This article was written by Thomas Morris during a recent workshop held at the EVI. Community members volunteered themselves to create content focusing on environmental issues. During these video and blogging workshops they were taught the skills to create their own online content. This was all made possible with funding from the Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme. Check out the related articles at the bottom of the page.
It’s tempting to think that it’s someone else’s problem to fix our totally screwed environment. But we all have a responsibility to show the powers-that-be that we care about our planet and the human race’s future existence. I’m going to show you some easy ways to cut carbon in your daily life.
Make it your outfit of the day, every day
Apparently some people only wear an outfit once! Considering the massive amount of energy and resources used by the textile industry, this is a terrible idea! Think about how much money you waste by only using something once. Re-wear all your clothes. Look stylish every day and send a message to fast fashion – this has to stop!
Move greener
There are many ways to make your day-to-day travel green. The great thing about greenifying your transport is that it improves the local environment as well as the global. However, this may require some legwork (ha!) in terms of the politics.
– Use you car less by using alternative methods of transport when you travel alone
– When thinking about moving house, consider the public transport and active transport potential of your location. Let housing developers know that you won’t buy a house if it’s not near a railway station
– Write to railway companies to ask for more and better bicycle parking at railway stations
– Instead of buying a second car, consider an electric bike
– Educate your friends eg. did you know that hybrid cars are not as environmentally friendly as advertisers would like you to think? Many are worse polluters than petrol cars. (but not diesel)
– Instead of buying your own car, consider joining a car sharing club for the times when you need a car
– Ask the Government to subsidise active and public travel more than they currently subsidise private car travel through cheap fuel, free parking etc.
– Work to make streets and towns liveable and walkable – if our hometowns are utopian, we’ll want to go on holidays less and therefore fly less
Switch to a green energy tariff
Whilst all energy on the National Grid is mixed together (they don’t know whether it comes from coal or wind power) you can choose to pay your bills to an energy company that only puts electricity into the grid from sustainable sources.
Commit yourself to one return flight a year if you can
help it. There are probably plenty of places in the UK that you have never
visited. Consider a multimodal bike-on-a-train trip for yourself or pack up a
car with your whole family and head somewhere new.
You’ll not be contributing to the erosion of famous places like Venice by tourism, and you’ll be contributing your hard earned pounds to British local economies that are often suffering.
If you’re trying to reduce your plastic waste, you need to be prepared when you go shopping. Bring boxes and jars to the shop with you, this way you can buy things loose but keep them clean. You might spend less also by only buying what you came for.
In order to further reduce car journeys you could consider cycling to the shop or ordering online. Businesses can even consider getting money off a cargo bike through the Energy Saving Trust.
Eat local and eat less meat
Beef in particular is known as a big producer of greenhouse gases. Cutting down on meat such as beef, lamb and pork is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.
However, even a vegan diet can end up costing the
Earth if it’s all fresh produce being flown in from overseas. Look for food
which is grown in Britain or at least Europe- this may mean adopting a more
seasonal diet.
Teach people how to recycle better
Help the people around you to do better when it comes to recycling. If you know them well and they trust you then you’ll know how to get on their good side!
Leave your lawnmower to rust
Improve local biodiversity by growing your garden wilder- don’t mow or use grass. Here’s why:
– Obviously most mowers run on petrol or electricity, so that’s less fossil fuel being used
– You’ll be contributing to local biodiversity. In modern cities, bees, butterflies and many other insects will be looking for a place to nest. Your garden of delights – rather than a boring patch of cut grass – provides them with a handy home
– Letting your garden grow wild not only helps the planet but also functions as a local carbon sink
So there you go, hopefully some of the tips above will help you to cut your carbon use and do your bit to help the environment. Just one person cutting their carbon use might not make much difference, but if we all decide to make these small changes then it can make a huge difference.
Ysgrifennwyd yr erthygl hon gan Thomas Morris mewn gweithdy diweddar yn yr EVI. Gwirfoddolodd aelodau’r gymuned i greu cynnwys yn canolbwyntio ar faterion amgylcheddol. Yn ystod y gweithdai fideo a blogio yma dysgwyd sut i greu cynnwys ar-lein eu hunain. Gwnaed hyn yn bosib gydag arian o’r Cynllun Cymunedau’r Dreth Gwarediadau Tirlenwi. Edrychwch ar ein herthyglau eraill ar waelod y dudalen.
Braf yw meddwl bod trwsio ein hamgylchedd anniben yn broblem i
rywun arall. Ond mae gan bawb gyfrifioldeb i ddangos i’r rhai sydd mewn grym
ein bod eisiau gofalu am ddyfodol bodolaeth ein planed a’r dynol ryw. Byddaf yn
dangos ffyrdd hawdd i leihau carbon yn eich bywyd bob dydd.
Gwisg y dydd – bob dydd
Yn ôl pob sôn, mae yna rai pobl sydd yn gwisgo gwisg unwaith yn unig! O ystyried y swm enfawr o ynni ac adnoddau defnyddir gan y diwydiant tecstilau, mae hyn yn syniad ofnadwy! Meddyliwch am yr arian sydd yn cael ei wastraffu wrth ddefnyddio rhywbeth unwaith. Ail-wisgwch eich dillad i gyd. Edrychwch yn steilus bob dydd a gyrru neges i ffasiwn sydyn – mae’n hen bryd i hyn stopio!
Symud yn fwy gwyrdd
Mae yna sawl ffordd i deithio o ddydd i ddydd yn wyrdd. Y peth da
am wyrddeiddio eich trafnidiaeth ydy bod hyn yn gwella’r amgylchedd lleol yn
ogystal â byd eang. Ond, efallai bydd hi’n dipyn o her yn nhermau’r
wleidyddiaeth.
– Defnyddiwch eich car llai wrth ddefnyddio dulliau eraill o drafnidiaeth pan fyddech chi’n teithio eich hun.
– Wrth feddwl am symud tŷ, rhaid ystyried potensial trafnidiaeth gyhoeddus a thrafnidiaeth weithgar eich lleoliad. Dywedwch wrth ddatblygwyr tai na fyddech chi’n prynu tŷ os nad yw’n agos i orsaf trenau.
– Ysgrifennwch i gwmnïau rheilffordd i ofyn am fwy o barcio i feiciau mewn gorsafoedd rheilffordd, a pharcio gwell.
– Yn hytrach nag prynu ail gar, gallech chi ystyried beic trydan.
– Addysgwch eich ffrindiau e.e. oeddech chi’n ymwybodol nad yw ceir hybrid mor gyfeillgar i’r amgylchedd ag y mae’r hysbysebwyr yn ceisio dweud? Mae llawer yn achosi mwy o lygredd na cheir petrol (ond nid disel)
– Yn hytrach na phrynu car eich hun, gallech chi ystyried ymuno â chlwb rhannu ceir am y cyfnodau pan fyddech chi angen car
– Gofynnwch i’r Llywodraeth i roi mwy o gymhorthdal i deithio cyhoeddus ac actif , yn fwy nag y maent yn cymorthdalu teithio car preifat gyda thanwydd rhad, parcio am ddim ayb yn bresennol.
– Gweithio i greu strydoedd a threfi y gellir byw a cherdded ynddynt – os yw’n trefi genedigol yn iwtopaidd, yna ni fydd angen cymaint o wyliau a bydd llai yn hedfan.
Newid i dariff ynni gwyrdd
Er bod holl ynni’r Grid Cenedlaethol wedi cymysgu â’i gilydd (nid
oes posib gwybod os yw’n dod o ynni glo neu wynt) gallech chi ddewis talu eich
biliau i gwmni ynni sydd yn darparu ynni i’r grid o ffynonellau cynaliadwy yn
unig.
Ceisiwch lynu at un daith awyren y flwyddyn os yn bosib. Mae’n
debyg nad ydych chi wedi ymweld â llawer iawn lefydd yn y DU. Beth am ystyried
taith amlfodd beic-ar-drên i chi’ch hun, neu bacio’r car a mynd i rywle newydd
gyda’r teulu i gyd.
Ni fyddech yn cyfrannu at erydiad llefydd enwog fel Fenis oherwydd twristiaeth, a byddech yn gwario’ch arian ar economïau lleol Prydeinig sydd yn aml yn dioddef.
Os ydych chi’n ceisio lleihau eich gwastraff plastig, bydd angen i chi baratoi cyn mynd i siopa. Gallwch chi gario bocsys a jariau i’r siop i brynu pethau rhydd a’u cadw’n lân. Efallai byddech chi’n gwario llai hefyd wrth brynu’r pethau rydych chi eu hangen yn unig.
Er mwyn lleihau eich teithiau yn y car ymhellach dylech chi feddwl beicio i’r siop neu brynu ar-lein. Gall busnesau ystyried cael beic llwyth yn rhatach trwy’r Ymddiriedolaeth Arbed Ynni.
Bwyta’n lleol a bwyta llai o gig
Un o’r bwydydd sydd yn cynhyrchu nwyon tŷ gwydr uchel yw cig eidion. Mae bwyta llai o gigoedd fel cig eidion, cig oen a phorc yn ffordd dda i leihau’ch ôl troed carbon.
Ond os yw’r holl fwydydd ffres yn cael ei hedfan o dramor yna mae
byw ar ddiet fegan yn gallu bod yn ddrud iawn i’r Ddaear hefyd . Chwiliwch am
fwyd sydd yn cael ei dyfu ym Mhrydain, neu Ewrop o leiaf – efallai bydd angen
mabwysiadu diet mwy tymhorol.
Dysgu pobl sut i ailgylchu’n well
Helpwch y bobl o’ch cwmpas i ailgylchu’n well. Os ydych chi’n eu hadnabod yn dda yna byddech chi’n deall sut i gael ar yr ochr dda ohonynt!
Gadael y peiriant torri lawnt i rydu
Gallech chi wella bioamrywiaeth leol wrth adael i’ch gardd dyfu’n wyllt – peidiwch torri’r lawnt. Dyma pam:
– Mae’r mwyafrif o beiriannau torri lawnt yn gweithio gyda phetrol neu drydan, felly bydd hyn yn defnyddio llai o danwydd ffosil.
– Byddech chi’n cyfrannu at fioamrywiaeth leol. Mewn dinasoedd modern bydd gwenyn, glöyn byw a llawer o drychfilod eraill yn chwilio am le i nythu. Bydd eich gardd o hyfrydwch – yn hytrach nag darn o lawnt ddiflas wedi’i dorri – yn cynnig cartref clud iddynt.
– Mae gadael i’r ardd dyfu’n wyllt yn helpu’r blaned ond mae’n ymddwyn fel sinc carbon lleol hefyd.
Felly dyna chi, gobeithio bod rhai o’r awgrymiadau uchod yn eich
helpu i leihau eich defnydd o garbon a chwarae eich rhan i helpu’r amgylchedd.
Efallai nad yw un person yn gostwng ei ddefnydd o garbon yn cael llawer o
effaith, ond os yw pawb yn penderfynu gwneud y newidiadau bach yma, yna gallai
wneud gwahaniaeth mawr.
