000 depending on size. Automated boilers are more expensive, probably a few thousand pounds. 'Clear Skies' grants (see www.clear-skies.org) are available towards the costs of wood-fired heating systems.

Renewable Energy

Switch to a 'Green' Energy Scheme ● Advice

Friends of the Earth Cymru

02920 229577

www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/climate/press_for_change/choose_green_energy/

● Green tariff supply schemes

Ecotricity www.ecotricity.co.uk Good Energy (unit(e)) www.good-energy.co.uk RWE Npower (Juice)

0800 326 100 0845 456 1640 01905 613191

www.npower.co.uk/At_home/Juice-clean_and_green/About_Juice.html

PowerGen Scottish and Southern Energy SWALEC SWEB

0500 240 500 0800 028 8552 0800 117 116 0800 328 9026

Build Renewable Energy into your Home ● FREE Advice on Renewable Energy

West Wales Energy Efficiency Advice Centre Community wind turbines: Andy Rowlands, EcoDyfi

0800 512012 01654 703 965

● Local renewable energy installers

Alternatives Wales Ltd. Crymych: solar thermal

0845 458 0335

Organic Energy Co. Welshpool: solar thermal, wood pellet stoves, wood boilers

0845 458 4076

Beacon Stoves Newcastle Emlyn: wood pellet stoves, wood boilers

01559 371 058

Chris Lord-Smith Llanidloes: solar thermal

01686 412 552

Sustainergy Crymych: wind turbines, solar PV

01239 891 344

Dulas Machynlleth: wind turbines, solar PV, wood energy

01654 705 000

West Wales Renewable Energy: wind turbines, solar PV, solar thermal

01974 298851

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WATER IN CEREDIGION Over the past 20 years our demand for water has risen steadily, with much of it being wasted. In Ceredigion our water comes from two main sources: Teifi Pools and Llechryd on the River Teifi. During periods of drought abstraction from the Teifi can cause water levels in the river to fall. Water shortages can have a dramatic impact on the environment and wildlife. When river levels drop oxygen levels drop and fish can die, many fish spawning sites may start to dry out, causing lower fish populations in the future. Animals that need water to breed, like frogs and toads are especially vulnerable one dry year can knock back a population for several years. Hence the more water households can save, the better for our river life.

Saving Water

Some Water-saving Tips ● A dripping tap can waste up to 30 litres per day. Often a new washer is all that is required, a simple job that you can do yourself. Turn off taps while washing or cleaning teeth. You may also like to consider installing spray taps which use less water. ● Save water flushing the toilet. A third of the water we used in the home is literally flushed down the loo. You can put a plastic bottle of suitable size and filled with water in your cistern to use less water, or get an adjustable flush handle, or buy a special low-water toilet. ● Washing your car with a hose can use the equivalent to 33 buckets of water. A garden hose uses a much as 1000 litres of water every hour - as much water as a family of four would use in two days. ● Take a shower instead of a bath, though power showers use about the same amount of water as a bath. ● Avoid using a washing machine or dishwasher with less than a full load. Use a bowl for washing up and avoid rinsing dishes under a running tap.

Using Rainwater ● Water butts Use water butts to collect rainwater for your plants - they will prefer it to mains water. ● Rainwater harvesting systems You can install systems to collect and store large quantities of rainwater, for use in the garden, laundry and toilet cisterns. ● Grey water eg. from laundry, can also be collected, filtered and reused for toilet cisterns.

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Saving Water

Water Efficiency ● FREE water metres

Dwr Cymru www.dwrcymru.com

0800 0520140

● Report mains leaks

Leakline, Dwr Cymru

0800 281432

● Advice and information on water saving

Environment Agency Wales Fact sheets: www.environment-agency.gov.uk Environment Agency fact sheets have a great deal of information on saving water in the home.

08708 506 506

● Using Rainwater and Grey Water

Water butts Local garden centres and hardware shops Subsidised Water butt scheme Ceredigion County Council

01545 572572

The council offers water butts at discount prices, currently £13 for a 250-litre butt, including VAT and delivery ● Rainwater harvesting

Celtic Water Management, Ceredigion www.celticwater.co.uk Rain Harvesting Systems Ltd

01239 811 465 www.rainharvesting.co.uk

01453 836 817

● Grey water

Centre for Alternative Technology

01654 702400

Other Useful Contacts ● Floodline

0845 9881188 Environment Agency line with up to date information on flood warnings in your area together with more general information.

● Pollution Incidents

0800 807060

Environment Agency Emergency Hotline for reporting incidents of pollution affecting your local environment and flooding from rivers, lakes or streams.

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ALUMINIUM CANS

Waste: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

If you use drinks in aluminium cans, one of the simplest and most effective ways of reducing the harm that producing those cans does to the environment is to put them in the can bank. Aluminium can be recycled indefinitely, as reprocessing does not damage its structure. Aluminium is also the most cost-effective material to recycle. Recycling 1 kg of aluminium saves 8kg of bauxite, 4kg of chemical products and 14 Kilowatts of electricity. Recycling aluminium brings potential energy savings of 95%, reduces emissions by 99% and reduces the waste going to landfill. Nearly 60% of the aluminium used in the UK has been previously recycled.

Ideas for Reducing Waste ● Only buy new things when you need to.Could you borrow it from a friend? Get it second-hand? Buy things that last and mend things when they break. ● Avoid drinks in cans, tetrapaks or throwaway bottles Consider having milk delivered; contact your local dairies they can often deliver more than just milk. The bottles are reused and you will be supporting a local business. ● Reusable nappies. Easy to use and wash reusable nappies are now available; they are better for our environment and will cost you less money in the long run than wasteful disposable nappies. ● Junk Mail Contact the Mailing Preference Service (Direct Mailing Association), - it can arrange for your address to be deleted from around 90 per cent of mailing lists.

● Packaging Much of the packaging that you get when you shop is unnecessary. Instead of always accepting plastic carrier bags reuse them, or use a shopping bag, look for brands that use less packaging, and let shops know that you are against too much packaging (Some people remove excess packaging and leave it in the shop). If you have an excess of carrier bags at home, if they are clean and dry, take them to a shop that re-uses them. ● Batteries for torches, toys, remote controls, tools, etc contain harmful chemicals that are polluting if they are not disposed of properly. Try to use products that work off mains electricity (generally 'greener' than batteries), are rechargeable, or use rechargeable batteries. ● Use re-fill services: For example you can refill Ecover and Bio-D containers in the TreehouseTLC, Aberystwyth. ● When you have finished with an item that can still be used, instead of throwing it away, take it to one of the organisations listed so other people can reuse it. ● Think about what you buy, why you're buying it, and what happens to it when you throw it away

