2011

GreenThe magazineAction of Cymru

JUST GETTING STARTED 40 years and counting of green action

Acting silly for serious action

Community energy | Inside the Assembly | Friends of the Earth local groups A good time too Simon Williams, Editor

Now is a good time to take a moment But if this is the first time you’ve great satisfaction and think about just how far we’ve thought about it, now is a really good for many, and our come. Friends of the Earth has time to get involved. It was the 1969 communities hold the power for positive campaigned in the UK for 40 years, Apollo space mission pictures of a change. But opponents of wind power and it’s Friends of the Earth Europe’s beautiful, fragile Earth which inspired a and other renewables often claim that 40th anniversary this year too. generation to realise the importance of green energy projects just benefit the Friends of the Earth Cymru hasn’t protecting our environment. And now, big companies, and don’t do enough for existed quite so long, first campaiging facing the massive threats of climate the people on their doorsteps. Possibly in Wales in 1984. But someone who change and biodiversity loss, we’re sometimes true, though somehow this has been around nearly forever is our even more aware of how fragile our is never given as a reason to oppose respected director, Gordon James, only life-support system really is. another coal or nuclear power station. who heads into a very well-deserved Campaigning for the planet and a So here’s your chance to do retirement this year. Though knowing fair future for all who live on her has something about it. Have a look at the Gordon, it’s unlikely to be the last we’ll changed in 40 years. On page 8, simple guide to getting started with a hear from him, Gordon says it seems harder now, as local energy project, and think whether There’ve been some major the problems we face can sometimes your area has the potential to produce campaign successes here in Wales, feel overwhelming, and there are difficult power – and money – to benefit the and some of them have had positive decisions that may change our lifestyles. community. And then, to find out more consequences far beyond our green But see the pictures on page 6 and go to our website www.foecymru.co.uk. country – you can see a short roundup you might think campaigning doesn’t So it’s out with the old (sorry, on page 8. Of course, none of these look like such hard work. Having a Gordon) and in with the new. Good luck would have been possible without our good time feels even better when it’s to Gareth Clubb, the new Director of supporters, local group members and doing something important, and acting Friends of the Earth Cymru. And here’s everyone else who’s got involved along silly can be a powerful way of making a to another 40 years of good times, the way. So it’s a good time to say serious message heard. making a difference to Wales, people, thank you too. Working with others is the way to and our beautiful planet. contents 4 Monster incinerator 5 No new nuclear 8 Passing the baton Just another case of ‘what always Energy efficiency and renewable As our director retires, he looks happens to Merthyr’? Not if this power way forward for Wales back on 40 years of green action community can stop it 5 Warm homes 10 Inside the Assembly 4 International action Taking households out of fuel New government, new powers How we’re helping a region in poverty is good for jobs and health Paraguay go GM-free 11 Acting local 5 In brief News from our local groups 4 Pembs power station Environmental news in Wales breaking the law? 12 Community energy The European Commission looks 6 Acting silly A guide to generating power and into our complaint Can serious campaigning be fun? earning money in your area

6 Acting silly 8 Passing the baton 12 Community energy

 www.foecymru.co.uk Join us online ISSUE 4 2011 Making life better for people by inspiring solutions to environmental problems

GreenAction is published by Friends of the Earth Cymru 33 Castle Arcade Balcony Cardiff CF10 1BY tel: 029 2022 9577 fax: 029 2022 8775 email: [email protected] web: www.foecymru.co.uk

Editor and designer: Simon Williams Welsh language editor: Haf Elgar Contributors: Gordon James, Bleddyn Lake, Richard Reast, Nathan Williams www.foecymru.co.uk www.facebook.com/foecymrucydd The Friends of the Earth Cymru ‘Like’ us on Facebook, Cover image © Simon Williams website is your hub of information and and keep up-to-date Page 12 illustrations © Kat Nicholson resources for environment issues in with green issues in the Wales, updated regularly with news, media, environmental Friends of the Earth Ltd events, local group details, press events and campaigns all Company no 1012357 releases, reports and publications. around Wales. Friends of the Earth Cymru:

is dedicated to protecting the environment and promoting a Support us sustainable future for Wales is part of Friends of the Earth Friends of the Earth Cymru is If you’re concerned about the kind England, Wales and Northern a part of Friends of the Earth of world that future generations will Ireland, the UK’s most influential England, Wales and Northern inherit, leaving a gift in your will to environmental campaign organisation Ireland. There are lots of ways Friends of the Earth is one of the to get involved – from raising best things you can do. Find out is part of the most extensive money by searching the web to more at www.foe.co.uk/legacies or environmental campaigning network in the world, with almost 2 million taking part in a fundraising event call Candice on 020 7566 1606 supporters across five continents and more than 70 national If you’re not already a financial Raise extra funds for Friends of organisations worldwide supporter of Friends of the Earth the Earth just using the internet why not sign up today? Your search engine Everyclick. Register supports a unique network of local donation will help us find solutions at www.everyclick.com/ campaigning groups, working in that can protect planet and people, friendsoftheearthtrust communities throughout Wales now and in the future. Visit www.foe.co.uk or call 0800 581 Switch to get your household is dependent upon individuals for 0510. We’d be really very grateful electricity from 100 per cent over 90 per cent of its income for your support renewable electricity with and we get a £50 donation. Printed on recycled paper made Have fun and help us - organise a Visit www.good-energy.co.uk/foe from 100 per cent post-consumer waste, using vegetable-based inks fundraising event for Friends of the or call 0845 456 1640, quoting and 100 per cent alcohol-free, by a printer Earth Cymru. Call 029 2022 9577 Friends of the Earth holding environmental accreditation ISO 14001

www.foecymru.co.uk  No MoNster INcINerator! Friends of the Earth Merthyr Tydfil

Massive campaign opposes monster incinerator

cyfarthfa castle Millennium stadium Proposed incinerator

Six months is a long time in Merthyr. printing Covanta’s views to front page expecting the over 10,000 responses Last September Merthyr Tydfil Friends headlines about the campaign. that were received in just 6 weeks. of the Earth ran a stall to tell people in Covanta officially submitted their Now we must make sure the the town about the massive incinerator proposal on New Year’s Eve 2010, decision-making process takes account proposed by an American company for confirming the massive size of the plant of the massive impact this incinerator their doorstep. No one had heard about which would need 750,000 tonnes of will have on local people, and the fact it, and many said, “There’s nothing we waste a year to feed it. Community it clearly contradicts Welsh waste and can do about it, this is what always organised meetings quickly followed in climate change policy. happens to Merthyr.” virtually every village in the Rhymney Giving the go ahead to this monster Fast-forward to March 2011 and Valley and around Merthyr, and groups incinerator would be a green light people are queuing at the same stall to came together to form the United to companies worldwide to pollute fill in the forms objecting to Covanta’s Valleys Action Group. communities in Wales. It would confirm plans. And many are asking how they Three coaches were needed to our worst fears about the IPC process, can do more to help the campaign. carry people delivering the opposition and strengthen increasing calls for Previously indifferent politicians forms to the Infrastructure Planning decisions on energy to be devolved to were now keen to speak at rallies, Commission’s (IPC) offices in Bristol. the Welsh Government. and the local paper went from only Covanta and the IPC were probably not Video: www.foe.co.uk/merthyr