Ysgrifennwyd yr erthygl hon gan Jamie Lee Morris mewn gweithdy diweddar yn yr EVI. Gwirfoddolodd aelodau’r gymuned i greu cynnwys yn canolbwyntio ar faterion amgylcheddol. Yn ystod y gweithdai fideo a blogio yma dysgwyd sut i greu cynnwys ar-lein eu hunain. Gwnaed hyn yn bosib gydag arian o’r Cynllun Cymunedau’r Dreth Gwarediadau Tirlenwi. Edrychwch ar ein herthyglau eraill ar waelod y dudalen.
Mae datgoedwigo yn un o’r materion
amgylcheddol sydd yn cael ei anwybyddu fwyaf, un sydd angen mwy o gydnabyddiaeth. Mae colli coed neu lystyfiant
arall yn gallu arwain at nifer o broblemau pryderus i’r byd a’n planed.
Mae’r problemau yma yn cynnwys:
– Newid hinsawdd
– Llifogydd
– Cynyddiad mewn nwyon tŷ gwydr
– Diffeithdiro
– Dinistrio Cynefinoedd
Newid hinsawdd
Yn ôl y Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change, mae datgoedwigo yn cyfrannu at dros 18% o holl allyriadau’r byd. Mae hynny’n fwy nag allyriadau byd-eang trafnidiaeth i gyd – gwarthus!
Lifogydd
Darganfuwyd hefyd bod datgoedwigo yn
gallu cynyddu’r perygl o lifogydd. Mae llystyfiant yn amsugno ac yn
rhyngdorri’r dŵr i gydbwyso’r lefelau dŵr.
Mae Cymoedd De Cymru yn llawn cerrig
anathraidd (tywodfaen yn benodol, sydd yn boblogaidd gyda dringwyr), sydd yn
cynyddu’r dŵr ffo. Gall hyn gyfrannu at lifogydd.
Cynyddiad nwyon tŷ gwydr
Mae torri coed i lawr yn golygu bod
anghydbwysedd o nwyon tai gwydr yn yr atmosffer. Mae hyn yn cynyddu lefelau
carbon deuocsid. Mae hyn yn cyfrannu at gynhesu byd-eang a chwalfa cynefinoedd
oherwydd newid hinsawdd.
Diffeithdiro
Datgoedwigo yw prif achos colli
llystyfiant mewn ardaloedd, ac felly’n creu anialwch mewn lleoliad oedd unwaith
yn dir ffrwythlon. Mae hyn hefyd yn chwalu bywyd gwyllt a chartrefi
anifeiliaid.
Casgliad
Mae’n amlwg bod yr effaith mae coed
yn ei gael ar ein hamgylchedd yn enfawr pan ddaw at gynnal byd cynaliadwy.
Dychmygwch fyd heb goed a’r canlyniadau niweidiol fydda hyn yn achosi. Gall
pawb wneud gwahaniaeth. Helpwch ni i ganiatáu i’r byd ffynnu.
This article was written by Jamie Lee Morris during a recent workshop held at the EVI. Community members volunteered themselves to create content focusing on environmental issues. During these video and blogging workshops they were taught the skills to create their own online content. This was all made possible with funding from the Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme. Check out the related articles at the bottom of the page.
Deforestation is the
most unacknowledged environmental issue that needs to be recognised. The loss of
trees and other vegetation can result in a plethora of concerning problems to
the world and to our planet.
These problems
include:
– Climate change
– Flooding
– Increased greenhouse gases
– Desertification
– Habitat Destruction
Climate change
According to the Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change, deforestation accounts for more than 18% of all global emissions. That is more than the global emissions from all transport- outrageous!
Flooding
It also found that
deforestation could increase the risk of flooding. Vegetation absorbs and
intercepts water to balance water levels.
The South Wales
Valleys are made up of impermeable rocks (sandstone
in particular, which is popular with climbers), which increase the
surface run off. This can result in floods.
Increase in greenhouse gases
Cutting down trees
results in an imbalance of greenhouses gases in the atmosphere. This means
that there is a rise in carbon dioxide levels. This contributes to global
warming and the disruption of habitats from climate change.
Desertification
Deforestation
is the main cause of the loss of vegetation in areas, thus creating a
desert in what was once fertile land. This also destroys wildlife and the homes
of animals.
Conclusion
It is evident that the impact trees have on the environment is major in regards to maintaining a sustainable world. Imagine a world with no trees and the detrimental outcomes that would bring. We can all make a difference. Help us allow the world to flourish.
Ysgrifennwyd yr erthygl hon gan Victoria Williams mewn gweithdy diweddar yn yr EVI. Gwirfoddolodd aelodau’r gymuned i greu cynnwys yn canolbwyntio ar faterion amgylcheddol. Yn ystod y gweithdai fideo a blogio yma dysgwyd sut i greu cynnwys ar-lein eu hunain. Gwnaed hyn yn bosib gydag arian o’r Cynllun Cymunedau’r Dreth Gwarediadau Tirlenwi. Edrychwch ar ein herthyglau eraill ar waelod y dudalen.
Mae pawb yn bwriadu bod yn ecogyfeillgar a chael effaith positif ar ein byd, ond oeddech chi’n gwybod bod yfed eich paned arferol yn gallu achosi difrod?
Pam? Prydain yw’r drydedd wlad sydd yn yfed y mwyaf o de yn y byd (y tu
ôl i Dwrci a’r Iwerddon), ond nid yw’r te yma yn cael ei dyfu gartref. Mae’r
mwyafrif yn dod o’r Affrica (Kenya yn enwedig), Sri Lanka, India a Tsieina. Mae
hyn yn llawer iawn o amser teithio i’n hoff ddiod boeth.
Yn ogystal, mae’r bagiau yn aml yn cynnwys plastig ac nid ydynt yn troi’n gompost yn iawn – felly mae’r miloedd rydym yn ei yfed bob dydd, fel arfer, yn mynd i dirlenwi. Hyn i gyd cyn hyd yn oed ystyried y trydan ychwanegol sydd ei angen i bweru miloedd o degellau am hanner amser pan fydd y bêl droed ymlaen.
Yn ôl Cyfrifydd Bwyd Newid Hinsawdd y BBC, mae yfed ychydig gwpanau’r dydd, bob dydd, am flwyddyn yn allyrru 30kg o garbon bob blwyddyn – cymaint â gyrru car petrol am 78 milltir. Y newyddion gorau i de ydy bod coffi, cwrw a gwin yn waeth nag hynny.
Paned eco-ymwybodol
Mae yna gwmnïoedd yn bodoli sydd yn ceisio gwneud gwahaniaeth. Os ydych
chi’n dymuno gwneud dewis mwy cynaliadwy pan ddaw at eich hoff baned, yna
edrychwch ar y rhestr isod.
Mae prynu a defnyddio bagiau te yn rhywbeth sydd yn rhaid gwneud i chi
gael yfed te. I helpu’r amgylchedd newidiwch i fagiau bioddiraddadwy. Mae
“bagiau ymdoddiad” arbennig Cornish Tea yn cynnwys sawl blas ac
wedi’u creu o fagiau 100% corn startsh bioddiraddadwy.
Brand cynaliadwy arall ydy Tea Pigs. Maent yn creu amrywiaeth eang o flasau ar gyfer unrhyw dymer a sefyllfa. Maent yn credu dylai te fod yn bur ac yn syml, ac maent yn gwireddu hyn wrth beidio ychwanegu unrhyw beth niweidiol. Mae’r pecynnu yn gwbl rydd o blastig a nhw yw’r brand cyntaf i dderbyn y Plastic Free Trust Mark.
Mae Clipper yn frand naturiol a chwbl organig. Maent yn derbyn arweiniad
o egwyddorion organig ac wedi ymrwymo i fod yn rhydd o organebau wedi’i
haddasu’n enetig (OAG) wrth ddefnyddio cynhwysion o ffynonellau sydd ddim yn
OAG. Mae’r brand ei hun yn canolbwyntio ar ddarganfod ffyrdd newydd i fod yn
naturiol yn gyson.
Mae Numi yn cyflawni ymhob agwedd pan ddaw at gynaladwyedd. Nid yn unig
wrth ddefnyddio cynhwysion sydd yn dod yn syth o’r planhigion 100% ond wrth
ddefnyddio pecynnu cynaliadwy hefyd. Maent hefyd yn cyfrannu rhoddion i osod yn
erbyn eu hallyriadau carbon a chefnogi sefydliadau amgylcheddol dielw.
Felly dyna chi, y brandiau gorau i ganiatáu i chi fwynhau eich paned o
de heb deimlo euogrwydd amgylcheddol. Mwynhewch!
This article was written by Victoria Williams during a recent workshop held at the EVI. Community members volunteered themselves to create content focusing on environmental issues. During these video and blogging workshops they were taught the skills to create their own online content.This was all made possible with funding from the Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme. Check out the related articles at the bottom of the page.
We all aim to be eco-friendly and make a positive impact on our Earth, but did you know that by drinking your regular brew you could be doing more damage than good?
Why’s this? Whilst Britain is the third-most tea-drinking country in the world (just behind Turkey and Ireland), that tea is not homegrown. Most of it comes from Africa (especially Kenya), Sri Lanka, India and China. This means a lot of travel-time for our favourite hot drink.
What’s more is that the bags often contain plastic and do not compost properly- thus the millions we consume each day generally go to landfill. And that’s before we even think about all the extra electricity needed to power a million kettles at half time when the football’s on.
According to the BBC’s Climate Change Food Calculator, drinking a few cups a day, every day, for a year emits 30kg of carbon a year- as much as driving a petrol car 78 miles. The good news is that’s not nearly as bad as the equivalent amount of coffee, beer or wine.
An eco-conscious cuppa
But there are some companies who are trying to make a difference. If you want to make a more sustainable choice when it comes to your favourite brew then take a look at the list below.
Buying and using tea bags is something you just have to do if you want to drink tea. In order to help the environment switch to biodegradable bags. Cornish Tea’s signature “fusion bags” feature a variety of flavors and the bags are created from 100% biodegradable cornstarch.
Another sustainable brand is Tea Pigs. They create a wide variety of flavors for every mood and situation. They believe tea should be pure and simple, and they keep it this way by never adding anything harmful. Their packaging is 100% plastic free and they are the brand first brand to be awarded the Plastic Free Trust Mark.
Clipper is
a natural and completely organic brand. They’re guided by
organic principles and are committed to being GM-free whilst using ingredients
from non-GM sources. The brand itself
focuses on constantly finding new ways to be natural.
Numi delivers on every aspect when it comes to sustainability. Not only are their ingredients 100% real coming straight from the plants but they also feature sustainable packaging. They also make donations to offset their carbon emissions and support environmental nonprofits.
So, there you have it, the best brands to allow you to enjoy a cup of tea free from environmental guilt. Enjoy!