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Reduce, Reuse

Reduce ● Information about waste

Ceredigion County Council's Recycling Officer 01545 572442 Cylch 029 2064 7000 Community recycling in Wales. www.cylch.org.uk Waste Awareness Wales www.wasteawarenesswales.org.uk Waste Watch www.wastewatch.org.uk Promoting action on waste reduction, reuse and recycling ● Reusable nappies Dumping the Diaper Information on reusable nappies and where to buy them locally can be found in detail at http://www.ceredigion.gov.uk/ by clicking on Environment > The Real Nappy Project > 6) Where Can I Buy More Real Nappies? Some local retailers: Treehouse TLC, Aberystwyth www.treehousewales.co.uk 01970 625116 Matilda, Cardigan 01239 621120 Little Jems, Newcastle Emlyn 01239 711188 Madeleine Baldock, Lollipop Children's Products 01974 241354 Alex Hooper, Eco-babes 01239 682225 ● Junk Mail Mailing Preference Service www.dma.org.uk 020 7291 3300

Re-Use The organisations below accept items suitable for reusing. Goods are either resold, with the proceeds going to charitable causes, or are used by disadvantaged groups. ● Furniture and many other items Ceredigion Recycling and Furniture Team (CRAFT) www.craftrecycling.org.uk Furniture 01970 626532 Computer/Electrical Section 01970 626388 Cycles/On Your Bike 01970 626996 Catalogue of reclaimed goods for sale, and general information CRAFT also offers a 'scrap store' where people can pick out unwanted goods - donations appreciated! Garden equipment, Mentro Lluest 01970 612114 ● Hand tools Tools for Self Reliance, Llanelli www.tfsrcymru.org.uk/ 01269 871133 ● Used spectacles VisionAid www.vao.org.uk 01293 535016 Merched-y-Wawr 01970 611 661 Opticians Yellow Pages Charity shops Yellow pages

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RECYCLING FACILITIES IN CEREDIGION Ceredigion County Council has been conducting local kerbside collection schemes for recycling; outside these areas people need to continue to use the car park recycling sites or Civic Amenity Sites ('tips'). There are recycling facilities throughout Ceredigion. Detailed information about recycling sites can be found from the recycling officer or at: www.ceredigion.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=339 . Rural recycling scheme: for rural communities the Council offers community councils or other local groups the opportunity of hosting small recycling bins for use by the community; groups receive payment for every tonne collected. For more information contact the recycling officer. Making special journeys by car to transport goods to a recycling point lessens the energy savings made by recycling, so try to combine with a journey that you were already undertaking. Bulky items: should you be unable to take bulky household items to the site personally, a collection can be arranged on 01545 572 572 or 01970 633010. There is a charge of £5 for up to 6 items for this service.

Waste: Recycle

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WHERE CAN I SAFELY DISPOSE OF: Batteries? Dry cell batteries and lead-acid batteries can be taken to your nearest CA site for recycling Car batteries? Glanyrafon CA Site, Aberystwyth; Borth CA Site, Cilmaenllwyd CA Site, Cardigan. Paint, varnish and thinners should be used up before throwing away the empty container. If this is not possible, Borth CA site and Glanyrafon CA site, Aberystwyth will accept small quantities from households for reuse and recycling where possible and some community groups are glad to receive spare paint. Tyres are no longer accepted at landfill sites. Please ensure that the garage which fits any new tyres takes the old ones in return. Tyres are no longer accepted at the CA sites in Ceredigion. Garages may take other used tyres for a nominal fee Asbestos from domestic properties is accepted in small quantities at the CA sites.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT RECYCLING AND WASTE IN CEREDIGION: Where can I recycle: Mobile phones? Oxfam, Atmobiles, 3 Alexandra Place, Aberystwyth. Fridges and freezers? CRAFT and Glanyrafon Civic Amenity (CA) Site, Aberystwyth; Borth CA Site, Cilmaenllwyd CA Site, Cardigan, Lampeter CA Site. Tetrapaks? There will soon be a collection in Machynlleth Car Park. It is best to avoid Tetrapaks if at all possible though. Meanwhile you can send them by post to Smith, Anderson and Co Ltd. Fettykil Mills, Leslie, Fife, KY6 3AQ. Electrical items? CRAFT, Aberystwyth Recycling Centre (Glanyrafon Industrial Estate) and Glanyrafon CA Site, Aberystwyth; Borth CA Site, Cilmaenllwyd CA Site, Cardigan, Lampeter CA Site, Rhydeinon CA Site. If you are buying a new item, the shop should accept your old one. Old engine oil? Aberaeron Yacht Club; Glanyrafon CA Site, Aberystwyth; Borth CA Site; Cilmaenllwyd CA Site, Cardigan, Lampeter CA Site, Rhydeinon CA Site. Computer ink cartridges? Oxfam Fluorescent tube lights? Aberystwyth Recycling Centre, CA sites.

Recycle

Recycle ● Recycling Officer, Ceredigion County Council

01545 572442

● Your local recycling points

Ceredigion County Council Find out where your nearest recycling point is, and what can be taken there for recycling.

01545 572572

● Recycling contractors operating in Ceredigion

Aberystwyth Recycling Centre (ARC) Glanyrafan Ind. Estate Aberystwyth Carmarthenshire County Council Llandeilo Ceredigion County Council County Hall, Aberaeron Ceredigion Recycling Cwm, Nant Yard,Capel Bangor Aberystwyth Duo Skip Hire Ger~y~nant, Llanbadarn Fawr,Aberystwyth Shanks Waste Services Cwmgwili, Carmarthen West Coast Recycling Penfoel Workshops, Cross Inn, New Quay L.A.S. Waste Ltd Tregaron Road, Lampeter Toucan Recycling Aberystwyth N. Turnbull Cwmscawen, Felinfach ,Lampeter D.I.Evans Cardigan Salvation Army

01970 627203 01558 825391 01545 570442 01970 880800 01970611176 01269 846200 01545 560568 01570 421421 01970 623931 01570 470738 01239 810878 0845 4581999

● Agricultural Plastics

L.A.S. Waste Ltd ● Community Recycling Network, Cylch

01570 421421 029 2064 7000

www.cylch.org.uk

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HOW RECYCLED IS IT? There is some confusion over which products contain recycled materials, and there is no standard symbol yet to identify them. The mobius loop shown here can mean either that the product contains recycled materials or can be recycled. If the symbol contains a percentage figure, then the product contains recycled material, and the percentage shows what proportion is recycled. If there is no percentage label then there may not be any recycled material in the product. If the product is well labelled it should tell you the proportions of post-consumer and post-industrial waste is contained in the item. A vague claim that is 'recycled' may mean it has very little recycled content. (Post-consumer waste is collected through commercial and household recycling schemes; post-industrial waste is waste from manufacturing processes, such as off cuts from printing or paper milling.)

Waste: Recycle Buy Recycled Recycled content is becoming more common in everyday household items. Advances in technology have meant that recycled products are made to a high quality and to a similar standard to products made from virgin materials, usually at the same price or cheaper than virgin products. If you are not sure whether the product you want to buy is available in recycled form, try www.recycledproducts.org.uk . Some points to remember when choosing products: ● A recycling symbol on a product may not mean that it is made from recycled materials. It may only indicate that the material used is recyclable. ● Always check the percentage of postconsumer waste contained in the item. ● Paper which claims to be from sustainably managed sources is not recycled, but comes from tree plantations which replace the biodiversity of old growth forests and their ecosystems.