Los Amigos de la Tierra Gales EC investigates new Farmers, communities and pioneering opposition to GM Pembroke power station environmental groups campaigning agriculture, and strong work building The breaching of environmental law against GM crop growing. Protests a reputation for high quality food by the new gas-fired power station at against agribusiness. Lobbying production, we’ve been really pleased Pembroke is being investigated by the politicians to enshrine GM-free to be involved with Sobrevivencia and European Commission. communities and regions… the La Pastora GM-free campaign. Friends of the Earth Cymru has Sounds familiar? No, it’s not Wales A letter from us telling of the positive submitted the complaint, as the in- 10 years ago, but Paraguay today. experience in Wales was read in the take of large amounts of water and its For the past few years we’ve been public hearing considering whether to discharge at a warmer temperature will working with Friends of the Earth declare La Pastora GM-free. There’s cause unacceptable harm to marine life Paraguay, know as Sobrevivencia, likely to be lots more joint campaigning in the Pembrokeshire Marine Special to expose the devastating impact with Sobrevivencia, and we’re hoping Area of Conservation. European demand for soy animal feed that Paraguay farmers who support GM- Our view is that the Department of is having on their country. Extensive free agriculture will visit Wales soon. Energy and Climate Change and the soy farming, often using genetically You can help Sobrevivencia and Environment Agency should not have modified (GM) crops, is destroying Paraguay by demanding justice for given consents for the construction and ecosystems and reducing agricultural an 11 year-old boy poisoned by toxic operation of the power station, before diversity. Communities are facing pesticides used by soy farmers at a full assessment of its possible impact forced displacement, and people www.foe.co.uk/paraguay-justice on the marine environment. contaminated by toxic pesticides and According to a report by The herbicides are suffering serious health Countryside Council for Wales, the Watch our video problems and even death. on Paraguay technology being used at the new Sobrevivencia knows that part of – simply scan power station is not considered the the solution is for Paraguay to become this code with the best available in the USA because of QR reader on GM-Free, and is starting by focusing the environmental damage it causes. your smartphone a campaign on an area around the (normal data rates Pembrokeshire’s important and community of La Pastora. apply). Or see valuable marine environment deserves With our history in Wales of bit.ly/hK8nwY the best possible protection.

 www.foecymru.co.uk Nuclear isn’t IN BRIEF the answer 20,000 green jobs for Wales The catastrophe at Fukushima has Dr Calvin Jones of Cardiff University forced a global re-think on nuclear has found that a nationwide home power. Germany will shut down energy refurbishment programme all reactors by 2022, China has would create 20,000 new jobs in suspended approval for proposed Wales, cut millions of tonnes of plants, and Japan is reviewing its carbon emissions, and lift thousands nuclear programme. of households out of fuel poverty. Fukushima coincided with the 25th Friends of the Earth Cymru, as a anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, member of the Stop Climate Chaos reminding us that more than 300 farms undermine efforts to cut carbon Cymru coalition, worked with Dr in Wales are still affected by the fall-out. emissions by diverting limited financial Jones on the report, ‘Cutting carbon, The risk and cost of accidents, resources and political attention away creating jobs’, offering practical the lack of safe disposal for waste, from energy options that could do this measures for the Welsh Assembly the threat of nuclear proliferation and sooner, cheaper and more securely. Government to tackle climate change terrorist attack, and power stations Many countries are now turning and boost employment. generally costing far more and taking their back on nuclear power because www.stopclimatechaoscymru.org longer to build than planned, are all the risks and financial costs are too strong reasons for rejecting nuclear. great. Here the Government needs to Shale gas drilling And as nuclear power provides less recognise that Wales’ huge potential Proposals for shale gas drilling in the than 4 per cent of Britain’s energy, and for renewable energy, together with Vale of Glamorgan are concerning a similar proportion globally, its role in a comprehensive energy saving environmentalists and local residents. tackling climate change is relatively programme, can provide the cleaner, Shale drilling, not previously allowed minor. Pursuing nuclear power can safer future we need. in the UK, involves detonating explosives underground and using Action on fuel poverty ‘win-win’ chemicals to increase the fractures. Recent research suggests that shale gas exploitation could result in more greenhouse gas emissions than coal. Shale gas is mostly methane, which has a greater greenhouse effect than carbon dioxide, so even small leaks during the extraction process can add to the impact. As well as the greenhouse gas emissions, further environmental damage can be caused by leaking chemicals or gas entering underground water systems and contaminating drinking water.