Ysgrifennwyd yr erthygl hon gan wirfoddolwr mewn gweithdy diweddar yn yr EVI. Gwirfoddolodd aelodau’r gymuned i greu cynnwys yn canolbwyntio ar faterion amgylcheddol. Yn ystod y gweithdai fideo a blogio yma dysgwyd sut i greu cynnwys ar-lein eu hunain. Gwnaed hyn yn bosib gydag arian o’r Cynllun Cymunedau’r Dreth Gwarediadau Tirlenwi. Edrychwch ar ein herthyglau eraill ar waelod y dudalen.
Mae
yna sawl ffordd i helpu’r Ddaear. Mae rhai yn effeithlon, rhai ddim. Bwriad y
blog yma yw dangos y ffyrdd fwyaf effeithlon i helpu’r Ddaear ynghyd â’r
rhesymau pam bod y rhain yn effeithlon.
1.
Bod yn ddifrifol am ddŵr
Rydym
yn defnyddio dŵr bob dydd, rhai yn defnyddio mwy nac eraill, ond ta waeth am
hynny. Os oes dŵr yn gollwng rhywle yn eich tŷ yna trwsiwch hyn mor sydyn â
phosib i atal colli dŵr a gwella’ch amgylchedd lleol.
Peth
hanfodol arall gallech chi ei wneud gyda’r dŵr yn eich cartref ydy diffodd
unrhyw dapiau sydd ddim yn cael eu defnyddio. Er esiampl, mae rhai pobl yn
gadael i’r tap redeg wrth iddynt frwsio eu dannedd – yn gwastraffu dŵr gallai
roi i ddefnydd gwell.
Mae
gosod mesurydd ‘smart’ yn eich cartref yn caniatáu i chi gadw golwg ar yr ynni
rydych chi’n ei ddefnyddio, a’i gost. Gallai weld faint o ynni rydych chi’n ei
ddefnyddio go iawn eich annog i wneud newidiadau a lleihau eich defnydd ynni.
Mae mesurydd ‘smart’ yn cysylltu trwy’r cysylltiad Wi-Fi ac yn gyrru eich
defnydd o ynni i’ch cyflenwr, sydd yn golygu nad oes rhaid i chi gyflwyno
darlleniadau ynni eich hun. Mae hyn yn rhoi bil mwy cywir yn cyfrifo’r ynni
rydych chi yn ei ddefnyddio go iawn, yn hytrach nag dyfalu.
Mae
gosod thermostat ‘smart’ yn gallu’ch helpu chi i gwtogi ar eich costau ynni.
Mae’n caniatáu i chi reoli’r gwres yn eich tŷ trwy app ar eich ffôn; gallech
chi fod yn y gwaith a chysylltu i’ch thermostat ‘smart’ i droi’r gwres i lawr
gartref.
Mae
pawb yn defnyddio bylbiau golau – ni fyddai’n bosib gweld y tu mewn hebddynt.
Mae’n bosib helpu’r amgylchedd i ddefnyddio bylbiau golau LED yn hytrach nag
bylbiau twngsten hen. Mae bylbiau golau LED yn llawer mwy effeithlon, yn gallu
cael eu newid yn hawdd, yn parhau’n hirach ac yn goleuo’n fwy llachar hefyd!
Mae’r goleuadau yn yr EVI wedi cael eu newid am rai LED diolch i arian gan y Cynllun Cymunedau’r Dreth Gwarediadau Tirlenwi. Darganfyddwch fwy yma.
4.
Gosod paneli solar
Ffordd
arall i gael ynni o’r haul ydy trwy osod paneli solar. Mae paneli solar yn
cymryd gwres a golau o’r haul ac yn ei newid i ynni at ddefnydd bob dydd. Nid
yw paneli solar yn cynhyrchu ynni yn y nos gan nad oes haul, ond mae’r ynni
sydd ddim yn cael ei ddefnyddio yn ystod y dydd yn cael ei storio mewn batri
sydd yn cael ei ddefnyddio yn y nos neu os nad oes digon yna rydych chi’n gallu
cael ynni o’r grid os oes angen. Mae unrhyw ynni solar sydd ddim yn cael ei
ddefnyddio yn gallu cael ei werthu i’r grid, sydd yn gallu rhoi ychydig o arian
i chi.
Mae
ailgylchu yn hanfodol os ydym am achub y ddaear. Mae ailgylchu yn defnyddio
ynni yn ei hun, felly mae ail-ddefnyddio yn well os yn bosib. Mae yna ddau beth
syml gellir ei wneud i gychwyn – ailddefnyddio poteli i yfed a gofyn i’r cyngor
lleol ychwanegu mwy o finiau ailgylchu yn y dref fel bod y moroedd a
chynefinoedd bywyd gwyllt lleol yn gallu aros yn ddiogel ac yn lân.
Efallai byddech chi’n darganfod ychydig o syniadau i ailddefnyddio eitemau bob dydd o’r rhestr Canllaw Ailgylchu yma – fel defnyddio hen ddillad i greu clustogau neu roddi hen gartonau wyau i ysgolion.
This article was written by a volunteer from a recent workshop held at the EVI. Community members volunteered themselves to create content focusing on environmental issues. During these video and blogging workshops they were taught the skills to create their own online content. This was all made possible with funding from the Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme. Check out the related articles at the bottom of the page.
There are many ways to help the Earth. Some are efficient, and some are not. This blog will show you the most efficient ways to help the Earth along with the reasons why they are efficient.
1. Getting
serious about water
We use water everyday in our lives,
some people use it more than others but that doesn’t matter. If there are
any noticeable leaks in your home then make sure to fix them as soon as
possible to prevent any water loss and to improve your local environment.
Another essential thing you could do with the water in your household is to turn off any taps that are being unused. For example, some people leave the tap on while they are brushing their teeth – wasting water that could otherwise be put to good use.
Installing a smart
meter in your home will let you keep track of the energy you’re using and it’s
cost. Seeing how much energy your actually using might encourage you to make
changes and cut down on your energy use. A smart meter connects through your Wi-Fi
connection and sends your energy usage to your supplier meaning you don’t have
to submit energy readings yourself. This gives you a more accurate bill based
on the energy you’re using rather than a guesstimate.
Installing a smart thermostat can also help you cut down on your energy costs. This allows you to control the heating in your home through an app on your phone; you can be at work and connect to your smart thermostat to turn the heating down at home.
We all use light bulbs- we couldn’t see inside many internal rooms without them. A way to help the environment is to use LED light bulbs instead of the old tungsten bulbs. LED light bulbs are more efficient, can be easily replaced, last longer and they shine brighter too!
The lighting at the EVI has been replaced with LED thanks to funding from the Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme. Find out more here.
4. Installing
solar panels
Another way we can get energy is from the sun via solar panels. Solar panels take heat and light from the sun and convert it to energy for our everyday usage. Solar panels don’t produce energy at night due to there being no sun but energy that isn’t used during the day can be stored in batteries to be used during the night, or if there isn’t enough you can get still get your energy from the grid if you need it. Any solar energy you don’t use can be sold to the grid, which can make you a little money.
Recycling is a must if we want to save the Earth. Recycling itself uses energy, so re-using is better where possible. There are two simple things you can do to start – reuse bottles to drink out of and ask your local council to add more recycling bins around town so that the oceans and local wildlife habitats can stay safe and clean.
You might find some ideas to reuse everyday items from this list on Recycling Guide – like using old clothes to create cushions or donating old egg cartons to schools.
Ysgrifennwyd yr erthygl hon gan wirfoddolwr mewn gweithdy diweddar yn yr EVI. Gwirfoddolodd aelodau’r gymuned i greu cynnwys yn canolbwyntio ar faterion amgylcheddol. Yn ystod y gweithdai fideo a blogio yma dysgwyd sut i greu cynnwys ar-lein eu hunain. Gwnaed hyn yn bosib gydag arian o’r Cynllun Cymunedau’r Dreth Gwarediadau Tirlenwi. Edrychwch ar ein herthyglau eraill ar waelod y dudalen.
Yn 2019, oherwydd tyfiant cyflym yn y boblogaeth a threfoli,
disgwylir bydd cynhyrchiad gwastraff blynyddol yn cynyddu 70% o lefelau 2016 i
3.40 biliwn tunnell yn 2050.
Ond mae’n gyfnod gwahanol nawr ac mae pobl wedi darganfod ffyrdd
newydd anhygoel i gynnal y bywyd rydym yn ei fyw ac efallai bydd yn newid
dyfodol dynoliaeth.
Plastig
Mae llygredd plastig yn bryder mawr, yn llygru ein moroedd a niweidio bywyd gwyllt. Ond mae dylanwadwyr mawr fel y YouTuber Jeffree Star ac enwogion eraill wedi dod yn ymwybodol o’r sefyllfa ac yn awyddus i wneud gwahaniaeth. Mae Star wedi creu gwelltyn metel sydd yn gallu cael ei ailddefnyddio ac yn ecogyfeillgar (o gymharu â gwelltyn plastig, sydd ddim yn gallu cael ei ailddefnyddio).
Gwresogi
Wrth ddefnyddio’r system gwresogi yn ein cartref, rydym yn cynyddu’r defnydd o danwydd ffosil a nwyon tŷ gwydr. Mae gan y mwyafrif o bobl systemau gwres canolog yn eu cartref sydd yn cael ei ddefnyddio trwy gydol y dydd. Gall pawb ddefnyddio llai o wres wrth lapio’n gynnes a gwisgo mwy o ddillad.
Trafnidiaeth
Yn 2019 amcangyfrif bydd dros 79 miliwn o geir wedi’u gwerthu. Er bod gan lawer o bobl gar, maent yn defnyddio llawer iawn o garbon yn y broses cynhyrchu yn ogystal â gyrru. Mae mwy a mwy o bobl yn arloesol pan ddaw at drafnidiaeth weithredol, fel beicio a cherdded. Mae ceir yn fwy cynorthwyol mewn sefyllfaoedd ble mae pobl yn teithio pellteroedd hir. Mae yna restr ddefnyddiol o lwybrau beicio yng Nglynebwy ar RouteYou.com.
Materoliaeth
Mae’r cyfnod wedi newid, ac yn ôl ymchwil, mae profiadau yn gwneud rhywun yn hapusach yn hirach nag y mae pethau materyddol, sydd ag ystyr cyfyngedig fel arfer. Y tro nesaf rydych chi eisiau dangos i rywun pa mor bwysig ydynt i chi, rhowch eich amser iddynt, a phrofiad sydd yn annhebyg i ddim arall – un na fyddech yn anghofio. Mae pethau materyddol yn aml yn cael ei daflu ac yn cael ei anghofio, sydd yn gwastraffu darn bach, ond sylweddol, o’n byd. Dyma restr Going Zero Waste am 50 syniad am anrhegion profiad sydd yn amrywio o ran cost – o goffi i wyliau.
