Abingdon’s first Eco Fair will be held in and around Abingdon Guildhall on 9th October, 2010 from 10am to 3pm. An event for the whole family, it will be packed with fun activities and practical ideas to help us all live well and save money without damaging the planet.The fair will be opened by the mayor, Duncan Brown and will focus on five key areas; Energy, Food, Waste, Travel and Biodiversity.
New MP, Nicola Blackwood, will be visiting mid-morning. As she says, “Abingdon is such a vibrant community, I am looking forward to seeing how much is already being done locally, and how much more can be done.”
Informative displays are combined with activities for everyone; helping the community learn about how to cut their own carbon footprint – and cut their bills at the same time.
Highlights include the following:
Food
This area focuses on the delights of local produce
* a cafe will be serving serving locally grown food and drink including soup & cakes throughout the fair
* Bring your spare apples, even windfalls, to the Eco Fair where they can be turned into delicious apple juice with the Carbon Cutters own apple mill and press.
* Get the family stuck in making bread rolls from local flour from the Wantage Mill
* Learn about growing your own vegetables – even if you don't have a garden - and where you can buy locally grown produce to help cut food miles and pesticide use
Biodiversity
Discover more about the natural world around us
* Kids of all ages can help make bug hotels from waste materials in the Bio Diversity section,
* Find out how to get fit while helping the local environment in the Green Gym
Waste
Every time we buy something new and throw away the old one we are increasing our carbon footprint. Why not give it a refurb instead, or at least recycle it?
* The Wild Waste Bus from the Northmoor Trust at Little Wittenham will be parked outside the Guildhall for a fun take on waste for all ages
* The 8th Abingdon Guides will be helping the Vale Recycling Team show off how to use our shiny new recycling bins
* Love Food Hate Waste stall will have delicious ways to use up our leftovers.
Travel
How we choose to travel can also waste or save fuel. Find out about alternative options which can slash your fuel bills while helping the planet.
* Discover CommonWheels, a car-share club, at the Eco Fair.
* Andy Brewin of the Mobile Bike Repair workshop will be busy on the forecourt outside the Guildhall during the Eco Fair.
Energy
* Find out about renewable energy suppliers and how you can make a difference to the planet with one phone call
* Learn about solar power and how it can help you heat your water and generate electricity
* Get top tips on cutting electricity usage at home to save on bills
* Find out about the new Abingdon Hydro scheme to harness the power of the Thames at Abingdon Weir to make enough electricity for at least 200 homes.
The Eco Fair has been organised by a group of local residents, the “Abingdon Carbon Cutters” to showcase traditional and state-of-the-art ways we can use less fossil fuel, whilst maintaining or even improving our quality of life.
Pensioner Christine Whild, one of their oldest and most active members, says: “I want the world to be liveable for my great grandson who was born this year. At my age I don’t know how much time I have left, so I want to make a difference now”.
Paul Buckingham has been studying for an an MSc in Architecture: Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies at the Centre for Alternative Technology in Wales and now runs an advice consultancy, Sustainable Lifestyles. He says, ““With rising energy prices and all the concerns about climate change, this is a great way of showing people what is possible for everyone to do to make a difference!”
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