Where next for Welsh energy? Debates about energy in Wales have been hotter than ever recently. Whether it’s renewables, nuclear, One in four households in Wales are in organisations to form the Fuel Poverty coal, gas, pylons or pipes, it seems ‘fuel poverty’, where more than 10 per Coalition for Wales. Following strong few can see the big picture to lead us cent of income needs to be spent to campaigning since 2009, the Welsh to a successful, low carbon future. So keep the house warm. And it’s getting Government has responded with some we’re working with energy specialists worse – fuel poverty has been steadily big steps forward, including a Fuel on a route map to safe, clean and increasing since 2004. Poverty Strategy and the ‘Arbed’ and green energy. To be notified when the But with housing producing about ‘Nest’ energy efficiency schemes. report is out, email [email protected] a fifth of greenhouse gas emissions in Now challenging the new Welsh Wales, refurbishing houses to be more Government to be even more Conference 2012 energy efficient is a win-win situation ambitious, the Coalition’s ‘Countdown The next Friends of the Earth Cymru – creating local jobs and improving to affordable warmth: an agenda for the conference, with expert speakers, health, as well as cutting emissions. new Welsh Government’ offers a six workshops and discussions, will take Friends of the Earth Cymru has point plan that would bring affordable place in spring 2012, location to be joined with children’s groups, housing warmth to thousands of Welsh homes. confirmed. For more information email charities, consumer and health www.fuelpovertycharterwales.org.uk [email protected]

www.foecymru.co.uk  2008 Merthyr Council weds giant mining company Miller Argent, as the Welsh Assembly Government gives its blessing to an opencast coal mine 30 metres from people’s homes.

Clowning around We might be tackling some serious issues, but there’s plenty of fun to be had along the way

Isn’t campaigning supposed to be all been had in just the last few years. A dour and earnest? Surely there can’t be mini street opera, umbrella-wielding much fun to be had telling people the flashmobs, a mock wedding and planet is in big trouble? messing around in boats have all been Actually, making people think essential parts of some very successful sometimes really can be a laugh. And campaigns. Of course, we still do the 40 years of campaigning experience serious business of talking with AMs has taught us that being deadly serious and MPs, but even some of them have isn’t always the best way to persuade been known to smile at a silly hat. and educate. Fortunately, it’s rather So if you like your serious issues hard to be too serious when you’re to come with a dash of silliness, join dressed as a cow or carrying the back in with our campaigns. You don’t have end of a 30 foot blue dragon. to enjoy dressing up (and no one will 2009 A giant blue dragon charges the So here’s a quick look back in make you, honestly), but there are Welsh Assembly, demanding effective pictures at some of the fun that’s plenty of opportunities if you do action on climate change.

 www.foecymru.co.uk All pictures © Simon Williams except where stated Right from top: 2011 The Opera Group’s mini opera on the streets of Cardiff raises awareness of climate change and saving energy. 2010 Two cows discuss how improving their diet can help fight climate change. 2008 Chasing around in a small boat to persuade him to introduce a strong climate change law.

2009 Flashmobs around the country tell the world to wake up to climate change. © Phil Martin

2010 Gas masks can protect against waste incinerator air pollution, but won’t stop their effect on climate change.

www.foecymru.co.uk  Passing Gordon James has been involved with Friends of the Earth for nearly 40 years. Retiring as Director of Friends of the Earth Cymru in September, he looks back, and forwards, at the challenges and rewards of environmental campaigning in Wales

You started Pembrokeshire Friends of the Earth in 1987. Was this your first involvement with the organisation? Actually the first thing I did was in the early 1970s, just after they set up in the UK exactly 40 years ago. I wrote a letter on nuclear power to the local MP. They replied saying, thank you for your eloquent letter. Well, I hadn’t written it, it was written by Friends of the Earth staff. Right from the very beginning, Friends of the Earth has had a very high standard, and we’ve tried to maintain that ever since.

Has campaigning changed in the last 40 years? It’s getting harder. Over the years we’ve won lots of campaigns. In the past we were asking for cleaner air, cleaner rivers, recycling – these were all the things that people generally welcomed. We’re now asking people to change their lifestyles very quickly, because of the immense threat of climate change. And no ones likes being told the way we live is causing this huge problem. But environmental issues are also becoming much more mainstream. Ideas we’ve supported may once have seemed unrealistic, but now lots of policy in Wales is based on what we’ve campaigned for – recycling, renewable energy, tackling fuel poverty, energy efficiency. This is a big, big achievement for the environment movement. We shouldn’t forget the progress we’ve made, and should be proud of it.

So what’s been your proudest moment as a campaigner? The GM-free Wales campaign, during the time I was director of Friends of the Earth Cymru between 1995 and 2000. In 1999 the Welsh Assembly was about to be set up and it was our campaign that showed that the Assembly could do things differently from Westminster. The example we set has been followed by regions throughout Europe, and is still strong today – I think it’s been one of our greatest achievements.