HOME COMPOSTING Garden and kitchen waste can be made into useful compost but if it goes into landfill it gives off methane, a more powerful 'greenhouse gas' than carbon dioxide, in addition to needing more energy to transport it there. Compost made from your garden and kitchen waste will enrich your garden, reduce the amount of waste going into landfill, save you money on commercial composts, and reduce the demand for peat and hence the destruction of peat bogs (see page28). What's more, you can get cheap, compact and efficient compost bins from Ceredigion County Council to help you do it.

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● Consumer power does work - put pressure on your local shops and supermarkets and ask them if they sell recycled products, and if not, why not?

Hazardous Waste in the Virtual House Take a tour of the 'virtual house' on the National Household Hazardous Waste Forum's (NHHWF) website to find out how you should dispose of a wide range of potentially hazardous household items. You will be both alarmed at how many toxic substances can be found in the home, and relieved that the NHHWF gives you information on how to dispose of them with the minimum of waste. See www.nhhwf.org.uk

Recycle

Composting ● Low cost home composting

Home Composting Campaign Ceredigion County Council The council is offering compost bins at £12 or £14 including VAT and delivery, and a free information leaflet.

01545 572572

● Composting information

Centre for Alternative Technology Enjoy Your Garden, free from the Environment Agency Wales www.environment-agency.gov.uk ● Garden waste collection

Ceredigion County Council If you can't compost your garden waste, the council can collect it for you free of charge, if you put it in biodegradable bags (available for 25p each from Council offices).

01654 702400 08708 506 506 01545 572572

Buying Recycled Products ● Recycled Paper

Cambrian Office Supplies, Aberystwyth Swallow Office Supplies, Cardigan

01970 626201 01239 621500

● 'Buy Recycled' database,

Waste Watch www.wastewatch.org.uk GreenChoices www.greenchoices.org Information for those wishing to make green choices with their purchasing power. Includes many recycled products.

0207 5490 300

Dispose of Waste Safely and Legally ● Advice on hazardous waste

Environment Agency Wales National Hazardous Waste Forum (NHHWF) www.nhhwf.org.uk/

08708 506 506 01132 467584

● Refuse disposal

Civic Amenity Sites and household collection Fridges and freezers are collected for a small charge (currently £5)

01545 572572

● Fly tipping hotline

0800 807060

Environment Agency freephone number for reporting commercial fly-tipping incidents. ● Domestic fly-tipping incidents

Ceredigion County Council

01545 570881

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FISH Industrial fishing methods are threatening the survival of many once common fish, and hence the long term prospects of our fishing industry. Think about what you buy, talk to your local fishmongers. Some tips adapted from WWF's '10 tips': ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Buy a variety of different fish. Avoid the fashion for smaller sizes Buy locally caught fish Find out how your fish was caught Support local management schemes Avoid vulnerable species If buying farmed fish, choose those farmed in the open sea ● Take care with herring- Irish Sea stocks are seriously threatened, though North sea stocks are plentiful ● Keep asking questions ● Keep informed ● Avoid scallops - they are dredged, causing serious environmental damage to the seabed. For more information visit WWF's campaign website: www.wwf-uk.org/orca/tips.asp, or contact Friends of Cardigan Bay on 01970 871743 , www.gn.apc.org/pmhp/cbc.

WHY BUY LOCALLY? Ceredigion has a wide range of locally produced food on offer. You can buy vegetables, award-winning cheeses, local lamb, prime Welsh Black beef, butter, cream, and wines, and much of this produce is organic. There are outlets for this local food through farm shops, box schemes, producer's co-operatives and local retailers, Farmers Markets and food fairs throughout the county. These allow a high level of interaction between the producer and the customer and help to keep communities lively. By buying from local farmers, high street greengrocers, village Post Offices and shops we can help stem the decline in farming and rural services. Buying locally helps to maintain diversity and support small-scale producers whose markets have dramatically shrunk since supermarkets gained a huge market share. Local shops and markets keep money in the local economy because they can utilize local products and trades people and profits stay in the local area, rather than going to far-off shareholders.

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Shopping Food Miles The distance a food product has to travel from where it is produced to where it is consumed is measured in 'food miles'. Some food will always have to be imported, but we have to ask ourselves whether we are right to expect to buy all kinds of fresh food all of the time. Airfreighting food produces 50 times more CO2 than does shipping and makes a huge contribution to climate change. Food also travels great distances within the UK from producer or importer, to distribution centres, to retailers, to our homes. One study has estimated that UK imports of food products and animal feed involved transportation by sea, air and road amounting to over 83 billion tonnekilometres, using 1.6 billion litres of fuel and, resulting in 4.1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. An average family of four typically emits 4.2 tonnes of CO2 from their house, 4.4 tonnes from transport, and 8 tonnes from food transport. Unfortunately the trend is being reproduced with organic food as well. Since there is no tax on aviation fuel, it is often cheaper for retailers to import produce grown on a massive scale abroad where labour costs are lower than it is to pay British farmers to grow food. Local produce, on the other hand, which is sold directly to local outlets may travel 5 miles to reach the consumer. The same produce sold through a local supermarket goes nearly 200 miles via the distribution centre to get to the same consumer. Find out about farmers' markets in Ceredigion at: www.bbc.co.uk/wales/mid/listings/page s/markets

Shopping

Buying Food ● Buying local and organic food Local shops and markets ● Buying directly from the producer Find out about local farm shops, vegetable box schemes and organic cooperatives from: Mentro Lluest, Aberystwyth Soil Association www.soilassociation.org.uk UK-wide directory of certified organic outlets. Big Barn. www.bigbarn.co.uk UK-wide maps showing farm shops, markets, etc in your area. Cambrian Organics (local organic meat) www.cambrianorganics.com ● Farmers' Markets Farmer's Markets Co-ordinator, Ceredigion National Association of Farmers' Markets www.farmersmarkets.net ● Other producers' markets WI Markets in Ceredigion Food festivals and fairs: Tourist Information

01970 612114 0117 9290661

01234 871005

01559 363151

01970 828194

01970 612831 Aberaeron Aberystwyth Borth Cardigan Tregaron

01545 570602 01970 612125 01970 871174 01239 613230 01974 298144

Ceredigion County Council's Tourism Website www.ceredigion.gov.uk

● General Information about organics Organic Centre Wales , University of Aberystwyth www.organic.aber.ac.uk ● UK-wide food and farming issues SUSTAIN (Alliance for Better Food and Farming) www.sustainweb.org

01970 622248

020 7837 1228

● Genetically Modified (GM) Food Shoppers Guide to GM, Greenpeace www.greenpeace.org.uk/Products/GM/index2.cfm

020 7865 8100

Covers major brands and supermarkets and lists their products according to their GM content. Products are colour-coded so that, if you want to, you can avoid GM food and buy non-GM alternatives

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FAIR TRADE Nobody wants to buy things made by workers who are unfairly treated in pay and working conditions, and yet you may well be supporting these practices with the money you spend. The people who produce your clothes and food are often paid only a small fraction of the retail price for their labour. For example, the Clean Clothes campaign estimates that the person who makes a sports shoe retailing at 100 Euro is on average paid only 50 Cents. Even in Britain dairy farmers are paid less than the cost of production for milk, because they have no bargaining power when selling to processors, and many are going out of business as a result. (See www.farm.org.uk) You can help to ensure that producers of coffee, cocoa, bananas and many other foods are paid a constant and fair price by buying products bearing the FAIRTRADE Mark and avoiding those that you know use unfair practices, at the same time letting them know why. There are other generic 'fair trade' products available from Oxfam, Traidcraft and other alternative trading organisations. These may not bear the FAIRTRADE Mark because internationally accepted criteria for such products may not yet exist. However, there are other businesses claiming to sell fairly-traded goods which are difficult to verify without a FAIRTRADE mark.