Bwyd
Yn olaf, wrth ddefnyddio bwyd dros ben o’r oergell a’r rhewgell gall pobl ddod yn gynaliadwy. Wrth gadw trac o’r hyn sydd yn cael ei brynu a’i daflu, byddech chi’n gwastraffu llai o fwyd. Mae yna dystiolaeth hefyd bod dyddiadau ‘Best Before’ yn gamarweiniol ac yn golygu bod pobl yn taflu bwyd yn rhy fuan. Edrychwch ar rai o’r ryseitiau yma gan Hoffi Bwyd Casáu Gwastraff yn defnyddio bwyd dros ben.
Ar y cyfan, prif syniad cynaladwyedd ydy canolbwyntio ar anghenion
y presennol heb gyfaddawdu gallu cenhedlaeth y dyfodol i gyfarfod eu
hanghenion. Yn fyr, mae angen i ni wneud newidiadau bach yn y ffordd rydym yn
byw fel nad yw cenhedlaeth y dyfodol yn gwneud yr un camgymeriadau.
This article was written by a volunteer from a recent workshop held at the EVI. Community members volunteered themselves to create content focusing on environmental issues. During these video and blogging workshops they were taught the skills to create their own online content. This was all made possible with funding from the Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme. Check out the related articles at the bottom of the page.
In 2019 due to rapid population growth and urbanization, annual waste generation is expected to increase by 70% from 2016 levels to 3.40 billion tonnes in 2050.
However times have changed and people have found amazing new ways to sustain the life we live and it may even change the future of humanity.
Plastic
Plastic pollution is a massive concern, polluting our oceans and harming wildlife. However major influencers like YouTuber Jeffree Star and other celebrities have become aware of the situation and are committed to making a difference. Star has released a metal straw that is reusable and eco friendly (compared to plastic straws, which can’t be re-used).
Heating
By using the heating system in our home, we increase the use of fossil fuels and greenhouse gases. Most people have central heating systems in their homes and use them throughout the day. Everyone can reduce their use of their heating by wrapping up warm and putting on layers of clothing.
Transport
In 2019 it is calculated that over 79 million cars were sold. Though many people have cars, they require a great deal of carbon in production as well as for driving. More and more people are innovating in active transit, like cycling and walking. Cars are most helpful in situations where people have to travel long distances. Here’s a handy list of cycle routes in Ebbw Vale from RouteYou.com.
Materialism
Times have changed and, according to research, experiences result in longer lasting happiness for people as opposed to materialistic things that usually have limited meaning. Next time you want to show someone how much they mean to you, give them your time, and an experience like no other- one that neither of you will ever forget. Materialistic things are usually thrown away and forgotten about, which wastes away a small but meaningful part of our world. Here’s Going Zero Waste’s list of 50 experience gift ideas of varying costs from coffee to a holiday.
Food
Finally, by using leftover food from the fridge and freezer people can become sustainable. By keeping track of what they buy and throw away, you can waste much less food. There is also evidence that Best Before dates are often misleading and lead to people throwing away food too early. Check out some of these recipes from Love Food Hate Waste using leftover food.
Overall the main idea of sustainability is to focus on the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. In short we need to make small changes in the way we live so that future generations don’t make the same mistake.
Ar gychwyn fis Mehefin bu grŵp o bobl ifanc yn cymryd rhan mewn Gweithdy Gardd Wyllt yn Institiwt Glynebwy. Bu’r criw yn creu gwestai trychfilod a bomiau hadau fydd yn help i’r trychfilod peillio a gwella’r ardal o amgylch yr adeilad.
Peintio’r gwestai trychfilod mewn lliwiau llachar hyfryd
Llefydd ar osod yn y gwesty trychfilod
Cychwynnodd y gweithdy wrth adeiladu gwestai trychfilod, adeiladau pren bach gall fod yn gartref i bob math o bryfaid a rhai adar hyd yn oed. Mae’r adeiladau pren yma wedi cael eu gosod ar slab mawr o AstroTurf a’i osod o fewn yr ardd gymunedol o flaen yr EVI. Bydd hwn yn creu stryd fach uchel i’r trychfilod ffynnu ynddi.
Ond cyn i’r adeiladau fod yn barod i groesawu’r trychfilod roedd rhaid tacluso tipyn arnynt er mwyn tynnu sylw unrhyw un sydd yn cerdded heibio. Dechreuodd y bobl ifanc wrth beintio’r tai a gwestai trychfilod!
To bwrdd sialc, gyda llenwad gwellt a bambŵ
Denu’r trychfilod
“Bydd y tri adeilad mwyaf yn denu pryfaid sy’n hedfan. Efallai bydd gwenyn, pili-pala ac adain siderog (lacewing) yn hoff o nythu ynddynt,” eglurodd Sam o Eggseeds.
“Bûm yn stwffio’r tai llai llawn llwch lli gydag ychydig o fylchau bychan i gael i mewn. Mae hwn yn berffaith i chwilen dyrchu iddo. Ychwanegwyd tyllau crwn mwy i rai o’r tai llai hefyd, i greu gofod nythu perffaith i adar.”
Ar ôl peintio’r rhain, gosodwyd y toeau bwrdd sialc (perffaith i ysgrifennu negeseuon arnynt) gyda hoelion ac offer pŵer. Llenwyd y tai gyda llwch lli a thiwbiau bambŵ wedi’u torri. Mae stwffin llwch lli yn creu awyrgylch hydrin i’r trychfilod dyrchu a nythu ynddo. Meddyliwch am yr holl arwynebedd ychwanegol sydd i fedru llithro eu cyrff bach i mewn iddo ac ymlusgo ar ei hyd. Gobeithir bydd y tiwbia bambŵ yn dod yn le i’r gwenyn ddodwy wyau.
Mae bomiau hadau yn ffordd wych o blannu blodau gwyllt
Bomiau’n blodeuo
Gyda’r adeiladau trychfilod yn edrych yn wych roedd hi’n hen bryd symud ymlaen i’r gweithgaredd nesaf – creu’r bomiau hadau. Mae bomio hadau yn hen dechneg ffermio organig Japaneaidd, ffordd o hadu sydd yn well i’r tir ac yn amddiffyn yr hadau rhag cael eu bwyta gan adar a bywyd gwyllt fel arall. Dyma ffordd wych i gynyddu bioamrywiaeth yn eich ardal leol.
Defnyddiwyd hadau blodau gwyllt gwydn. Gan fod yr hadau yn cael eu cau mewn pridd wedi’i bacio’n galed, nid yw’n hawdd i adar eu bwyta ac mae hyn yn rhoi cyfle iddynt ddechrau tyfu.
Dwylo mwdlyd wrth greu bomiau hadau
Sut i greu Bomiau Hadau eich hun:
Cam 1: Defnyddiwch ychydig o glai gwlyb a’i gymysgu gyda phridd. Rholiwch hwn yn belen a rhoi tolc ynddo gyda’ch bys
Cam 2: Dewiswch dau neu dri hedyn a’u gollwng i mewn i’r tolc. Os ydych chi’n rhoi mwy yna bydd yr hadau yn cystadlu am yr adnoddau yn y ddaear a ddim yn tyfu i’w llawn botensial
Cam 3: Tylinwch yr hadau i mewn i ganol y belen
Cam 4: Taflwch y bom hadau ar unrhyw dir ffrwythlon neu ddiffaith a gobeithio bydd y planhigion yn tyfu
Y gwestai a thai trychfilod yn edrych yn wych y tu allan i’r EVI
Byddwch yn arwr bywyd gwyllt
Mae’n eithaf hawdd cyfrannu at fioamrywiaeth eich ardal leol. Beth am gymryd rhai o’r syniadau uchod a chreu paradwys i adar a thrychfilod yn eich gardd chi? Roedd y cyfranogwyr yn hapus iawn gyda’r canlyniadau ac i ffwrdd â nhw adref wedi dysgu sgiliau gwerthfawr diolch i’r tîm Eggseeds am eu profiad a’u gwaith caled.
Ariannwyd y gweithdy hwn drwy Gynllun Cymunedau’r Dreth Gwarediadau Tirlenwi trwy’r WCVA. Derbyniodd yr EVI arian i wella effeithiolrwydd ynni’r adeilad, cynyddu bioamrywiaeth yn lleol a chynnwys y gymuned drwy wirfoddoli.
Dyma’r diweddaraf mewn cyfres o erthyglau ar y sawl ffordd rydym yn hyrwyddo cynaladwyedd yn Institiwt Glynebwy. Darllenwch y gweddill yma:
At the start of June a group of young people took part in a Wildlife Garden Workshop at the Ebbw Vale Institute. They created bug hotels and seed bombs to help pollinating bugs and improve the area around the building.
Young people from Llamau, Act Trainingand Blaenau Gwent Youth Services took part in this special workshop run by Eggseeds, an organisation that delivers outdoor education teaching people about nature and biodiversity. The workshop was organised as part of a series of sustainability measures taking place at the EVI as part of a WCVA supported project made possible through the Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme.
Painting the bug hotels in lovely bright colours
Vacancies at the Bug Hotel
The workshop began by building bug hotels, small wooden buildings that can house all kinds of insects and even some birds. These wooden structures will be attached to a big slab of AstroTurf and placed just outside the front of the EVI. This will create a small, elevated street for bugs to thrive in inside the community garden.
Before the buildings could be made ready for the bugs to move in though, it was time to smarten them up a little to catch the eye of passers-by. The young people got to work by painting the bug houses and bug hotels!
Chalkboard roofs, with straw and bamboo filling
Attracting the bugs
“The three taller structures will mainly attract flying insects. Bees, butterflies and lacewings might like to nest inside them” explained Sam from Eggseeds.
“We stuffed some of the smaller houses full of sawdust with just a few small gaps to get in. This makes it ideal for beetles to burrow through. We added larger round holes to some of the smaller houses too, to make an ideal nesting place for birds.”
Once painted, the chalkboard roofs (good for writing messages on) were nailed to the buildings with power tools. The houses were then stuffed with sawdust and cut bamboo tubes. Sawdust stuffing creates a malleable environment for insects to burrow and nest inside. Think of all the extra surface area for their tiny bodies to slip into and crawl along. It’s hoped that the bamboo tubes will become a place for bees to lay eggs.
Seed bombs are a great way of planting wildflowers
Bombing for blooms
With the bug buildings looking fantastic it was time to move on to the next activity – creating seed bombs. Seed bombing is an ancient Japanese organic farming technique, a way of seeding which is kinder to the land and protects the seeds from birds and other wildlife. This is a great way to increase biodiversity in your local area.
They used seeds that sprout hardy wildflowers. As the seeds are encased inside hard-packed earth, birds can’t easily eat them, giving them time to start growing.
