19/11/09
‘Knit a winter warmer and save cash and carbon emissions,’ urges north Wales’ Climate Champion
North Wales' Climate Change Champion has got her winter warmer sorted - and is aiming to save on carbon emissions and energy bills thanks to her local Women's Institute.
Ffion Roberts, 15, who was appointed to her eco-role by the Welsh Assembly Government, visited Pwllheli Women's Institute, to knit jumpers which can be worn to give warmth instead of turning up heating, which is both carbon and cost-intensive.
According to the Carbon Trust, heating and hot water can account for 60% of your total energy costs. So if everyone in Wales put on a jumper instead of turning their heating up by 1°c we would save £50 million a year on energy bills and about 250,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.
The earliest known examples of knitting were found in ancient Egypt. The craft has recently seen a revival with Hollywood stars like Cameron Diaz and Julia Roberts spotted with knitting needles.
Ffion said: "I think when it gets cold we're all quick to turn the heating up, but if we put on more layers and don't turn the heating up so high we could all save money and lower our carbon footprints.
"Knitting is a fun way to keep warm without harming the environment or our pockets."
Margaret Lloyd Jones, Chair of the National Federation of Women's Institutes-Wales, said: "The ladies enjoyed meeting Ffion to explore fun ways to save money on our energy bills, especially as gas prices continue to rise. It's great that young people are taking such an active role in the community to help make Wales greener.
"WI members are committed to tackling climate change, through our projects and campaigns we've played a key role in raising awareness of the urgent need to tackle this important issue. This year we launched the Women and Climate Change Campaign which highlights the vital role women play in tackling climate change."
Ffion became a Climate Change Champion in January after winning a competition to find six young people who can use their influence to persuade their friends, families and communities to do their bit to help Wales reduce its carbon footprint.
She is spending a year in office spreading the word about how people can take simple but effective steps to reduce their carbon footprint while saving money at the same time.