Shopping Tips on avoiding potentially harmful chemicals: ● Avoid synthetic carpets, carpet underlay or upholstery with synthetic foams, vinyl flooring, foam rubber, latex or plastic coverings, because these emit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which contribute to air pollution, which is linked to asthma and other breathing problems. It is better to avoid carpets or buy ones made from natural materials. ● VOCs are also present in paints and varnishes. Buy organic paint instead. www.alotoforganics.co.uk ● Avoid household cleaners containing Chlorine bleach (Sodium hypochlorite). Chlorine bleach is a lung and eye irritant. It is safer to use a nonchlorine bleach such as hydrogen peroxide to bleach clothes. Use unbleached paper and sanitary products, or mooncups. This avoids the emission of toxic dioxins during the bleaching process. ● Buy organic food and clothes to avoid harmful agri-chemical use.

For more information see: www.fairtrade.org.uk, www.labourbehindthelabel.org, www.maketradefair.org.uk, www.wdm.org.uk

● Avoid cleaning products containing phosphates. These act as water softeners in cleaning products but also act as fertilizers. When discharged into watercourses phosphates cause a rapid growth of algae, resulting in pollution. ● Avoid products containing phtalates, such as nail varnishes, which usually contain DBP (dibutyl phthalate). DBP is linked to reproductive problems and has been found in many popular brands of nail varnish.

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Buying Clothes

Buying Clothes ● 'Ethical' clothing

Alotaorganics. www.alotaorganics.co.uk Links to organic, 'cruelty free' and fair trade clothing suppliers. Treehouse TLC , 3 Eastgate, Aberystwyth Organic clothing Howies clothing company www.howies.co.uk

01970 625116 01239 61 41 22

● Buy from local charity shops

Yellow Pages Many charities have high street shops selling good quality donated clothes and other goods.

Environmentally Friendly Products ● Ethical Consumer Magazine

0161 226 2929

www.ethicalconsumer.org Magazine and website for people who are concerned about the environmental and social effects of their shopping habits. Includes 'best buys' for a wide range of products. ● GreenChoices www.greenchoices.org Guide to a whole range of products, together with general information, for those wishing to use their purchasing power to reduce their impact on the local and global environment. ● Environmentally friendly cleaning products Local whole food shops and other retailers Ecozone. www.ecozone.co.uk Greenbrands. www.greenbrands.co.uk ● Natural and 'cruelty - free' toiletries Local whole food shops and other retailers Spirit of Nature. www.spiritofnature.co.uk Napiers. www.napiers.net

0845 230 4200 01892 616 871

0870 725 9885 0131 343 6683

Fair Trade ● Information on fair trade products, issues and campaigns

Christian Aid 'Trade for Life' campaign www.christian-aid.org.uk www.fish.co.uk Fair Trade Foundation www.fairtrade.org.uk Labour Behind the Label www.labourbehindthelabel.org

020 7523 2225

Oxfam 'Make Trade Fair' campaign www.maketradefair.com Fair Do's Ltd (Traidcraft products) www.fairdo.com Traidcraft, Cardiff www.traidcraft.co.uk

0870 333 2700 029 2022 2066

01603 610993

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FOREST DESTRUCTION According to a 1997 World Resources Institute (WRI) assessment, just one fifth of the Earth's original forest remains in large, relatively natural ecosystems (frontier forest), with the remainder having been either completely cleared or made into a patchwork of smaller, less diverse forest. 39% of the remaining frontier forest is threatened by human activities such as logging. According to Friends of the Earth, in 2001 60% of the tropical timber entering the UK had been illegally logged, with or without the knowledge of importers.

SIGNS OF HOPE Due to pressure from consumers and environmental groups there have been some improvements in the situation. Certification of timber by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) provides a framework for improvements in forest management and is the best existing guide to timber sustainability. Look for this mark whenever you buy wood products.

Timber, DIY and Building Local timber Welsh timber is being used by a growing number of businesses for joinery such as doors windows and staircases, as well as for furniture, flooring and cladding. Structural timber is often imported, but Welsh oak is still used in many buildings. Most local timberproducing woodlands are managed sustainably, so local timber is a generally a good bet for people concerned about the environmental impacts of their building and DIY work. Coed Cymru promotes (www.coedcymru.org.uk) adding value to woodlands in Wales, through sustainable extraction of timber products. This increases the value of woodlands to farmers and other landowners and benefits both the local economy and wildlife. FSC Trademark ÂŠ1996 Forest Stewardship Council AC.

BUT WATCH OUT FOR ILLEGALLY LOGGED TIMBER Environmental groups say that 60% of all tropical wood entering Britain is illegal, with or without the knowledge of importers. Last year Britain imported about ÂŁ10m of Cameroonian timber, much of it thought to be illegally logged. The main wood imported from Cameroon and sold by many British timber merchants is sapele, often a substitute for mahogany or teak, used for floors, doors, windows, veneers, furniture and coffins. Currently, FSC has no scheme in West Africa.

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FSC ACCREDITED TIMBER The FSC logo identifies products that contain wood from well-managed forests independently certified in accordance with the rules of the Forest Stewardship Council AC.

Timber, DIY and Building

Wood and Timber Products ● Buying timber from local sources

Local woodlands are generally well managed, so wherever possible the golden rule when buying timber is to 'buy local'. If you cannot find locally sourced timber, try to buy products approved by the Forestry Stewardship Council. ● Directory of local timber and wood products

Ceredigion Wood, by Coed Cymru nigelp@ceredigion.gov.uk Free directory of sustainable local sources of timber, furniture, charcoal and other products. Some of the sources from Ceredigion Wood are listed below. Griffiths Joinery Cefnllwyn Timber www.cefnllwyntimber.co.uk Coed Llambed, Miller's Saw Service Bwlch Sawmills Nanteos Woodland Group

01545 572140

01970 624418 01974 831560 01570 423800 01545 560895 01974 261198

● A range of woodland/rural based services and products.