Getting muddy creating seed bombs
How to create your own Seed Bombs:
Step 1: Scoop up some wet clay and mix it with some soil. Roll into a ball and make a dent with your finger
Step 2: Pick up two or three seeds and drop them into the dent. Any more and the seeds will be competing for resources and won’t grow to their full potensial
Step 3: Knead the seeds into the centre of the ball
Step 4: Throw the seed bomb onto any fertile or waste ground and hope that plants will grow
The bug hotels and houses standing proudly outside the EVI
Be a wildlife hero
It doesn’t take much to make a difference to the biodiversity of your local area. Why not take some of the ideas above and create a paradise for birds and insects in your own garden? The participants were really happy with the finished results and headed off home having learnt some valuable skills thanks to the Eggseeds team for all their expertise and hard work.
This workshop was funded through the Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme through the WCVA. The EVI received funding to improve energy efficiency at the building, increase the local biodiversity and involving the community through volunteering.
This is the latest in a series of articles on the many ways we’re promoting sustainability at the Ebbw Vale Institute. Read the others here:
Mae ‘cynaladwyedd’ i’w weld ym mhobman ar y funud, ac mae Institiwt Glynebwy yn hapus i fod yn cyfrannu at hyn gyda’i yriant cynaladwyedd cyfredol yn yr adeilad, ac yn y gymuned. Yn ôl yn fis Ebrill bu Llamau, elusen ddigartrefedd yng Nghymru, yn cynnal gweithdy llygredd plastig ar gyfer Diwrnod y Ddaear.
Mae Laura Wheeler o Llamau, oedd yn
cyflwyno’r gweithdy, yn angerddol iawn yn bersonol am lygredd plastig.
Cychwynnodd Laura wrth ddangos delweddau brawychus o lygredd plastig i’r bobl
ifanc, fel adar a bywyd gwyllt y môr yn cael eu mygu gan y rwbel plastig, neu
bysgotwyr yn hwylio trwy’r riff gwenwynig. Yna, gofynnodd sut roedd hynny yn
gwneud iddynt deimlo.
Sut mae llygredd plastig yn gwneud i ti
deimlo?
“Yn sâl”, oedd ateb un.
“Trist”, meddai rhywun arall.
“Euog. Isel. Cywilydd. Sioc.
Ffieidd-dod.”
Mae’n glir nad yw neb yn falch o’r effaith
mae angen pobl am blastig wedi ei gael ar foroedd y blaned. Ond sut mae hyn yn
effeithio arnom ni?
Plastig, plastig, ym mhobman
Roedd yn amser meddwl am gyffredinrwydd plastig ym mhob agwedd o’n bywydau. Mae yna micro-ddarnau o blastig mewn cynnyrch gofal croen a phlastig mewn dillad polyester. Mae pethau sydd wedi’u creu o gerdyn, gwydr neu bren yn gallu cael darnau bach ychwanegol o blastig ynddynt. Pan fyddech chi’n golchi dillad synthetig mae darnau bach, bach o micro-ffibr plastig yn mynd i’r cyflenwad dŵr. Mae’r pysgod yn bwyta’r plastig yma ac yna rydym ni’n bwyta’r pysgod. Edrychwyd ar offer meddygol hefyd, fel pympiau asthma, diferion, pigiadau ac ati. Cytunwyd bod y rhain yn eithriad buddiol.
Bu’r grŵp yn ystyried y dadansoddiad cost
a budd o leihau’r defnydd o blastig. Mae’r oedolyn arferol yn prynu tair potel
dŵr plastig yr wythnos. Os ydym yn talu am fotel gellir ei ail-ddefnyddio, pa
mor hir nes y byddem wedi adennill y buddsoddiad yma? Ond pan rydych chi ar
gyllideb dynn, mae’r gost gychwynnol yn gallu atal pobl yn anffodus. A ddylai’r
llywodraeth a’r corfforaethau mawr fod yn gwneud pethau’n haws i unigolion
fedru gwneud dewisiadau cynaliadwy?
Gwneud gwahaniaeth
Soniodd un mynychwr bod ei brawd yn mynd
i’r archfarchnad weithiau ac yn gadael yr holl ddeunydd pacio plastig ar y
ddesg talu. Wrth drafod hyn fel grŵp, penderfynwyd bod hyn yn achosi
anhwylustod i’r gweithwyr yn yr archfarchnad a’r neges yn annhebygol o gyrraedd
y rheolwyr uwch neu’r cyflenwyr.
Dangosodd Laura ychydig o bethau oedd yn ddewis gwahanol i blastig. Er esiampl, wrth wneud brechdanau, mae’n eu lapio mewn defnydd cŵyr gwenyn yn hytrach nag ‘cling film’. Gallech chi ddefnyddio defnydd cŵyr gwenyn fel caead ar jariau hefyd – ei osod ar y top a bydd gwres eich llaw yn cau’r bwlch aer. Mae’n wrthfacteria, yn ddiwenwyn, ac yn gwbl fioddiraddadwy hefyd wrth gwrs. Mae posib creu hwn eich hun adref os hoffech.
Yna dangosodd Laura lwyth o gynnyrch sydd
yn rhydd o ddeunydd pacio a phlastig, o sgrwb corff i siampŵ, un o’r ffyrdd
hawsaf i leihau plastig yn ein bywydau yn sylweddol.
Un awgrym olaf gan Laura: os oes rhaid
prynu rhywbeth mewn potel blastig, prynwch mewn poteli mwy ac/neu ei brynu’n
ddwys (concentrate), ac felly’n lleihau eich defnydd o blastig.
Ar y cyfan, roedd hwn yn sesiwn
lwyddiannus iawn yn meddwl pa gamau bychan gellir ei gymryd i wella ein
hymarferion cynaladwyedd.
‘Sustainability’ is everywhere at the moment, and the Ebbw Vale Institute is on board with this and has an on-going sustainability drive at the building and in the community. Back in April Llamau, a leading homelessness charity in Wales, held a plastic pollution workshop at the EVI for Earth Day.
Llamau’s Laura Wheeler, who was hosting the workshop, is
herself really passionate about plastic pollution. Laura started by showing the
young people attending some shocking images of plastic pollution, like birds
and marine wildlife being choked by debris or fishermen sailing through toxic
reefs. She then asked them how that made them feel.
How does plastic pollution make you feel?
“Sick“, came one answer.
“Sad“, said another.
“Guilty. Depressed. Ashamed. Shocked. Disgusted.”
Clearly, nobody is proud of the effect mankind’s
hunger for plastic has had on the planet’s oceans. But how does it affect us?
Plastic, plastic, everywhere
It was time to think about the prevalence of plastics in all areas of our lives. There are microbeads in skincare products and plastic in polyester clothes. Things made of card, glass or wood can even have small plastic additions. When you wash synthetic clothes tiny plastic microfibres get into the water supply. The fish digest this plastic and then we eat the fish. They took a look at medical equipment too, like asthma pumps, drips, jabs and more. It was agreed that this was a worthwhile exception.
The group considered the cost-benefit analysis of reducing our plastic usage. The average adult buys three plastic water bottles each week. If we stump up the extra cost for a nice reusable bottle, how long until we start making back that initial investment? When you’re on a tight budget, sadly, even a small initial cost can be a big deterrent. Should the government and big corporations be making it easier for individuals to make sustainable choices?
Making a difference
One workshop attendee mentioned that her brother
sometimes goes into the supermarket and dumps all his plastic packaging on the
checkout. Discussing this as a group they decided that this probably just
inconvenienced the workers at the supermarket and rarely got through to anyone
higher up in management or the supply chain
Laura showed some serious alternatives to plastic. When making sandwiches, for example, she packs them with beeswax wraps rather than cling film. You can use beeswax wraps as a lid on a jar too – pack it over the top and the heat of your hand will close the air gap. It’s antibacterial, nontoxic, and of course fully biodegradable. You can even make it at home should you wish to.
Then Laura showed a whole series of packaging and
plastic free products, from body scrubs to shampoos, probably one of the
easiest ways to cut plastic quite significantly from our lives.
One final tip from Laura: if you do have to buy
something in a plastic bottle, buy it in bulk and/or in concentrate, thus reducing
your plastic usage.
All in all it was a really successful session thinking about what little steps could be taken to improve our sustainability practices.
The EVI has been improving the sustainability of the building and running sustainability workshops as part of a WCVA supported project made possible through the Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme. We have already carried out work to improve the air heat pumps and the lighting at the EVI.
Mewn oes pan mae arbed arian a bod yn ymwybodol o’ch ôl-troed carbon yn bwysicach nac erioed, mae Institiwt Glynebwy wedi cael gweddnewidiad egni effeithlon ei hun.
Mae’r EVI yn lleoliad cymunedol hanesyddol Gradd II yn dyddio’n ôl i 1849. Mae’n cael ei redeg gan ProMo-Cymru Mae’n darparu rhaglen o weithgareddau creadigol, dysgu a datblygiadau mentrau cymdeithasol. Mae’n gartref i amrywiaeth o sefydliadau trydydd sector ac yn croesawu dros 5,000 o bobl bob mis.
Wfft i’r drafftiau
Gosodwyd dyfeisiau newydd i gau’r drysau’n awtomatig
Mae’n anochel bod drafft yn broblem mewn adeilad cyhoeddus, mawr, hanesyddol fel hyn, ac roedd yn broblem fawr pan ddaw at filiau ynni’r EVi. Roedd drysau yn cael eu cadw’n agored drwy’r adeg ac felly roedd angen mwy o egni i gynhesu ystafelloedd, roedd ystafelloedd gwag yn cael ei gynhesu pan nad oedd angen ac roedd tenantiaid yn defnyddio gwresogydd trydan i gynhesu ystafelloedd.
Yn dilyn derbyn £32,523 o arian gan y cynllun ariannir gan y WCVA, penderfynom ddefnyddio peth o’r arian i geisio atal y drafftiau a gwella effeithiolrwydd egni’r adeilad.
Gosodwyd dyfais ar bob drws i gau yn awtomatig a chafwyd rheolyddion awtomatig ar y rheiddiaduron, fel eu bod yn cynhesu dim ond pan fydd rhywun yn yr ystafell, yn arbed egni ar gynhesu ystafell wag yn ddiangen.
“Nodwyd mai’r gegin a’r stiwdio recordio oedd yr ardaloedd gyda’r swm uchaf o ddefnydd ynni,” eglurai Samantha James, Cydlynydd Gweithrediadau yn yr EVI.
“Felly gosodwyd mesurydd ynni a gweithredu i gywiro fel bod yr anghenion pŵer yn y gegin yn lleihau.”
Aer oer ac ystafelloedd cynnes
Mae defnyddio aer oer i sychu dwylo yn arbed egni
Newidiwyd y sychwyr dwylo yn y toiledau i sychwyr-eco, sydd yn defnyddio aer oer yn hytrach nag aer cynnes. Dylid hyn leihau’r defnydd o ynni a’r defnydd o dyweli.
“Roedd sawl un o’n tenantiaid a’r rhai oedd yn llogi’r adeilad yn defnyddio gwresogydd trydan i gynhesu ardaloedd oer o’r adeilad, bellach rydym wedi gosod gwresogyddion wal ynni effeithlon sydd yn sicrhau diogelwch ac effeithiolrwydd,” ychwanegai Samantha.