A quarter century of success: Friends of the Earth in Wales 1980s 1990s-2009 1995 1999 Acid rain Road expansion Marine life protected Sea Empress prosecution Following its formation in Strong campaigns defeated a A complaint to Europe, Following the Sea Empress 1984, Friends of the Earth number of unnecessary road made jointly with Friends oil spill at Milford Haven in Cymru took a lead role in building projects, from by- of Cardigan Bay to protect 1996, evidence was gathered creating greater awareness passes through Snowdonia in this rich marine habitat, and a legal case prepared. of the problem of acid rain. the early 1990s, to the dualling forced the UK government to This was handed over to the This helped to bring about of the A40 in west Wales and require environmental impact Environment Agency which reductions in polluting the monstrous Gwent Levels assessments for oil and gas successfully prosecuted the emissions in Wales motorway in 2009 drilling in all UK waters Port Authority in 1999

 www.foecymru.co.uk the baton Many people call you the hardest working campaigner in Climate Change Act that was largely the result of a Friends Wales. What’s kept you motivated for four decades? of the Earth campaign. An anger I feel when I see things being done badly, or We also have a moral responsibility to act. Britain has people being dishonest and putting out false information, emitted more carbon dioxide per person than any other when I see the media giving so much attention to people nation because of our long exploitation of coal, and of course who are denying that climate change is happening when the Wales became famous as a coal exporting country. evidence is overwhelming, or when I see people trying to rubbish wind energy with such weak arguments. I’ve got to Will life be better for people in another 40 years, or worse? get up and do something to try and make a difference, I just I retain hope it can be better, but the next five years feel we can’t let them get away with it. are crucial. We still have a window of opportunity to cut But also, I was brought up close to nature in emissions and develop a low carbon economy, but we must Pembrokeshire and I still love it, and I feel strongly that we act fast. We need brave politicians, and as individuals we have to protect the habitat we’ve got for future generations. have to do more too – we must live the life we want to see. My great fear is that when my children are my age they’ll When my children are my age, the world can be a better be living in a much more frightening world, because climate place, but we are running out of time. change will be much more of a reality for them than it is now. What are the retirement plans? Does a campaigner ever What are the greatest environmental challenges for Wales? actually retire, just keep their head down and stay quiet? Delivering the targets government has set – 3 per cent I definitely plan to carry on campaigning. Indeed I hope to a year cut in greenhouse gas emissions, all electricity have more time for research, writing and campaigning, as all from renewables by 2025, major improvements in energy the administration and management will go away. So no, I efficiency. There will be great benefits, but putting them into don’t expect I’ll be completely quiet practice still meets a lot of resistance. It’s seen as environment versus jobs – that environmental improvements will harm industry, hit jobs. But this is a false Gareth Clubb argument, lots of evidence shows that implementing good New Director of environmental policies and practices can help the economy Friends of the Earth Cymru and create jobs. And this is particularly true now – the green Previously Director of the economy globally is expanding faster than any other sector. Snowdonia Society, Gareth has worked in environmental policy We’re such a small nation, can anything we do make a and project management for difference to global challenges like climate change? the Department for International We’re already making a difference. From its early days, the Development, Keep Wales Tidy, Welsh Government has said it wants Wales to be a world the European Commission, the National Assembly for leader in the green energy revolution, as we were a world Wales and Environment Agency Wales. He’s also worked leader in the industrial revolution. for several years in South America, Africa and Asia. We might be small, but we definitely have an important Gareth is looking forward to the job immensely. “There role to play. Wales is well ahead of England – in agricultural is no more important role in Wales than that undertaken policies, targets for emissions reductions, recycling and by Friends of the Earth Cymru,” he says. “In the face of waste reduction. So within the UK people are looking to significant threats, they’ve been a beacon of light over Wales for a lead. And around the world people are looking to the UK for a lead, as the only country to have set legally the past 25 years, highlighting injustice and lobbying binding targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions, under the persuasively – and successfully – for change.”

