Onlookers might have been puzzled today after a statue in Llanidloes was donned in a bright orange jumper.
The statue of Sabrina the water nymph - start of the Sabrina walk - was taking part in a Wales-wide project to highlight the Welsh Government's new climate change campaign.
Statues throughout Wales were descked out in simialr bright jumpers to make people aware of how they can reduce their impact on the environment by lowering heating thermostats by just one degree and wearing an extra layer of clothing.
‘Get It On’ month is part of the Welsh Government’s new climate change campaign, Way To Go, which encourages everyone to think about changes we can make to help save energy and money, whilst tackling climate change at the same time.
Get It On month highlights the fact that turning down a thermostat by just one degree can be easily compensated for by simply wearing an extra layer. You will still be just as comfortable in your house, and could save money on your energy bills.
John Griffiths, Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development, said: “As the cold weather bites, this Campaign is a light-hearted way of demonstrating that we can all save money and keep warm by turning the thermostat down by one degree and wearing an extra layer indoors. It’s a simple action that can really make a difference.
“We know that energy bills are a real worry for a lot of people at this time of year. Turning your thermostat down to 18 degrees Celsius could help save on your energy bill and it will help Wales reduce its carbon footprint. If every household in Walesturned down the thermostat by just one degree, we could save £50 million on our combined energy bill."
Get It On month is being supported by the Energy Saving Trust whose research shows that for every degree you turn your heating down by, you could save around £60 a year on your heating bill. By installing a room thermostat you save a further £70.
MyNewtown has teamed up with the campaign to offer some tips to save money and help the environment by using a thermostat:
· Your room thermostat should be set to the lowest comfortable temperature – typically around 18 degrees. Reduce the heat by just one degree and try it for a week. Gradually, you may be able to go down three or even four degrees comfortably and save a chunk of money at the same time.
· Try turning down the thermostat by five to ten degrees at night and then turn it up again in the morning. If you can get used to that, you’ll save five to ten per cent on your heating bill.
· If you open a window, remember to turn down your thermostats. Those cool breezes will send your boiler on a fuel-burning rampage unless the thermostats are set.
· Planning a party? Turn the thermostats down. Each guest is the equivalent of a 175-watt heater, and a large group will warm up your home without the heating being on.
· Finally, you’ll be healthier in cooler air. Your body will burn a few more calories keeping you warm, thereby helping you to lose weight and improve your general health!
For more information about the Way To Go campaign and to join the conversation about climate change, visit www.facebook.com/waytogowales on Facebook or follow @waytogowales on Twitter.
Caption: Local campaigners Jessica Morgan and Miguel Hunt posing with the statue.