Alan Bish

I first started to really focus on green issues and the environment when I became a dad, and these concerns have grown over the years involving me in a number of local initiatives.

My biggest decision was when I made a move to change my career inline with my environmental concerns.  I used to work within the motor industry and every day it got harder cycling to a job which was part of the problem.  Luckily I was offered a job with a local Environmental & Energy Management Consultancy and I bit the bullet and jumped ship, and despite the drop in income I have never been happier at work as I am now working as part of the solution.

A personal project of mine is Pompey Green Drinks which I started in 2005 as a forum for Portsmouth residents to engage with like minded people on environmental issues without the need to become politically active.  I think that this is important as people can be put off joining some groups due to their politically active nature, and it is important to get the message out and share the knowledge with as many people as possible, be they active or not.

I have also been a member of Friends of the Earth and enjoyed being the Co-ordinator for the local group for a short time.  I stood as the local Green Party candidate in my area on a couple of occasions and set up Portsmouth Freecycle which is now Portsmouth Freegle.

Transition Portsmouth will be a great way for me to focus the skills and knowledge that I have built up over the years to help my city adjust to the coming energy shift.