“Mae’r gwresogyddion ar amserydd 10 munud ac yn amhrisiadwy i gael gwared ar fannau oer.”
Defnyddio’r awyr i gynhesu!
Daeth ProMo-Cymru yn gyfrifol am redeg yr adeilad hanesyddol yma dros 10 mlynedd yn ôl, yn ei achub o gael ei ddymchwel. Aeth yr adeilad drwy gyfnod mawr o adfywiad ac roedd effeithlonrwydd ynni yn bwysig iawn bryd hynny hefyd a gosodwyd dau bwmp gwres o’r awyr o’r radd flaenaf.
Gosodwyd y pympiau 40kW gwres o’r awyr yng nghefn yr adeilad yn darparu gwres gradd isel. Roedd y rhain yn gweithio gyda’r rheiddiaduron haearn bwrw gwreiddiol yn ogystal â gosod SmartRads i gadw’r adeilad yn gynnes. Gosodwyd boeler nwy hefyd i fod yn gefn i’r pympiau mewn tywydd oer iawn.
Mae defnyddio aer oer i gynhesu’r adeilad hanesyddol yn arbed arian ac egni
Problemau a datrysiadau
Cafwyd archwiliad o’r pympiau gwres wrth i ni edrych ar wneud newidiadau effeithiolrwydd ynni pellach a darganfod nad oedd un yn gweithio. Roedd y pympiau wedi bod yn rhedeg ar amseroedd sylweddol gwahanol ar y cywasgyddion, roedd yna beipen cyddwysiad wedi’i blocio gyda hylif yn gollwng ac roedd y peipiau yn rhy fach ac wedi’u hinsiwleiddio’n wael. Roedd y pympiau hefyd yn gweithio ar 50 gradd, sydd yn ddrud i’w redeg, ac yn gyfrifol am 41% o ddefnydd ynni’r EVI.
Ond nid oedd gan yr EVI arian i ddatrys y problemau yma a thrwsio’r pympiau gwres, ac felly roedd rhaid defnyddio’r boeler nwy wrth gefn yn y gaeaf. Roedd hyn yn achosi sbigyn yn y defnydd o ynni, tra bod y pympiau gwres aneffeithlon yn parhau i redeg a chynyddu defnydd ymhellach.
In an age where saving money and being aware of your carbon footprint is more important than ever, Ebbw Vale Institute has been through it’s very own energy efficient makeover.
EVI is a Grade II listed building ran by ProMo-Cymru. We are a landmark community venue dating back to 1849. We provide a programme of creative activities, learning and social enterprise developments. A variety of third sector organisations have settled into EVI and we welcome over 5,000 people a month.
Banishing the drafts
New automatic door closers were installed
It’s inevitable that a big historic public building like this has draughts and this was a big problem when it came to the EVI’s energy bills. Doors were left open all the time so it took more energy to heat up rooms, empty rooms were being heated when it wasn’t needed and tenants were using electric heaters to warm their rooms.
Following receiving £32,523 through the WCVA funded scheme we decided to use some of this to try banishing the drafts and improving the energy efficiency of the building.
Automatic door closers were fitted on top of the doors. Automatic controls were fitted on the radiators, meaning they activate only when the room is occupied. This saves energy on unnecessarily heating an empty room.
“We identified that the kitchen and the recording studio were the areas with the highest energy consumption,” explains Samantha James, Operations Coordinator at the EVI.
“So we had energy meters installed and we took corrective action to reduce the power requirements in the kitchen.”
Cold air and warm rooms
Using cold air to dry hands saves energy
The hand driers in the toilets were replaced with eco-driers, which use cold air rather than warm air. This should reduce energy consumption and reduce the use of hand towels.
“Many of our tenants and hirers had been using electrical heaters to warm cold areas of the building. We’ve now installed energy efficient wall heaters which ensure safety and efficiency.” adds Samantha.
“The heaters are on 10 minute timers and are invaluable when it comes to eradicating cold spots.”
Using air to heat
ProMo-Cymru took over the running of the historic building over ten years ago, saving it from demolition. The building went through a huge regeneration and energy efficiency was top priority back then too. Two state of the art air heat pumps were installed.
The 40kW air source heat pumps were installed at the rear of the building and provided low-grade heat. These would work with the original cast iron radiators as well as installing SmartRads to keep the building warm. A gas boiler was also installed to supplement the heat pumps in extremely cold weather.
Using air to heat the historic building saves money and energy
Problems and solutions
We carried out an inspection of the heat pumps when we were looking at making further energy efficiency changes and found that one was not operating. The pumps had been running at significantly different times on the compressors. There was a blocked condensate pipe with fluid leaking and the piping was too small and poorly insulated. The pumps were also operating at 50 degrees, which is expensive to run. It made up 41% of the EVI’s energy consumption.
But we didn’t have the funds to fix these issues and repair the heat pumps, resulting in having to use the back up gas boiler in the winter. This caused a spike in energy usage, while the inefficient heat pumps were still running and increasing consumption further.
“The funding received through the Landfill Disposal Tax Community Scheme came to the EVI’s rescue and allowed the repairs to go ahead,” says a relieved Samantha.
“The EVI is once again being heated primarily through the energy efficient heat pumps.”
Check out our other article looking at the changes made to the lighting at the EVI to help cut costs and become more energy efficient.
Mae Institiwt Glynebwy wedi bod yn fwrlwm o weithgareddau’n ddiweddar wrth i waith effeithiolrwydd ynni ddigwydd yn yr adeilad diolch i arian gan Gynllun Cymunedau’r Dreth Gwarediadau Tirlenwi sydd yn cael ei redeg gan y WCVA. Mae’r holl waith wedi dod i ben bellach a hoffem roi gwybod i chi am yr hyn sydd wedi cael ei wneud.
Mae’r EVI yn cael ei redeg gan ProMo-Cymru. Rydym yn lleoliad cymunedol sydd yn garreg filltir, yn darparu rhaglen o weithgareddau creadigol, dysgu a datblygiadau mentrau cymdeithasol. Mae’n gartref i amrywiaeth o sefydliadau trydydd sector ac yn croesawu dros 5,000 o bobl bob mis.
Un rhan o’r gwaith gostwng defnydd ynni yn yr adeilad hanesyddol yma oedd gwella’r goleuadau, a dyma fyddem yn edrych arno yn yr erthygl hon. Byddem hefyd yn edrych ar pam bod goleuadau LED yn syniad da i bob tŷ ac adeilad.
Gwelliant Goleuo
Roedd 21%* o ddefnydd ynni’r EVi yn cael ei ddefnyddio i gadw’r goleuadau ymlaen, swm uchel iawn. Mae’n adeilad mawr ac felly angen llawer o oleuadau! (*Canlyniadau adolygiad ynni gan REW)
“Roedd y goleuadau yn hen ac yn aneffeithiol,” eglurai Samantha James, Cydlynydd Gweithrediadau yn yr EVi.
“Roedd y tiwbiau fflworolau yn chwythu drwy’r adeg, rhai o’r tryledwyr wedi torri ac yn gorfod prynu bylbiau newydd drwy’r adeg.”
Y brif neuadd yw’r ystafell fwyaf yn yr adeilad. Mae’r gofod wedi cael ei logi ar gyfer perfformiadau byw, cynadleddau, arddangosfeydd, partïon preifat, priodasau a mwy. Ond roedd dau set o oleuadau yn y neuadd yn ddiffygiol ac nid yw hyn yn creu argraff dda wrth geisio llogi’r ystafell i bobl! Ond roedd y gost o gael rhai newydd yn uchel, nid yn unig oherwydd y bylbiau arbenigol, ond roedd rhaid llogi sgaffald a galw trydanwyr arbenigol dro ar ôl tro i’w gosod.
“Defnyddiwyd peth o’r £32,523 i brynu goleuadau LED o’r radd flaenaf ar gyfer y neuadd,” meddai Samantha.
Ac nid y neuadd yn unig sydd wedi cael goleuadau newydd. Mae holl oleuadau’r adeilad wedi cael eu newid i LED.
Mae LED, sef Deuod Allyrru Golau, yn defnyddio hyd at 90% yn llai o ynni. Tra bod bwlb traddodiadol yn cynhyrchu llawer o wres er mwyn cynhyrchu golau, mae LED yn defnyddio llawer llai o wres i wneud yr un peth, ac felly mae’n llawer fwy ynni effeithlon.
Mae goleuadau yn gallu cyfrif am hyd at 20% o’ch biliau ynni felly mae posib creu arbedion sylweddol wrth newid i LED. Maent yn parhau’n hirach hefyd, tua 20 gwaith yn hirach nag bwlb golau traddodiadol, felly nid oes rhaid mynd allan i brynu bylbiau a’u newid drwy’r adeg. Bonws arall ydy bod bylbiau LED yn gallu cael eu hailgylchu, gan nad ydynt yn cynnwys mercwri fel rhai bylbiau hŷn.
Y newyddion da i unrhyw un sydd yn ystyried newid i LED ydy bod gostyngiad mawr wedi bod yn y pris ers iddynt ddod allan i gychwyn, ac nid sbotolau yn unig chwaith. Bellach mae yna amrywiaeth eang ar gael, fel bayonet, sgriw neu oleuadau strip hyd yn oed. (*Ffynhonnell gwybodaeth: 7 Reasons Why You Should Swap To LED Lighting – thegreenage.co.uk)
Cadwch olwg allan am yr erthyglau nesaf fydd yn edrych ar y gwaith gwelliannau drafft a gwres yn yr EVi.
The
EVi is ran by ProMo-Cymru. We are a landmark
community venue that provides a programme of creative
activities, learning and social
enterprise developments. We are home to a variety of third
sector organisations, welcoming over 5,000 people a month.
One aspect of the work
to reduce energy consumption at this historic building was the lighting
improvements, which we will look at in this article. We’ll also take a look at
why LED lighting is a good idea for all homes and buildings.
Light
Improvements
A massive 21%* of the EVi’s energy consumption went towards keeping all the lights on. It’s a big building so it needs a lot of light! (*Results of an energy review carried out by REW)
“Our lighting was out
of date and inefficient,” explains Samantha
James, Operations Coordinator at the EVi.
“The fluorescent tubes
were constantly shorting out, some of the diffusers were broken and we
were continuously purchasing new bulbs.”
The main hall is the
biggest space in the building. The space has been hired out for live
performances, conferences, exhibitions, private parties, weddings and more. But
two banks of lights in the main hall were not working, not a great look when
hiring out the space to people! But the cost of replacing them was high, not
just because they needed specialist bulbs, but also scaffolding had to be hired
and specialised electricians had to be called in repeatedly to fit them.
“We used some of the
£32,523 we received to source state of the art LED lighting for the hall,” said
Samantha.
“The scaffolding and
works were organised and carried out with no disruption to any of the groups
hiring the hall.”
And it’s not just the
hall that’s had a lighting make over. The entire buildings lighting has been
converted to LED.