A quarter century of success: Friends of the Earth in Wales 2000 2000s 2010 2010 GM-free Wales Yes to wind sunk Climate change The campaign to keep Busting myths about wind The long campaign against The Welsh Government, Wales free of genetically power, and campaigns in the large Cardiff to Weston having been the first in the modified crops and to support support of specific projects Severn Barrage finally world to set annual targets environmentally friendly helped gain clean green succeeded. The Government to cut greenhouse gas farming, which was launched energy from windfarms at was urged to back less emissions after our persistent in 1999, was unanimously Cefn Croes (2002), Tir Mostyn damaging ways of harnessing lobbying, introduced an action backed by Welsh Assembly (2002), Gwynt y Mor (2009) the energy potential of the plan including many of our Members the following year and Wear Point (2010) Severn Estuary recommendations

www.foecymru.co.uk  Inside the Assembly New government, new ministers, new term and new powers. Oh, and a new name as well.

2011 saw not only a new government Jones taking overall responsibility for a subject area. Larger 10 member in Wales and the election of many major energy issues. committees now scrutinise legislation new Assembly Members, but also The previous government was as well as government policy, and the introduction of legislative powers criticised for policies in economic following a referendum in March. And development, transport and local “Will this new-look Government dropping the ‘Assembly’ from Welsh government that failed to look after take environment out of its silo?” Assembly Government means the the environment. Will this new-look Welsh Government has a new name to Government take environment out of there are likely to be more focused go with its new powers. its one ministry silo, and lead to wider enquiries looking at specific issues over Winning 30 out of 60 seats in carbon cuts across all areas? shorter periods. AMs may be appointed the May elections, Labour decided to lead on reports, as is common in to go it alone with a no-majority Environmental rights protected other European legislatures and in the government. Cabinet responsibilities The proposed Sustainable Development European Parliament. have been shuffled considerably, with Bill will be a major opportunity for this. The Environment and Sustainability Newport’s John Griffiths now Minister We’ve long campaigned for people’s Committee remains in place, made up for Environment and Sustainable right to live in a healthy environment almost entirely of new AMs. Former Development. With his legal to be protected in law. This must be a Presiding Officer Dafydd Elis-Thomas background and strong track record bold Bill, making the most of the new is certain to provide strong and creative of supporting tackling climate change, powers to protect our environment for leadership as its Chair. The hot topic he should be a steady pair of hands to future generations. There is, after all, of energy, especially large energy take the agenda forward, deliver targets no point in legislative powers unless infrastructure which we’ve long called and use the new legislative powers to they’re used to take Wales further and upon to be devolved to the Assembly, put all on a sound legal footing. faster towards a greener society. is likely to feature prominently in its The Minister’s portfolio now includes The dynamics of a single-party, discussions. And the crucially important GM crops, plant health and animal no-majority government is a big Petitions Committee remains in place, welfare, areas previously under the change. The opposition parties have and will be considering Friends of Agriculture and Food Minister. But that more power, and in theory could the Earth Cymru’s ‘No to Incineration’ role has gone, the remaining portfolio vote government business down if petition in the coming months. is handled by a deputy minister, Alun there’s any dissent within Labour. But It looks like the coming year in Davies, reporting to the Business we’re more likely to see a pattern of the Assembly – and perhaps all the Minister, Edwina Hart. compromise and agreement on issues next term – will be about change and Other Cabinet changes include before being introduced as policy. delivery. And we’ll certainly need plenty a new Minister for Housing and A new committee structure is of both if we’re going to urgently tackle Regeneration, with Huw Lewis filling designed to give Assembly Members climate change in Wales. the post, and First Minister Carwyn more opportunity to specialise in Haf Elgar, Campaigner

Manifesto for a greener Wales Maniffesto ar gyfer Our new manifesto offers a positive renewable energy, reducing resource Cymru wyrddach future for a greener Wales. It sets use, increasing recycling rates and out a realistic agenda for the Welsh rejecting incineration. Manifesto for Government to tackle climate change, We’re calling for better support for build a stronger economy, create more sustainable farming, which is essential a greener Wales jobs, reduce fuel poverty, improve for the future of rural Wales and for health and protect wildlife. our food security. Farming can benefit Manifesto for a greener Wales lays people and environment by creating out our key policy recommendations in jobs and managing land responsibly. a handy and concise format. Following And we believe the Welsh these recommendations would ensure Government should legally protect that climate change is placed firmly people’s environmental rights, to at the heart of all Welsh Government make sure we all have the right to policies. It would mean strong and live in a healthy environment, and to ambitious measures to improve energy protect it for future generations. efficiency, switching from fossil fuels to Download at: www.foe.co.uk/cymru