Cwm Cafn Coppice Crafts 01570 471417 Treeborne sgandy@treeborne.co.uk 01970 820092 Furniture and guitars designed and handmade unique, expensive, beautiful. Steve Gates 01974 821414 A local timber merchant, handmade furniture, recreational buildings. Gema Services - Creative signs 01970 890326 Signs of any size, font or format carved or engraved using Welsh hardwoods. Dodrefn D.E. Designs 01239 851271 Furniture (individual and traditional), kitchens. Cardigan Bay Cabinetry and Joinery www.cardigan-bay-joinery.co.uk 01239 623564 The Barn Furniture www.the-barn.com 01570 423526 ● Timber products from sustainable sources

Forest Stewardship Council www.fsc-uk.info If you can't find the product you need from local producers and retailers of sustainable timber products, the Forest Stewardship Council provides lists of retailers throughout the UK supplying products made from FSC accredited timber. ● UK retailers of FSC timber ● Barbecue charcoal

Charcoal made from local managed woodland. Charcoal from FSC approved woodland

local branches

01686 413916

Yellow Pages Local garages Yellow Pages

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VOC'S Use environmentally friendly paints, varnishes, strippers, etc. Watch out for products from conventional paint manufacturers claiming to be 'low odour', 'zero VOC' or water based - these actually contain more synthetic chemicals, derived from the petrochemical industry than the ones they are replacing.

Timber, DIY and Building WHAT YOU CAN DO There are many things you can do to reduce the damaging effects on the environment of your decorating, DIY and building projects. A few ideas are given below; more information is available from the contacts listed in this section.

TYPES OF PAINT

● Try to reclaim wood and do up secondhand furniture instead of buying new.

Paints and finishes are present in the surroundings of everyone's living and working environment, the part they play in our increased exposure to chemicals is a cause for concern.

● Use locally produced timber wherever possible.

Alkyd paint is the most commonly used oil based paint, alkyd is used as the bonding agent. Non drip oil based paints contain polyurethane. High gloss paint contain more solvents than the matt or satin finishes. High solids paint uses fewer organic solvents, and is the best choice of the synthetic solvent based paints. Acrylic paints use water as the main solvent and acrylic resin as the bonding agent. Most of these paints are microporous or vapour-permeable, allowing the wood underneath to breath. Many of the health problems associated with synthetic solvents and VOCs, are avoided with these water based or low solvent paints. However the manufacture of these paints is potentially more environmentally damaging than the manufacture of conventional paints. Natural paints and finishes are made from materials that do not require the addition of toxic chemicals to produce them. The materials used are naturally occurring pigments and quality linseed oils. Most producers of natural paints declare all the ingredients on the tin, conventional paint producers rarely do this. Healthy buildings breathe, and natural paints and finishes contribute to this breathing quality, rather than sealing the surface of the materials like most conventional finishes do.

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● If using imported timber buy FSC accredited products. ● Avoid new teak, mahogany and plywood from South East Asia. ● Avoid Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) which contains urea formaldehyde and should never be burnt. (Friends of the Earth Good Wood Book) ● Put in adequate insulation, and try to use products like waste paper (Warmcel) or sheep's wool. ● If you have leftover paint, donate it to local groups or Community Repaint, who can re-use it.

Timber, DIY and Building

Building ● Information and advice on building materials

Association for Environment Conscious Buidling, Llandysul www.aecb.net Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth www.cat.org.uk West Wales Eco Centre, Newport www.ecocentre.org.uk

01559 370908 01654 705959 01239 820235

● Insulation Materials

Sheep's Wool Thermafleece Waste paper Warmcel

www.secondnatureuk.com 01768 486285 www.excelfibre.com 01685 845200

Paints,Varnishes, Preservatives, Paint strippers, Glues ● Paints with low VOC content and Environmentally

friendly paints and related products Local retailers and DIY stores Yellow pages Centre for Alternative Technology www.cat.org.uk Calch Ty Mawr, Brecon www.lime.org.uk The Green Shop, Gloucestershire www.greenshop.co.uk Precious Earth, Ludlow www.preciousearth.co.uk

01654 705959 01874 658249 01452 770629 01584 878633

● Unused paint exchange

Community Re>Paint, www.communityrepaint.org.uk nearest contact Ystrad Recycle, Swansea

01639 841048

Phoenix Community Furniture Scheme, Newtown

01686 623336

Refurbishing Battery Packs ● Born Again Batteries, Llandysul

01559 363965

Service for power tool users: battery packs refurbished and recharged, costing less than buying new batteries.

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TRANSPORT IN BRITAIN

Transport

Britain has the worst transport system in Europe, according to a 2001 report by UK Commission for Integrated Transport. 25% of main roads are jammed for one hour a day. Britain has some of the highest bus and rail fares. Eighty seven per cent of road journeys are by car and only 12% by public transport. The average British family spends 15% of its income on transport.

COMMUNITY TRANSPORT Ordinary bus services are not always the best solution to local public transport needs, especially in remote areas. 'Community transport' is a more flexible form of transport, that complements and feeds into the conventional bus network. Community Transport includes minibus services provided by voluntary groups and Social Services providing for disabled people and other groups, the dial-aride scheme and Country Cars. Ceredigion Association of Voluntary Organisations (CAVO) is working to improve transport for all communities in Ceredigion. Please phone in with your needs and opinions. See www.cavo.org.uk for more details.

ENERGY CONSUMPTION OF DIFFERENT MODES OF TRANSPORT. Transport Mode

Large car Small car Train (commuter) Bus Motorcycle Walking Cycling

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No. of people carried

Energy use (MJ) per passenger mile

1.5 1.5 65% full 50% full 1 1 1

5.35 3.25 0.9 1.0 4.3 0.4 0.1

Public , Community Transport and Cycling

Public Transport ● Buses Travel Line www.traveline-cymru.org.uk Bilingual line for local bus information. Ceredigion County Council www.ceredigion.gov.uk Timetables, concessionary fares and passes, including free bus travel for pensioners and other eligible groups Park and Ride, Aberystwyth Free parking and free transport to centre of Aberystwyth. ● Lift-share schemes Liftshare.com Ltd www.liftshare.org internet based, UK-wide lift share scheme. Join as an individual or start our own local group. Register journey over the phone.

0870 608 2608 01545 572504

01545 570881

08700 111199

Community Transport ● Information about Community Transport Ceredigion Association of Voluntary Organisations (CAVO) www.cavo.org.uk

01570 423232

● Ceredigion Country Cars Low cost lifts for people with transport difficulties.

