From Pam Newby, Exeter 383654, March 04,2008

Barnstaple Library is to host a fortnight of displays and workshops relating to sustainability from Saturday, March 15^th to Saturday, March 29^th.

Events kick off with a talk by Mukti Mitchell, the Clovelly based, low carbon lifestyle campaigner. Last year Mukti undertook a six month voyage round Britain in his 15ft, hand-built, zero emission yacht to promote the benefits of low carbon living. His talk will cover his experiences sailing around Britain, how to lead a low carbon lifestyle and how low carbon living improves quality of life.

There will be a series of workshops by a range of local experts:

On Wednesday, March 19^th Sophie Phillips from RE4D (Renewable Energy for Devon) will look at the different renewable energy options for people's homes. She will talk about solar water heating, biomass, heat pumps, wind turbines, solar PV and micro-hydro.

On Wednesday, March 26th, Jeff Bolton of West Country Energy Action will focus on 'Energy for a Sustainable Future' explaining the different forms of power generation, energy conservation measures in the home and affordable warmth, with information on fuel poverty, grants and advice.

On Thursday, March 27^th, Nicky Scott of Devon Community Composting Network will try to answer everyone's composting questions, from how to make the best and easiest compost at home to starting up a community project.

Also throughout the day on Thursday, March 27^th, Helen Durrant from Fairs Fair in Barnstaple will have a stall in the foyer displaying some of the many sustainably-produced items that she sells.

On Saturday, March 29^th, there will be a creative workshop run by 'Mrs Recycle' Cathy Karniewicz. To encourage more people to stop using plastic bags, Cathy will provide cloth bags for adults and children to make into their own personalised shopping bags. There will be a nominal charge to cover materials for this event.

Throughout the fortnight there will be a range of informative displays in the foyer of the library relating to sustainable transport, energy efficiency, healthier homes, renewable energy, composting and recycling.

For further information see Barnstaple Library's website www.devon.gov.uk/libraries or call in to the library for a programme.