Centre for Alternative Technology
Wales ’ newest and one of its most popular attractions, the Centre for Alternative Technology is an experiment in eco-friendly power and a fascinating family friendly centre.
Recyclable loos, wind powered telephones and water powered railways (open April to October). feature among over 50 interesting off the wall exhibits in sourcing environmentally friendly power. Since the centre started in 1975, over a million people has flocked to see this pioneering establishment and many of its alternative technologies have entered the mainstream of environmentally aware policies.
The main entrance to the centre is via the water and gravity powered funicular railway up a steep 60m incline. The centre includes various applications of water, wind and solar energy , a small organic farm with livestock and an underground display on the world of soil. All the buildings are made of locally harvested timber and other materials, including a theatre made of straw and as you’d expect a vegetarian restaurant.
The Centre for Alternative Technology is situated in 16 hectares of a former slate quarry, that has been transformed into a subsistence workers cooperative. Gardeners or farmers will indeed be amazed at the productivity of the organic farm and its natural methods of weeding and pest control.
The Centre also runs residential volunteer schemes for those who fancy getting their hands dirty and courses on environmentally friendly projects.
In 2006 was the completion of the largest ever redevelopment of CAT's Visitor Centre and the launch of a host of brand new displays.
There is an ambitious two-story pavilion which will house fun interactive displays exploring renewable energy sources: sun, wind, water and bio-fuels (fuel that you can grow).The Whole Home display is being refitted with a contemporary interior complete with eco-friendly domestic appliances, household products, and an organic garden with composting and rainwater harvesting facilities. The brand new renewable-energy-powered Rocket compost machine, for example, is already turning CAT's kitchen waste into compost in record time. The 'retail therapy couch' and many other entertaining displays will prompt visitors to consider the impact of the goods they buy.