The
benefits of LED *
LED, or a Light
Emitting Diode, uses up to 90% less energy. While a traditional bulb produces a
lot of heat to be able to produce light, an LED uses far less heat to do the
same thing and is therefore much more energy efficient.
Lighting can make up
to 20% of your energy bills so you can make significant savings by switching to
LED. They also last, about 20 times longer than a traditional light bulb,
meaning you don’t have to keep popping out to buy bulbs and change them all the
time. Another bonus is that LED bulbs are also recyclable, as they don’t
contain mercury like some older bulbs.
The good news for anyone who’s thinking of changing to LED is that there’s been a big reduction in prince since they first came out, and it’s not just spotlights anymore either. There’s now a wide range available, like bayonet, screw or strip lights even. (*Information source: 7 Reasons Why You Should Swap To LED Lighting – thegreenage.co.uk)
Check back with us soon when we’ll be
looking at the draught and heating improvement works that have been carried out
at the EVi.
Mae Institiwt Glynebwy yn falch iawn o gyhoeddi ein bod wedi derbyn cyllid o £32,523 gan Gynllun Cymunedau’r Dreth Gwarediadau Tirlenwi. Mae hwn yn rhaglen gyllido Llywodraeth Cymru sydd yn cael ei redeg gan WCVA.
Bwriedir gwella effeithiolrwydd ynni’r EVi gan gynyddu’r fioamrywiaeth leol a chynnwys y gymuned gyda gwirfoddoli a rhannu’r hyn dysgwyd.
Mae dros 5,000 o bobl yn ymweld â’r EVi bob mis, gydag amrywiaeth eang o ddefnyddiau a defnyddwyr i’r adeilad cymunedol yma. Bydd lleihau’r defnydd o egni mewn adeilad mor fawr yn creu arbedion sylweddol, ac yn helpu gostwng ein hôl troed carbon.
Gwella’r adeilad
Eleni mae’r EVi yn dathlu 170 mlynedd. Mae dros degawd ers i ProMo-Cymru ddechrau rhedeg yr adeilad. Pan symudwyd i mewn i’r adeilad yn wreiddiol, gwyddom fod angen llawer o waith i wella ffabrig yr adeilad. Cychwynnodd y gwaith gyda’r dyfodol mewn meddwl. Gosodwyd dau bwmp gwres ddaear o’r radd flaenaf i gynhyrchu gwres mwy effeithlon. Diolch i’r gronfa hon, byddem yn gweithredu nifer o nodweddion arbed egni eraill cyn hir. Byddem yn cynnwys y gymuned fel gwirfoddolwyr i helpu cynyddu bioamrywiaeth o amgylch yr adeilad.
Efallai nad yw effeithiolrwydd ynni ac arbed arian yn swnio’n gyffrous iawn i’r rhai sydd yn defnyddio’r adeilad, ond mae’n bwysig iawn i bopeth sydd yn digwydd yn yr EVi. Mae’r gwaith tu ôl i’r llenni yma yn caniatáu i’r EVi barhau i gefnogi’r gymuned leol. Dros y flwyddyn nesaf byddem yn gofyn i’r gwirfoddolwyr a’r staff yn yr EVi i rannu barn am pam bod yr EVi yn le mor arbennig i weithio a chwarae. Rydym yn gyffrous iawn hefyd i gael y bobl ifanc sydd yn defnyddio’r adeilad i rannu’r hyn maen nhw’n ei wneud. Byddem yn darlledu popeth dros ein sianeli digidol. Mae hyn yn sicrhau bod pawb yn cael gweld y gwaith mae ProMo-Cymru a’r gymuned yn ei wneud i ddatblygu cynaladwyedd yng Nglynebwy.
The Ebbw Vale Institute is pleased to announce that we have
received £32,523 funding from the Landfill Disposals Tax Communities
Scheme. This is a Welsh Government
fund programme managed by WCVA.
We
will be improving energy efficiency at the EVi increasing
the local biodiversity and involving the community through volunteering
and sharing what we learn.
Over 5000 people a month visit us here at the EVi, with a wide variety of uses and users for this community building. Reducing energy usage in a large building like this creates major savings and helps reduce our carbon footprint.
Improving the building
This year marks the 170th year
of the EVi. It’s been over a decade since ProMo-Cymru took over
the running of the building. When we originally moved in, we knew that it
needed a lot of work to improve the fabric of the building. From the very
beginning we worked with the future in mind. We installed two state of the art
ground heat pumps to make heating more efficient. Thanks to this fund, we
will soon be implementing a number of other energy saving features.
We will also be involving the community as volunteers to help increase
biodiversity around the building.
Energy
efficiency and cost-saving may not sound very exciting to those using the
building, but it is very important to all that goes on at the EVi. This behind
the scenes work allows the EVi to continue to support the local
community. Over the next year we will be asking volunteers and staff to
share what makes it such a special place to work and play. We are
also excited to get the young people who use the building to share what they are
doing. We will broadcast everything over our digital channels. This ensures
that everyone gets to see the work that ProMo-Cymru and the community does to
develop sustainability in Ebbw Vale.
During a recent survey, you told us that you would like EVI to…
Create a Community Garden (57%):
We hope to transform the unused land out the back to create a community space for recreation & activities, whilst enabling access to EVI via the Mount Street car park.
Develop our Live Music Venue (55%):
We’d like to refurbish our venue and equipment to attract larger acts and audiences whilst diversifying our arts programming.
Create Art & Photography Exhibition space (45%):
We’d love to host regular art exhibitions in an affordable way for the community.
Improve our training and reception facilities (40%):
We’d like to refurbish our training and reception facilities and improve our free WIFI service, attracting more training and development opportunities.
Install solar panels, improve our heating & lighting & replace our roof (48%):
This will help us become more energy efficient, keeping all our rooms warm and comfortable.
We’d love to hear more about what you think :
What do you think of the plans above?
How will these improvements impact you?
How would you like to use the community garden?
Do you have any other ideas ?
Please let us know your thoughts by emailing info@evi.cymru, or leave your comments below – your input directly informs our plans for developing EVI.
Comments Off on Lot’s of fun & information at the EVI Family Fun Day…
Thank you to everyone who took part in our Family Fun Day !
It was great to see families explore the EVI building during the Easter Information Trail, asking questions about the support services available and taking part in the activities !
Arts & Crafts Workshop…
Dance…
Wrestling…
EVI Easter Information Trail:
Lot’s of organisations were at hand to provide information on support services available, both within EVI (Barod Cymru Gwent N-Gage project, BGCBC Youth Services, Changing Minds, ACT Training and Llamau)
The Wallich provided self-referral information to help people access their service
Ebbw Vale Crime Prevention Panel provided information on buying/borrowing home safety kits to protect our homes when unoccupied i.e. holiday, hospital visits – contact Georgina Hurley at georginah555@gmail.com for more info…
EVI TV
EVI TV is now live, providing information on EVI services, news, classes and events !
With the funding support received from the Police & Crime Commissioner Partnership Fund, EVI was able to develop this TV system to help make information and support services easier to access.
We will soon be showing our archive of local history / community films on our EVI Youtube channel – watch this space !
ProMo-Cymru, the charity that runs Ebbw Vale Institute has been awarded £4,000 from the Police & Crime Commissioner for Gwent Partnership Fund which is funded by the proceeds of crime awarded to the police and from the sale of unclaimed found property.
With this support, EVI will provide an ‘information point’ for visitors to find out more about the services available within EVI, particularly around supporting vulnerable people, crime prevention and community cohesion.
BGCBC Youth Services: offers information, guidance and support including Anti-Social Behaviour prevention and Health & Well Being to young people.
ACT Training: provides opportunities for young people who are looking to get started in the world of work or improve their career prospects.
Gwent-N-Gage: offers free, confidential and friendly one to one specialist support for young people who use substances and for their loved ones.
Changing Minds: provides support to young people aged 14-25 who have or are experiencing mental health difficulties.
Llamau SY/MF project provides young people [16-19yrs] who have offended and those leaving the care system greater access to employment and training by undertaking a six month paid work placement.
Expressions: helps people deal with the root causes of anti-social behaviour, depression, anxiety and many other problems though CBT.
NHS Road to Wellbeing: Stress Control & ACTivate (Mental Health Support for adults)
Youth Offending Service (Community Panel)
GDAS: Provides direct support & intervention to service users and families.
And many more…
In celebration of Easter and with thanks to the key services provided to support the community (located within and external to EVI), we will hold a Family Fun Day on Wednesday 28th March 2018, from 3pm – 6pm.
Free activities include sumo wrestling, dance mats, arts & crafts, sugar craft demonstration, goodie bags and more – the first 50 people to complete the trail will receive a free Easter Cup Cake.
All ages welcome, cafe with WIFI available.
I would like to congratulate all the projects funded on their success. I know that small amounts of funding can often make a big difference to people’s lives and can sometimes be the catalyst which can help small community projects to develop, grow and help even more people. The Partnership Fund is a fantastic way of putting money we have seized from criminals back into the public purse so it can be used for positive community action. The Police & Commissioner for Gwent, Jeff Cuthbert.
Due to the RED weather warning in force for Blaenau Gwent, we have been advised to close the building this weekend. If you have tickets for this weekends showS, the rescheduled dates are as follows.
Oasis Friday2nd March NEW DATE SATURDAY MARCH 10TH
Foreigner’s Journey Saturday 3rd March NEW DATE Saturday APRIL 14TH
ALL TICKETS VALID FOR RESCHEDULED DATES
ANY REFUNDS AVAILABLE FROM POINT OF PURCHASE IF YOU CANNOT MAKE RESCHEDULED DATES.
Ebbw Vale Institute is a regenerated building full of story and culture. For a long time it existed to promote cultural exchange in the neighbourhood; now EVi’s doors are open again, with a wide variety of cultural events and activities on offer for all ages and interests… more
About ProMo-Cymru
ProMo-Cymru works towards building positive change and lasting relationships between individuals, families and communities…more
Send this email to someone you think may be interested
February
How would you like to see EVI develop?
We welcome your feedback and ideas to help inform the development of this historic, vibrant community & cultural centre.
May we request that you [and any colleagues, clients, friends who are affiliated with EVI] complete this short 3min questionnaire to enable us to seek funding support to help restore our building & develop our facilities.
We’d be most grateful if you could complete this short questionnaire by Thursday 1st March 2018.
2017 was a busy year at the EVi, the community and cultural centre at the heart of Ebbw Vale regenerated and developed by ProMo-Cymru. Chris Phillips, EVi Events Officer, looks back at the past year and the diverse and exciting variety of music and theatrical events.
January is normally notoriously slow in the events business because of the unpredictable weather, especially up here in the mountains of Ebbw Vale. The fact that most customers are bereft of funds after the excesses of the Christmas period doesn’t help either. When we were approached with a guaranteed fee for the whole of January to use the main hall we were more than happy to oblige.
The Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) bandwagon arrived on 2 January. For the next four weeks, they transformed the hall into an impromptu studio.