10 www.foecymru.co.uk Local groups in Wales Local campaigns help win 11 plastic bag charge in Wales 16 24 13

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Sue Harrison, Sue Heppenstall and Lynette Green of Abergavenny and Crickhowell Friends of the Earth with the Abergavenny Bag 5 Wales will be the first nation in the UK where shoppers have to pay 5p for every single-use plastic bag they use. 20 9 1 17 The charge is being introduced from October 2011 through 15 2 23 regulations made possible by the Climate Change Act, itself 19 largely the result of a Friends of the Earth campaign. 22 21 10 A number of Friends of the Earth local groups in Wales 7 18 6 have been campaigning to reduce plastic bag use in their 8 areas. Not only tackling our every day throwaway habits, the 1. Abergavenny and 4 local campaigns worked to show our politicians that there Crickhowell 13. Llangollen was a real desire for a compulsory charge. 2. Abertillery 14. Llanidloes Abergavenny and Crickhowell Friends of the Earth 3. Aberystwyth 15. Merthyr Tydfil produced a Fairtrade organic cotton bag, which they now sell 4. Barry 16. Môn a Gwynedd to local shoppers and use the proceeds to give fruit trees, 5. Brecon 17. Monmouth bushes and plants to local schools. 6. Bridgend 18. Newport The Caerphilly group have given 10,000 Fairtrade cotton 7. Caerphilly 19. Neath Port Talbot bags to local school children and residents. The schools 8. Cardiff 20. Pembrokeshire competed to design a bag logo, with the winner chosen by a 9. Carmarthen 21. Pontypridd & District visiting Fairtrade farmer from the Dominican Republic. 10. Chepstow 22. Swansea Llangollen Friends of the Earth raised enough money 11. Flintshire 23. Torfaen to give every household in the town a reusable bag, also 12. Heart of Wales 24. Wrexham with a logo and slogan designed with help from local school children. The group also organised a Plastic Bag Free Week, To find out more call02920 229 577 which saw 65 local shops taking part. or go to www.foecymru.co.uk

Abertillery Caerphilly Môn a Gwynedd Newport Friends of the Earth’s first Caerphilly’s first Green Working together with other Newport Friends of the Earth school-based group held a Christmas Fayre was a north Wales groups, Môn a has been opposing plans to Green Question Time in the great success, and joins the Gwynedd Friends of the Earth build a new biofuel power run up to the Welsh Assembly seed swaps, stalls and film is opposing plans for a large station in the city, organising elections in May 2011. showings to extend a busy incinerator in the area. Newport’s first ever Green Pupils have since been calendar throughout the year. The North Wales Residual Fayre and setting up a new learning about the terrible Local political candidates Waste Treatment Project green film club to show films environmental damage were quizzed at the group’s (NWRWTP) seems certain every other month. caused in the Niger Delta Green Question Time prior to to be a single massive They’ve also started by gas flaring, where gas the Assembly elections. incinerator, which would GREEN Newport (Green released during oil production Plans are progressing to demand 150,000 tonnes Resources for Environmental is burnt off. They are keen to provide local libraries with of rubbish each year. This and Ethical Network), to help find out more from Friends electricity monitors for people monster would have an individuals, voluntary groups of the Earth Nigeria about its to hire to measure their home estimated cost of a staggering and organisations with shared campaign to stop the flaring. electricity consumption. £600 - 800 million over 25 years. aims to work together.

www.foecymru.co.uk 11 Community energy guide Set up a renewable energy scheme, and your community could earn money as well as help tackle climate change. We’ve put together a simple guide on our website with lots of useful links and resources to help get you started. 1Identify your resource 2 Form your group

Feasibility 3 and planning 4 Financing 5 Build / install

Find out more at www.foecymru.co.uk