MyElephants weblog

For immediate release 
For Further Information contact:
Mike Newland
email: mike@myelephants.co.uk
 
Elephants seen in North Yorkshire !
A North Yorkshire farmer has launched a weblog internet presence to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. Targeted specifically at families and children it has been called  www.MyElephants.co.uk. The concept combines education with actual energy crops being grown in North Yorkshire, the unusual name derives from the crop Miscanthus, commonly known as Elephant Grass, which is being grown as a renewable biomass source and a means of off-setting carbon emissions. The weblog is interactive so it offers viewers of all ages an opportunity to post comments about all aspects of energy use and climate change.
“I have been involved in renewable energy crops for over 10 years but the uptake in growing has been quite slow. It struck me that by combining a novel and fun aspect to the whole topic would encourage families, and in particular children, to take an active interest in both renewable crops and carbon emissions whilst promoting energy efficiency hopefully raising the profile of renewable crops and educating at the same time” said Mike Newland the farmer involved.
The whole project is anchored in the physical planting and sponsorship of Elephant Grass plants for uses ranging from electricity generation to cat litter. Using the internet to promote and educate on the subject and allowing the sponsored planting of the grasses allows families to take an active role in promoting renewable crops. Updated photographs and progress reports on the crops development and discounts on products made from the crop will further enhance the education aspect. The web site at www.myelephants.co.uk takes the form of a blog so anyone with an interest can have there say and get involved.
Mr Newland comments that “Climate change is a problem that the current generation of mankind must address now to provide a future for the generations that follow. It will not go away and we must act now to slow the adverse effects we are having on our environment. Engendering in families, especially the younger members of the family, the notion of responsible actions towards energy and the environment is the best way to prevent the mistakes made by previous generations being repeated”.
MyElephants is both an ethereal internet project and one with “Grass Roots” that are actually growing in a field in North Yorkshire. The project was prompted by the Yorkshire Forward initiative Farmersontheweb.