Guest musicians and all sorts of weird and wonderful instruments arrived on a daily basis, whether it was James Dean Bradfield from the Manic Street Preachers or a glockenspiel. We had to keep the utmost secrecy. Visitors with prying eyes all wanted to know exactly what was going on behind the boarded up doors.
Work finished in early February and we had our hall back. It looked eerily empty after the multitude of electronica and soundproofing had been stripped out. When the album was released in July 2017 it stormed the charts outselling Jay–Z in first few days of release. It finally peaked at number four in the UK Charts. Rather an impressive start to the year with more to come from the PSB boys with two sell-out launch shows… but more of that later.
Interactive theatre
2017 was definitely a diverse year and with the hall back in our possession, our first show was an interactive theatre piece by Be Aware Productions. The play was funded by the Arts Council of Wales. Written by Turkish playwright Meltem Arikan, directed by Memet Ali Alahora and starring Maddie Jones, Pinar Ogun, Francesca Dimech and Emma Daman Thomas. The show was in the form of a gig. Band members talked about experiences of sexual violence by real people through song and very dark humour. The show was very hard hitting and very thought-provoking and included a lively Q&A session at the end.
A sell out tribute
Along with the spring, March brought our first full house when the Bon Giovi tribute act sold 300 tickets. I’m told there were people so desperate to come that they were offering double the entrance fee to ticket holders on Facebook. The evening was such a hit that the Bon Jovi tribute act was booked again for December. That too sold out months in advance.
Tribute bands may not be to everyone’s taste, and may not be everyone’s idea of art, but they are very popular. With a healthy balance of the real and the ‘fake’ we can continue to offer something for everyone.
Charity fundraisers
Charity events are always welcome here at the EVi. We had a fantastic night when Faith Parry put on an evening of acoustic music to celebrate her struggle with mental health. Her fathers’ band Mattraffia also reunited for the evening to raise money and awareness for Mind, the mental health charity.
The fundraising continued in April with an event to raise funds for the local cinema. The local authority was threatening closure. Bands from all over the area played to a healthy crowd and the cinema was eventually kept open. We don’t know what effect our event had on the decision, but “every little helps”.
UK Subs at the EVi
Not all rock and metal
There may have been some criticism in the past that there was too much rock and heavy metal at the EVi. April dispelled a lot of that. We had a night of hardcore dance with hoards of ravers in hot pants and waving glow sticks. We also had punk legends UK Subs performing a set of rarities and standards to celebrate 40 Years at the forefront of youth rebellion. Yes, youthful rebellion with Charlie Harper… a sprightly 73 years young!
Summer lovin’
The EVi can be hired for personal parties and events. In May the local vicar held his retirement event here. A personal highlight for me was my own daughters’ wedding. Throw in another sell out, this time from a Guns N’ Roses tribute act. The end of spring saw an eclectic mix of events at the venue proving we provide something for most tastes.
The summer and wedding season really kicked off in June. We had a steampunk union that was an absolute joy and a pagan handfasting ceremony. It’s not all confetti and lace. The halfway point of the year also saw the return of a major musical event. Odin’s Rock Club held their fifth annual two-day festival with acts from all over the country playing.
Showing gratitude
Public Service Broadcasting returned for two sold-out shows to launch Every Valley, the album lovingly created in the concert hall at the EVi. Ever since the recording of Every Valley PSB Management and myself had been in constant email contact. We talked about the possibility of the band playing some shows as a thank you to the area for being so welcoming to these “middle-class Londoners” who came to write about their industry and struggles.
The album was now ready and the dates were set and announced. The 400 general sale tickets were put online and sold out in less than two minutes. The band gave us 50 half-price tickets to sell for each night. The condition was that buyers had to provide evidence that they lived within 15 miles of the venue. These tickets lasted a little longer, about an hour and a half. People were waiting for the box office to open to get their hands on these “once in a lifetime” golden tickets.
Media interviews with PSB at the EVi
A huge production
Most bands arrive in vans and PSB were no different, except they had four vans and a large truck full of rigging, lights and equipment. It was all hands on deck as myself and our local volunteers set about helping the crew. We put up the magnificent structure that held the giant screens and the myriad of lights. The hall was once again transformed. It was hard to believe that you were still in Ebbw Vale with the sheer size of the production.
The morning of the show saw media arrive from across Wales and even journalists from France. Janice Long arrived from Radio Wales and held an extensive interview with J from the band. The show was to be streamed as a 360degree production. The EVi was a hive of activity and the way everything came together was miraculous. There were a few teething problems. The generator that powered the show was too big to get through the doors. They had to hire a crane as the driver would not leave it on the street. It was lifted over the fence and retrieved after the shows.
Happy fans
Both shows were fantastic and locals and the PSB fan club still rave about it six months later. A really lovely story came out of this too. After the first show, we heard that an eight-year-old in his pyjamas had been sat in the car park listening. The show was for ages 14 plus but the child was a massive fan. I relayed this story to J and the management. They agreed that the boy and his parents could sit on the balcony above the bar with the bands’ guests and watch the show. The child got to meet his heroes and it was a great way to finish the shows off. It seems PSB hadn’t quite finished with us but more of that later.
EVi Events Officer Chris Phillips with James Dean Bradfield
Video shoot with a Manic Street Preacher
July brought another three weddings and a funeral and a return to live action when Swansea rockers Buffalo Summer rocked the hall.
August saw PSB return, this time with the Manic Street Preachers’ James Dean Bradfield. They were here to shoot a video for their collaboration single from the album. They also kindly donated a Ludwig drum kit, Fender Stratocaster guitar and the bands old touring bass amp for young musicians to learn to play. All in all they are a great bunch of people and this was a mutually advantageous union with the album being the bands highest charting. Hopefully, there will be more to come in 2018… watch this space!
Autumn Blues
After a few tributes, engagements, funerals and children’s parties, musically the autumn saw the return of local heroes Henry’s Funeral Shoe. They brought their down n’ dirty blues driven rock back to the Valleys.
Charity events started again in September with two nights in aid of Musicians Against Homelessness. Both were well attended and worked to raise the profile and funds of this fledgeling charity.
Dan Reed performing at the EVi
Hooked on the EVi
Once acts play the EVi they invariably want to come again, whether it is the audience, staff or well-stocked bar, they usually return. Mike Peters of The Alarm has played twice. Most of the local acts have been numerous times. In October, rock legend Dan Reed made his third visit. It coincided with a 50th birthday for one of the Odin’s Rock Club booking staff. They had a party in a back room and all bought tickets to Dan’s show. So Dan basically played to a birthday party and full gig audience. Long after everyone else had gone home he held court for hours playing his acoustic and regaling with tales of touring with the Stones and other musical royalty.
Paying with batteries
Diversity in music and entrance fee came next when Heavenly Records brought the unique Make Noise event to the EVi. Instead of an admission fee customers had to bring an old electrical item to recycle as ‘payment’ for a gig featuring quirky Cardiff indie troubadour Sweet Baboo. The payment included everything from a handful of batteries to a chainsaw (well hedge trimmer but still vicious looking!).
Orbs show up in photos during a paranormal investigation at the EVi
Spooky goings on
A paranormal investigation by the Ebbw Vale Paranormal Society made me uneasy to be in the venue alone at night for a few weeks. They found a fair bit of activity in the shape of orbs, voices and unexplained noises. I am more than a little sceptical, but it did make me think twice about certain things that go bump in the night in this very old building
Motown and Indie
I mentioned before that bands like to return to the venue and in November Big Mac’s Wholly Soul Band paid us their fifth visit to celebrate their 25thAnniversary. A sell out crowd danced the night away to the glorious hits of Motown. After the success of the PSB events, it seemed we were in demand by touring bands and SWN in Cardiff asked us if we could accommodate We Are Scientists for a late-announced gig as part of a whistle-stop tour of only three UK gigs. We gladly agreed and had a fantastic evening with the New York Indie Stars.
The Church at the Brain Freeze Festival
Brain freeze
The saying goes you can never have too much of a good thing and that was evident when Charlie Harper brought the UK Subs back for another visit in late November. This was just a warm-up for the third annual staging of Pity My Brain’s Brain Freeze Festival. This event always delivers the best in local, national and international rock music with previous acts including Atomic Bitchwax and Crobot.
On the menu this year was the lauded Jim Jones and the Righteous Mind, Church of the Cosmic Skull, Virginmarys and an outstanding array of local talent. Add in a record fair and local ales from the Tudor brewery plus acoustic acts such as Brandy Row and Aled Clifford and you get the best value two-day festival money can buy.
The Church had the most people in a band on stage (apart from Gruff Rhys’ nine-piece band a few years back) and what a sight they were all bedecked in white (as well as a fair portion of the audience avec blanc). It was like a cult sermon but what a heavenly racket they made.
Festive celebrations
The festive season arrived and we had a tremendous party night with our own Dean Richards providing the cabaret, a free party for local children complete with buffet and magician, and another sell-out show from those Bon Giovi guys.
In conclusion, what a year it has been, from international touring megastars, local bands at the start of their journeys, raves, thought-provoking plays, mediums, debates and all manner of family functions – hatches, matches and dispatches! Add in a top five album recorded at the EVi and you have a pretty diverse and satisfying year. Who knows what 2018 will bring but it sure has a lot to live up too!
The weekend of November 24th and 25th sees some Giants of the Underground arriving at the EVi as part of Pity My Brain’s Brainfreeze festival. To celebrate festival big wig Jamie Richards went on Radio 6 with Radcliffe and Maconie to chat about this unique event. Follow the link and click 2.13 in to hear about this diverse weekend, including Real Ales, Record Fair and acts of the calibre of Jim Jones and The Righteous Mind, VirginMarys and Church of the Cosmic Skull
Hot on the Heels of the Public Service Broadcastings shows, more Indie Heavyweights came to the EVi to perform an intimate show. It was a tremendous evening but do not just take our word for it, this is what the South Wales Argus had to say.
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IT’S not often you see a big name band come to a small venue, but We Are Scientists brought in a huge crowd on their visit to Gwent on Wednesday night.
The indie rock band – who are well-known for their hit song Nobody Move, Nobody Get Hurt from their 2005 album Love & Squalor – brought a mixture of music from five of their top albums to the Ebbw Vale Institute.
Lead singer and guitarist Keith Murray and backing singer and bassist Chris Cain not only got the crowd jumping but managed to squeeze in some comedy in between sets with some off the cuff humour.
The band – who hail from New York City – managed to fit in quite well into the valleys and brought in some jokes about the terrible transport.
And along with the free comedy show, Keith Murray made the crowd go wild after jumping off the stage and dancing round the room while singing 2005 tune Textbook.
The whole band performed with an amazing energy that got everyone excited and entranced into the music.
We Are Scientists make you feel like you are an actual member of the band with their relaxed show style and comical references.
Their tour is one not to be missed – and lets face it – any band that isn’t from Wales that can properly pronounce Welsh town names is always a winner.” Alice Rose
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