is looking in a holistic way at helping the community of Pontarddulais become more environmentally sustainable. A variety of themes are being addressed and events and activities organised around those themes. An important part of the project so far has been linking with existing groups, societies, chapels and churches and schools,  to inform them of the project and to incorporate environmental aspects into some of the activities they already do.  The logo to the left has been specially designed for this initiative and the main ideas came from the Eco-group at Pontarddulais Comprehensive School.  The emphasis is clearly that we can all make a difference even by doing little things!

To date we have attended the carnival and Pontarddulais Show with a stand explaining about the project and offering various environmental information. The 'Vital Signs' exhibition has been erected outside the comprehensive school for over a week at the end of the summer term and just recently outside on the main shopping street. We've also organised a 'swap shop' event.  We've been busy informing groups of the project and discussing ways they can get involved which is an important part of developing the relationship within the community.  Facilitation -the bringing together of people to carry out various activities is key and, this has happened in the case of the comprehensive school pupils and Friends of Coedbach Park group. Our project display boards have been on show at the local library and at the local produce market . In that event we've been giving out various goodies and information on certain topics each time- they range from 'hippo' bags for water saving in toilets in the home, to a cookery demonstration by a local chef who bought the fresh ingredients from the market stalls and then cooked three courses with it! A demonstration that local food is good.  A waste amnesty took place recently where large unwanted items were placed outside for collection and reuse, and in partnership with the Council's recycling team we've arranged talks about real nappies at local toddler groups. Just this week we worked with two other organisations (PONT & Keep Wales Tidy) to organise a clean up session on Cefn Drum mountain in the area, and we had 10 keen volunteers turn out.
So we've been busy!

Our Carbon Footprint Challenge is underway with 9 households. Initial introductory sessions were arranged where we explained about the need for cutting our carbon emissions and asked  each of them to complete a footprint survey. They have now been given tailored advice, tips and ideas on actions to take to cut their footprint and get experts in to help if necessary. Then, after supporting during the coming months, we'll measure it again in the spring next year to see what the difference is!

We aim to set up a Sustainability Group in the area, that will contribute ideas to the project, help spread the word and more importantly, will continue as a group after our project comes to an end, possibly working on small scale environmental projects. If you are interested, let me know!

Our work in the area will culminate in a Community Green Map being produced. It will be created by the local people with our support, in a variety of ways. Free Digital media classes will be run where you can learn about digital photography, how to upload and edit photos, and you never know... one of your photos could end up being published on the map! We will also hold consultations with a variety of groups and some open drop-in sessions where you can plot relevant locations on the map.

So, if you live in Pontarddulais and are keen to get involved, then phone or email to speak to us and we'll see what can be achieved!