Solar energy for the youth

The solar panels installed on the trust’s building in Bethlehem.

They are striving to conserve their carbon dioxide emissions, save money and educate the young community on alternative energy sources.

Trustee Blair Anderson says the shift to solar energy aligns with the programme's vision of promoting environmental awareness.

'We are looking for alternative sources of power and in Bay of Plenty we have ample amounts of sun.

'Solar energy has always been a personal dream of mine. So we can stop damming rivers that kayakers use and minimise the burning of coal.

"We as a community need to stop destroying the environment through the use of coal and start introducing solar into everyday lives."

The project aim is for solar panels to generate the majority of power for the trust.

The charitable trust was created in 2011, offering a wide range of educational and recreational activities for all schooled aged children.

The solar panels were installed on Wednesday, September 25.

Since then, the trust has reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 0.7 of a tonne which is the equivalent of planting 38 trees.

Blair says the money saved from solar panels will be able to be reinvested back into the students.

"We can take the money we save in power and put it into other activities.

"Recently we purchased a whole lot of stand-up paddleboards for as many as 40 to 50 people.

"What we are trying do is promote health and well-being through education, and the solar panels are helping us do that by saving us money.”

The trust is now looking to invest in electric vehicles so they can transport students to their outdoor education facilities.

"We want to start investing in vehicles so we can pick up children, getting them off their screens and physically active," Blair says.

He emphasises the importance of educating young people about minimising their environmental impact.

"If we start at a young age, we can influence the generations prior. We are trying to give them information so they can make an informed decision on their environmental impact.

"We are not talking about plastic bags here, we are talking about the big producers of carbon dioxide in the world. And if we can lower that production, then it's going to be better for everyone.”

If you would like to support the programme's mission, contact: education@waimarinotrust.co.nz

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