Caldey Island is reducing its carbon footprint following the worrying reports of global warming and environmental damage.
The Abbey and the islanders have all taken positive action this winter to ensure that the Government's logo of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle is being strictly adhered to.
Due to Caldey being an island, it has always had an ethos for re-using objects, but now it has a concentrated action plan to follow to ensure that it is as carbon neutral as possible. For example, as a matter of course, waste is being reduced by choosing minimally packaged goods, choosing reusable products over disposable ones, and recycling what cannot be reused.
Goods for recycling are taken over to the mainland once a week on the mail boat. Approximately 300 tonnes of waste materials which had accrued over the last few decades, such as disused machinery and redundant vehicle parts, have also been removed from the island and sent for recycling. All new appliances needed on the island in future will be energy efficient, and all light bulbs are being replaced with energy efficient brands.
The islanders have long been used to efficient use of water, and now make the most of natural water supplies by using the island's pond water to run the toilet system.
The island is now in its fourth year of the land management scheme, Tir Gofal. Due to this, natural habitats are preserved on the island, providing nesting sites for a number of bird species, and native wild flowers are supported.
As well as these environmental initiatives, the island has undertaken important building work during the past six months, including the re- roofing of St. Illtid's Church and the Old Priory, which means that visitors this coming season will be able to appreciate these ancient buildings in safety and peace. Caldey Island is indebted to and very grateful for the National Park Authority's assistance in this project.
It is also worth noting that the research and development department are looking for ways to use solar energy panels within a conservation area.
Running alongside the ongoing campaign of improving all visitor sites on the island, these projects will hopefully enhance the natural haven and step-back-in-time-feeling that is associated with Caldey.