A Cardiff University graduate has won a scholarship worth £8,500 to study a green-themed postgraduate degree at the Open University.
Seren Thomas, 24, of Caerphilly, was selected as one of the winners in the first Postcode Lottery Green Challenge Scholarship.
The scholarship is a new scheme launched this year by the People’s Postcode Lottery, in partnership with The Open University.
The competition has been created to inspire the next generation of green entrepreneurs.
Seren was awarded one of five scholarships for her winning idea to cut carbon emissions with a smartphone app called ‘Envirosave’. The interactive app would provide users with a range of educational and instructional information, including details of local recycling centres, dates for recycled refuse collection, tips on how to reduce food waste and instructions on how to make eco-friendly household cleaning products.
Seren said: “Envirosave is a cross generational tool with an interactive element of a forum in which to share good practice in sustainable living. The inspiration came to me whilst walking my dog. The information already exists, but my smartphone app would allow people to access information linked to a local green lifestyle, such as local events, eco-related landmarks, green organisations and public transport timetables.
“Being a finalist means I can now proceed with my plans to extend my study of Ecology, with a particular focus on plants. The scholarship is a wonderful way of subsidising my studies because I’m not in a position at present to fund a Master’s degree.”