Sixtysomethings take action to combat climate change

A GROUP in Carlow town has bucked the adage about old dogs and new tricks by embracing lifelong learning when it comes to climate action. A group of climate action heroes shared fantastic stories in An Gairdín Beo last week about how small changes made by individuals can collectively have a big impact.

The facilitator for the programme is Jacinta Barrins, who is encouraging those in the over-60 age group across Ireland to reduce their carbon impact. She was an inspiration to those participating in the Carlow programme. Jacinta explained in everyday language what global warming is and how it is linked to everyday actions such as heating our homes, how we travel, the food we eat and the amount of waste we produce.

After explaining how we have all been, and still are, contributing to global warming and consequently climate change, Jacinta asked participants to identify one action they could take in the area of travel, household energy, food consumed and household waste and set about developing a plan to reduce their pollution in that area.

Among those who took action was Pat, who decided he would upgrade his heating system and install temperature controls on the radiators in his rooms so he can better control the temperature. He was going to install solar, but his roof is not entirely suitable, so he is investigating whether a ground-mounted option will work instead.

Michael lives in Carlow town and decided to reduce his car usage. He started going to his local shop, which he can walk to, rather than the large supermarket, which is further away from his house, and is trying to walk instead of taking the car on journeys under 3km. He would like to have the opportunity to take the town bus, but it doesn’t cover the Athy Road where he lives and would like to see it included.

Mary loves orange juice and has started buying oranges and squeezing her own, rather than buying it from the supermarket, therefore reducing her use of plastic bottles.

Last year, Maura installed insulation in her attic, introduced zoned heating in her house and installed solar panels, which means she is now using 40% less energy than before. As a result of the course, and on the food front, she has bought a hot bin for composting and she’s also taking train journeys instead of the car, when she can. She is considering window and door replacement but wishes she had known about the one-stop-shop option before she started the upgrade works, as she would have had them all done at the same time.

Marion is taking her next trip to London, but she won’t be flying. She will travel by bus from Carlow to Dublin, ferry from Dublin to Holyhead, and train from Holyhead to London.

Áine Byrne, community climate action officer in Carlow County Council, organised the training, invited Jacinta to deliver the course and put the call out for people from Carlow to join.

“Jacinta explained in everyday language how every action contributes to global warming, and once we know how that happens, we are empowered to make choices and take action,” said Áine.

“Some people looked at large actions, some at smaller ones, but everyone increased their knowledge of the problem and how they can help to solve it.” The over-60s group will continue to meet and have a nutritionist visiting today, Tuesday 11 February, who will outline how to incorporate plant-based options into what they currently eat. Anyone interested in attending that session can contact Áine on 087 4604854 to book a place.

For anyone interested in looking at upgrades to their home, a free service is available in the library, where a homeowner can meet an energy engineer for a free 15-minute consultation and get advice on upgrading their home. Next date for that is Thursday 27 February from 11am to 1pm in Carlow Library, Tullow Street. Booking is essential: just phone Carlow Library on 059 9129705 or drop into the branch to reserve a place.