01974 298501

● Dial-a-Ride, Age Concern

01970 615151

● Shared minibuses Ceredigion County Council, Social Services Free access to minibuses for disabled groups Aberporth Youth Club Group hire of club minibus available for £25

01970 617166 01239 810387

Cycling in Ceredigion ● Cyclists Touring Club (CTC) Ceredigion For information and advice about cycling and cycle routes

01239 621275

● Cycling Officer, Ceredigion County Council

01545 572424

● Electric bikes, Local bicycle shops New Image Bicycles, shop, Mr. Tom Wells Hire (in the summer), buy new and second hand www.cardiganshirecoastandcountry.com/cycle Cyclemart www.cyclemart.co.uk Hire, buy new and second hand, electric bikes CRAFT www.craftrecycling.org.uk Recycle, hire, buy second hand

Yellow pages 01239 621275

01570 470679 01970 626996

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THE HIDDEN COSTS OF CARS As well as the pollution resulting from the use of cars, which causes up to 24,000 early deaths per year in the UK, and contributes 14% to the UK's CO2 emissions, a massive amount of energy and resources are used to make them. Reducing car use is part of the solution but reducing car ownership is also important. A 'typical' car might contain 800 kg of steel, 180 kg of iron, 112 kg of plastics, 86 kg of fluids, 85 kg of aluminium and 62 kg of rubber. Even if half the steel came from scrap, about 1.5 tonnes of iron ore would have been mined to make the car, producing nearly 1 tonne of waste rock, which would have been dumped. Assembling a car uses nearly 150,000 litres of water, more than 100 times its weight. Painting a car involves dipping it in baths of detergent, zinc phosphate and chromic acid and other pollutants, followed by baking it and spraying it six times with a paint that includes PVC solvents. The waste paint cannot be used again; it is usually buried in landfill. However, driving a car produces the biggest negative effect on the environment; each year a car may use approximately the same amount of energy that was used to make it.

ALTERNATIVE FUELS LPG gas reduces CO2 emissions by 15%, which is better than nothing, but falls well short of the 60-90% CO2 reductions needed. Pure Vegetable Oil, Biodiesel and Bioethanol are also possibilities for very low CO2 emission vehicles. Biodiesel can be used in any diesel vehicle and can be made from recycled vegetable oil. Sundance Renewables, a not-for-profit company based in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, makes biodiesel, sells it (currently at 86.9 p per litre), and can arrange deliveries. Diesel engines can be converted to run on pure vegetable oil. This is legal as long as the duty (currently 27.1p per litre) is paid, and is significantly cheaper than diesel. Veg Oil Motoring, Boncath, Pembrokeshire, converts vehicles (currently costing around £1,000) and can source fuel supplies. Community Biofuels, Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, supplies recycled, refined vegetable oil for use in converted vehicles.

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Transport TIPS FOR CAR USERS ● Try to avoid owning a car, and participate in lift-share schemes or get a taxi if you really need to use a car. (See www.liftshare.org) ● Avoid using your car for short journeys, walk, cycle or use public transport instead. ● Using cleaner fuels, such as ultra-low sulphur petrol, and installing a catalytic converter helps reduce the number of pollutants released by your car's exhaust. ● Maintaining your car regularly also helps reduce emissions, as badly maintained cars tend to use more fuel and produce more exhaust fumes. ● If you do your own maintenance, recycle old tyres and batteries safely. Don't pour your old oil down the drain. It pollutes the environment and could lead to prosecution. ● Drive more efficiently, keep within speed limits, always use the highest gear traffic conditions allow. Avoid rapid acceleration and heavy braking, both lead to greater fuel consumption and more pollution

Transport

Cars ● Petrol and Diesel

Ethical Consumer 'Best Buys' www.ethicalconsumer.org Buyers guide to environmental and ethical performance of different fuel companies. ● Slower Speeds Initiative

www.slower-speeds.org.uk Campaign to encourage people to drive slower, use less fuel, and cause less pollution.

● Which new car? Environmental Transport Association (ETA) The ETA offers you a national breakdown service and campaigns for a sound and sustainable transport system. The ETA can also advise you on which car to buy for optimal environmental performance. www.eta.co.uk

01239 614556

0800 212810

0193 282 8882

Alternative Fuels ● LPG (liquid propane gas) Conversions Local garages Petrol, and now diesel, engines can be converted to run on cheaper and less polluting LPG gas at local garages in Aberystwyth, Lampeter, Llwyncelyn, Llandysul and Newcastle Emlyn. Costs of conversion range from about £600 to £1,500. LPG refuelling sites in Ceredigion and the whole of the UK 0845 6021425 www.est-powershift.org.uk There are now well over 1,000 sites in the UK supplying LPG fuel, including several throughout Ceredigion. ● Vegetable Oil Veg Oil Motoring Community Biofuels ● Biodiesel Sundance Renewables

www.vegoilmotoring.com

www.sundancerenewables.org.uk

● Information British Association for Bio Fuels and Oils www.biodiesel.co.uk Veggiepower www.veggiepower.org.uk ● Grants for conversion to clean fuels TransportAction PowerShift www.transportaction.org.uk You may be able to get a grant to cover part of the costs of converting your conventional car, or buying a clean fuel vehicle.

01239 698237 0845 4589243 01269 842401/ 0845 4582397 01406 350848

0845 6021425

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DESTRUCTION OF PEAT BOGS Peat bogs are amongst the most important and valuable wildlife habitats. They are home to many important species of birds, unusual plants and thousands of rare insects. Only a fragment of bog remains in the UK. Peat-based compost contains peat stripped from some of the very best wildlife habitats in the UK and Ireland. Opposition to the destructive peat industry is increasing; BBC Gardeners World magazine found that 74% of gardeners support a ban on peat. The National Trust aims to be completely peat-free and the National Botanic Garden of Wales uses peat-free composts and has been established without using peat for soil improvement. Monty Don, the TV Gardener says 'Every time a gardener buys a bag of peat they are directly responsible for destroying some of our most precious wildlife habitats. Nowadays, there are plenty of good substitutes that are in many ways more useful than peat.' More information about peat can be found on the Friends of the Earth website www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/corporates/case_studies/ scotts/miracle_gone/more_about_miracle_gro.html

GARDEN CHEMICALS Don't kill your birds as well as your slugs! A wide range of alternatives exists to conventional slug pellets and other pesticides. For example you can use beer (or sugary drinks) slug traps, or buy nematodes (tiny worms) that kill slugs. Certain plants can deter pests, diseases and even some weeds. A good variety of wildlife in the garden will mean that natural predators will help control pests. Contact the Henry Doubleday Research Association (HDRA), or the Permaculture Association or see : www.cat.org.uk for more information.

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Your garden (and beyond) GARDENING IDEAS ● Garden for wildlife Habitats where wild plants and animals can live are threatened in many parts of Ceredigion by development and intensive farming. Gardens and allotments can be havens for a wide variety of wild plants and animals. ● Wild corners To be attractive to wildlife a garden needs plenty of variety in both plants and landscape. A garden that is all tightly mown grass, paving and weedfree flowerbeds will be less attractive than one that has the odd 'wild corner'. Wild areas need not be large, and could just be: ● a patch of grass that is cut only once or twice a year (which in time will have wild flowers, and insects and small animals living in it) ● a few native trees and shrubs (that is, types of trees and shrubs that grow naturally locally) ● a small pond; wetlands are one of the most threatened habitats worldwide. ● Don't be too tidy! Avoid burning garden 'waste' when you can, burning fuels global warming and wastes valuable 'food' for your garden. Compost soft stuff, chop up or shred tougher stuff and use it for mulching or 'habitat' piles. Discreet piles of hedge trimmings left to rot will encourage a wealth of fungi, insects and the birds that feed on them.

