The small North Otago community of Hampden is going to be at the forefront of the energy efficiency field on Monday when it stages its first energy expo.
The expo is another initiative by Hampden Community Energy Incorporated, formed to cope with the demands of climate change and peak oil production.
Funding from the Ministry for the Environment has helped the small community group stage the expo, which is aimed at presenting good ideas and products for energy efficiency and do-it-yourself ideas to make life simpler and cheaper.
One of the organisers, Dugald MacTavish, hoped people would go away from the expo with good ideas to make their lives easier, less expensive and more secure.
Exhibits cover a wide field - from the efficient use of energy to conserving water.
Organisers expect exhibits on solar and wind energy, sewage treatment options, electricity-use meters, energy-efficient vehicles, low-carbon woodburners, "pedal power", low-tech cooking aids, water collection and storage, straw bale building and home insulation.
There will also be demonstrations on remodelling clothing, tending orchard trees, cider pressing, home-made disinfectants and creams and efficient home irrigation systems.
The expo runs from 10am to 4pm on Monday at the Hampden Hall, with money raised going towards a new sound system for the hall.
Hampden Energy Expo team members are ready for the Hampden Energy Expo on Monday. From left: Bobb Burton, Kate Wallace, Rick Tanaka, Sam and Arrow Koehler, Howard Selwood, Maurice Corish, Annette Selwood, Dugald MacTavish (at top of sign), and Trevor and Elizabeth Norton. Photo by Bill Campbell
reprinted from Otago Daily Time.
