Antinuclear

Young Australians raising awareness, and money, for renewable energy and energy conservation

Young Australians “Repower” the Country http://southern-courier.whereilive.com.au/your-news/story/young-australians-repower-the-country-2/  BY SAMANTHA COOPER 17 May 12, Local kids are working to show our leaders that young people want investment in renewable energy.

Across Sydney and Australia, local groups of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition are running Repower events to raise money to install solar energy and reduce the energy use of local businesses, charities, and community centres – and show the Government that there is widespread community support for an Australia powered with 100% renewable energy.

At the launch event on Wednesday 16 May, young people gathered at the site of the first Repower event in NSW, Sappho Books and Wine Bar in Glebe. Comedian Claire Hooper MC’ed the event and the Environment Defender’s Office Principal Solicitor Kirsty Ruddock shared her perspective on the next steps for Australia moving towards a more sustainable future. The owners of the book store spoke about how excited they were to use the $2800 raised at their Repower event to reduce their energy use and recycling bills in ways they could not afford to before.

“When all the rest of us are sitting down, watching The Voice, and avoiding the issues, this group of young people is taking care of business. Repower is a really exciting example of turning passion into action in local communities. Thank goodness for the kids, eh?” said Claire Hooper.

“Young people are tired of waiting for politicians to invest in the renewable energy we need.  We have the technology through concentrating solar thermal power plants and windfarms to power Australia with 100% renewable energy, and so we’re getting started doing that, one venue at a time,” said local university student Samantha Cooper, from Randwick.
To get involved contact sam.cooper@aycc.org.au

May 19, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | General News