Your Garden (and beyond)

How Green are Your Fingers ● Gardening for wildlife Information and advice on wildlife and creating habitats for local wild plants and animals Denmark Farm Conservation Centre Betws Bledrws, Lampeter www.shared-earth-trust.org.uk Countryside Council for Wales www.ccw.gov.uk Wildlife Trust West Wales

01570 493358 01970 821100 01437 765462

● Buying peat-free compost Local garden centres and nurseries yellow pages Information on alternatives to peat www.wasteonline.org.uk/resources/informationsheets/compost.htm ● Low cost home composting Home Composting Campaign, Ceredigion County Council The council is offering compost bins at £12 or £14 including VAT and delivery, and a free information leaflet.

01545 572572

● Composting information Centre for Alternative Technology 01654 702400 Enjoy Your Garden, free from the Environment Agency Wales 08708 506506 www.environment-agency.gov.uk click on About Us > Publications > Environment Agency Publications > Environment Agency publication catalogue > Recreation ● Garden waste collection Ceredigion County Council If you can't compost your garden waste, the council can collect it for you free of charge, if you put it in biodegradable bags (available for 25p each from Council offices). ● Gardening for food and wildlife Contacts for natural pest control, environmental garden design, organic gardening and permaculture. Natural pest control products local garden centres, hard ware shops Henry Doubleday Research Association (HDRA) www.hdra.org.uk Lampeter Permaculture Group Permaculture Association www.permaculture.org.uk Dyfed Permaculture Farm Trust

01545 572572

024 7630 3517 0845 4583814 0845 4581805 01559 371427

The Trust, a 20 acre farm, offers opportunities to put sustainable living principles into practice; through working on the land, education and training, events that mark the changing seasons, as well as space to test and develop ideas for small livelihoods. Contact: Mr. Jonathan Gaunt (JonoGaunt@aol.com).

Modular Gardening

01970 890385

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THE GROWING GAP BETWEEN RICH AND POOR In 2002/03, 12.4 million people in Great Britain (22 per cent of the population) were living in households with incomes below 60 per cent of the median after housing costs. This contrasts to the figure in 1979 when 7.1 million (13 per cent of the population) were living in households with incomes below 60 per cent of the median after housing costs. World inequality between households increased between 1991 and 2001. In 2001 the income of the richest 1% (50m people) was the same as the income of the poorest 60% (2.7bn people). All the gains in world income during the previous decade went to the richest 20%, while the income of those at the bottom actually declined. Globalisation is expected by many to increase inequality still further. A US military publication anticipates that the 'globalization of the world economy will also continue, with a widening gap between the "haves" and "have-nots".' (United Sates Space Command, 1997, Vision for 2020)

WHAT IS GLOBALISATION? Large companies, seeking to extend their markets across the world, have convinced governments to sign agreements which allow companies to operate anywhere under similar conditions. This is great for large corporations and can lead to cheap goods for consumers, but it threatens local markets, since multinationals can benefit from economies of scale and move to where labour and production costs are cheapest, while small local producers cannot compete with them. It is also devastating for the environment because rigorous legislation is seen as a barrier to trade and is therefore not allowed, and because of the massive transportation of goods made possible by cheap fuel and the lack of taxation on air fuel. In these conditions it is difficult to maintain local distinctiveness as economies and culture become submerged by the dominant international culture. An example of this is the decline of British apples, which are now very hard to buy in shops because they are grown only in small quantities, which supermarkets cannot deal with.

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Money Support your local economy One way to keep our local distinctiveness, and support local businesses is to try to ensure that the money we spend and save stays in the area, where it can be invested in our communities, instead of leaking out to large companies based in other areas or on the other side of the world. Hence the message throughout this booklet; buy locally wherever possible.

Credit Unions investing in the local economy A credit union acts as a community bank and allows its members to save and borrow money at 1% interest per month (approximately 12.68% APR). Credit unions are springing up all over the country in response to extortionate commercial interest rates (up to 300% APR) and denial of credit to people in financial crisis. A credit union has recently started Ceredigion. Members will be encouraged to save regularly in order to qualify for loans, and to invest their savings in the community. For more information contact the number opposite , or visit www.credcer.co.uk. The Credit Union is also seeking volunteers to help out with various tasks.

LOCAL EXCHANGE TRADING SYSTEM (LETS) LETS is a way of trading your skills or goods through a network of local members. The system is a form of barter using a local 'currency' to pay for goods and services. Each member has an account and a cheque book which is used to pay other members. No interest is charged on accounts in debit and a directory of goods and services is sent to all members, and is available from their websites

Money

Local Money ● The Local Exchange Trading System (LETS) Teif Taf LETS cyfle@teifitaf.org Aberystwyth LETS www.aberlets.org.uk LETS linkup to Wales www.lets-linkup.com/4112-wales ● Ceredigion Credit Union General Enquiries Cardigan and S. Ceredigion Lampeter

www.credcer.co.uk Cris Tomos, Antur Teifi John Southern Ivor Williams

01545 580528

01239 710238 01239 621408 01570 422441

Money Help and Advice ● Citizens Advice Bureau Advice on money problems, debt, benefits, etc.

01239 613707 01970 612817

● Advice on benefits The organisations below can give advice on specific issues relating to state benefits, housing benefit, etc Age Concern Cardigan Aberystwyth Aberaeron Ceredigion Care and Repair www.careandrepair.org.uk Ceredigion County Council Department of Pensions and Work and Job Centre

01239 615777 01970 615151 01545 570055 01970 639915 01970 633252 01970 653800

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USE 'ETHICAL' BANKS AND FINANCIAL SERVICES Many banks and other institutions are now offering policies that are 'ethical' to varying degrees. These may include positive ethical criteria, such as the Ecology Building Society's commitment only to lend for environmentally benign projects, or negative criteria, such as the Co-op Bank's policy not to invest in a range of activities considered unethical. You can get advice from an independent financial adviser who should be able to match your ethical requirements with the products available. If you want to search for banks and products yourself the contacts here can help. Remember - you should be able to get what you want from ethical banking and investment. If you change to a more ethical bank or service, tell your old ones why you have changed. In Ceredigion there are unfortunately no branches of the more well-known ethical banks such as the Cooperative or Triodos, but you can make transactions for the Co-operative through local post offices. Or you could try a mutual building society, since these do not take business customers and will therefore not invest in harmful practices by companies. For more information on money and ethical and environmental issues contact Ethical Consumer on 0161 226 2929 or see: money.guardian.co.uk/factsheets and www.foe-scotland.org.uk/nation/ethical_money

WHAT IS YOUR MONEY DOING? Cutting consumption and buying ecologically benign products is a good start, but you may be contributing to environmental destruction, supporting oppressive regimes, or denying human or animal rights with the money you are saving or investing. Banks do not give out information about what they are using money for, so the only solution is to find a bank, pension scheme, etc. which has clear policies on what it will and will not invest in.

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Money

Ethical Money ● Consumer financial Helpline

Financial Services Association Consumer Helpline www.fsa.gov.uk/consumer

0845 606 1234

● Advice and Information

Association of Independent Financial Advisers www.aifa.net Ethical Investment Research Service (EIRIS) www.eiris.org

020 7628 1287 0845 6060324

● Ethical banking and financial services

Co-operative Bank www.co-operativebank.co.uk Triodos Bank www.triodos.co.uk Naturesave Policies Ltd www.naturesave.co.uk Norwich and Peterborough Building Society www.norwichandpeterborough.co.uk Ecology Building Society www.ecology.co.uk Friends Provident Stewardship Funds www.friendsprovident.co.uk

0161 832 3456 0117 973 9339 01803 864 390 0845 300 6727 0845 674 5566 0870 6071 352

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SUSTAINABILITY IN ACTION In 2000/2001 Ymlaen Ceredigion identified well over 200 initiatives contributing to sustainability in the county. Over half of these were initiatives of voluntary organisations and community groups. In many ways such initiatives are the driving force behind local sustainable development, in that they come from the community, are original and forward thinking and in response to the needs of communities. Initiatives include community recycling projects, conservation schemes, local social or community enterprises, awareness raising, energy efficiency action, youth activities, village hall refurbishments, and community transport initiatives. Wherever you are in Ceredigion, there will probably be a group in your area that is actively seeking volunteers or addressing issues that concern you. For more information contact CAVO on 01570 423232

Taking action IDEAS FOR GETTING INVOLVED ● Conservation volunteering ● Volunteering in a charity shop ● Getting involved in environmental and social justice campaigning ● Forming a group to provide a local service, such as a car-share scheme, composting scheme or community power scheme ● Joining or forming a group to maintain a piece of land, a village hall etc. ● Learning a skill - See www.aber.ac.uk/sell/courses/index www.shared-earthtrust.org.uk/en/traindsc

ACCESS TO THE INTERNET If you do not have access to the Internet there are a number of places where you can use public Internet access facilities. Nearly every library in the county now has free access to the Internet, as does the Town Hall in Aberystwyth.

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www.cat.org.uk

● Bringing social and environmental themes into the arts ● Growing your own vegetables or forming a community garden ● Bringing environmental initiatives into your workplace ● Organising fundraising events for environmental and social justice initiatives ● Raising money for community facilities ● Producing local newsletters or other media initiatives

Taking Action

Want to do more about it? ● Information

Listed below are some local newsletters and magazines that will help you find out more about the issues, what is being done, and what you can do to help. Copa Ceredigion Newsletter of Ceredigion Association of Voluntary Organisations Ceredigion Local Agenda 21 Network Newsletter PO box 54, Aberystwyth SY24 5WA

01570 423232

● Ceredigion Libraries

01970 617464 Information on library services in the county. For more info on the Web www.ceredigion.gov.uk > Tourism & Leisure > Libraries.

● County and Community Councillors

To find out who your County and Community Councillors are contact: Ceredigion County Council www.ceredigion.gov.uk

01545 570881

● Local Groups

Where to find out about community groups and voluntary initiatives in Ceredigion that may be able to help you, or who would welcome your involvement. Library database of organisations local libraries Ceredigion Association of Voluntary Organisations www.cavo.org.uk Environment Wales www.environment-wales.org Ceredigion County Council database of local groups www.ceredigion.gov.uk

01570 423232 0292 049 5737

● Volunteering

Ceredigion Association of Voluntary Organisations 01570 423232 Matches volunteers with appropriate groups seeking volunteers. www.cavo.org.uk Cynllun Estyn Llaw www.cwmni-iaith.com 01239 711668 Promotes Welsh language volunteering. Volunteering Wales website www.volunteering-wales.net Countryside Council for Wales www.ccw.gov.uk 01970 821100 (01974 298 480 for local conservation volunteering) Women's Institute 01970 612831 Mentro Lluest www.mentrolluest.org 01970 612114 Local charity shops Look out for volunteering opportunities in local papers and on notice boards

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PAPURAU BRO, CEREDIGION The Papurau Bro are independent community-based newsletters. The National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth keeps each issue. Contacts for Ceredigion are given below: [however we were unable to confirm all these contact numbers at the time of going to press]. Yr Angor (Aberystwyth Area) Y Barcud (Tregaron Area)

01974 282294

Clonc (Lampeter area)

01570 480015

Y Ddolen (South of Aberystwyth)

01974 272 594

Y Gambo (Cardigan Area)

01239 810555

Y Garthen (Llandysul area)

01559 363559

Llais Aeron (Aeron Valley)

01570 470345

Papur Pawb (Talybont area)

01970 832231

Y Tincer (Area North of Aberystwyth) 01970 828017

Further reading Go M.A.D.! (Go Make a Difference 2): Over 500 Daily Ways to Save the Planet: Jo Bourne, 2003, Think Publishing, ISBN: 0954136322, £6.99 0208 962 3020 The Little Earth Book: James Bruges, 4th Edition, 2004, Alastair Sawday Publishing Ltd. ISBN 1901970264, £6.99 01275 464891 Do the Right Thing: A Practical Guide to Ethical Living: Pushpinder Khaneka, New Internationalist, ISBN 1904456170, £7.99, 01709 513 999 New Internationalist No-Nonsense Guides: A series of highly informative and concise guides to global issues including Fair Trade, Islam, International Development, Class and Caste, Climate Change, available on www.newint.org, or 01709 513 999, £7.00 each Ethical Consumer Magazine: Includes ethical 'best buys' for a wide range of products as well as articles about issues around consumer goods and services. 0161 226 2929 www.ethicalconsumer.org The Ecologist Magazine: Monthly magazine covering ecological issues from around the world www.theecologist.org, 01795 414963

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Want to do More About It? â&#x2014;? Other useful contacts

Aberystwyth Arts Centre www.aber.ac.uk/artscentre Area 43 www.area43.co.uk Biognosis Society Countryside Council for Wales www.ccw.gov.uk Environment Agency Wales www.environment-agency.gov.uk Sustainable Wales Merched-y-Wawr Princes Trust Cymru www.princes-trust.org.uk Theatr Mwldan www.mwldan.co.uk Theatr Felinfach www.theatrfelinfach.demon.co.uk Wildlife Trust West Wales www.wtww.co.uk Women's Institute, Ceredigion Federation Young Farmers' Clubs, County Organiser

01970 623232 01239 614566 01970 615010 01970 821100 08708 506505 01656 783405 01970 611661 02920 437000 01239 621200 01570 470697 01974 261133 01970 612831 01545 571333

â&#x2014;? Groups focused on particular areas or communities

Aberystwyth Menter Aberystwyth Capel Dewi (Llandysul) Capel Dewi Project Cardigan Menter Aberteifi www.visitcardigan.com Dyfi Valley Dyfi Eco Valley Partnership www.ecodyfi.org.uk Lampeter Menter Lambed www.lampeter.org Llandysul Llandysul and Pont - Tyweli Ymlaen www.llandysul-ponttyweli.co.uk/ New Quay Ceidev Ltd www.ceidev.org.uk Plumlumon Pentir Plumlumon www.pumlumon.org TregaronCuriad Caron Cyf www.tregarononline.org

01970 624912 01559 363412 01239 615554 01654 705018 01570 424730 01559 362403 01545 561460 01974 282581 01974 298146

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