Name:
Nia Rossiter
Age:
17
From:
Hirwaun
Family:
Amanda (Mum), Leigh (Dad)
School:
Rhydywaun
What are you currently studying?
Physics, Maths, English and Geography
Interests?
I like taking part in activities in the outdoors, including walking around the Rhondda Valleys and surfing down the Gower when I get the chance. I haven't been for a while but I intend on visiting over the summer.
Interesting / Funny facts about yourself?
When I was younger I dressed up as a cowgirl for a television programme with the presenter Glyn Houston. But no-one know that – keep it a secret for me!!
Who are your heroes?
Shane Williams. Shane has had exceptional success with Wales – especially after winning the Grand Slam this year, even though he's quite short – like me. My friends always make fun of my height but Shane has allowed me to tell my friends that height doesn't matter because you can succeed in anything.
What are your favourite S4C programmes?
I enjoy watching Uned 5 and I'm a big fan of listening to music on music channels. But saying that, I don't watch that much telly.
Why did you decide to nominate your family for the series?
I have a strong interest in Geography, and in school we had to study a module on the environment. I had tried to change my parents' attitudes about the green climate before but to no avail. I'm a strong believer in wind turbines and other modes of creating energy, so this series was a perfect opportunity for me to do this. Also, my dad's a builder and has always talked about building an eco house – now I've challenged him to do this.
What expectations did you have of the series?
I expected the process to be quite hard to be honest but I've learnt that by changing the smaller things gradually, you get more things done.
What is the hardest thing about turning green?
The first week was the hardest when we did the electricity challenge. We had to go for a week without any electricity whatsoever – no light, no television, no electrical appliances. But to be honest, I enjoyed the experience because I could play out in the fresh air and spend time outdoors. We could listen to music though thanks to a wind-up radio!!
What is the best thing about going green?
The best thing was that we could spend more time together as a family rather than eating food in front of the television and have no communication. Now we sit down at the table and have family discussions.
What have you learnt whilst filming the series?
I've learnt that my parents are willing to change their way of living and turn green – the three of us have been determined to succeed. I've also realized how easy it is to change.
Which member of your family had the most difficulty in going green?
Definitely my mother!! Mam loves watching the television and watches it all the time. She also loves long showers or a bath that's full of water. Rather than washing her dishes she would much rather use her dishwasher.
Which challenge did you enjoy the most?
The best task for me was the washing machine task. In this task we all had to use the bike to create energy to boost the power supply to the washing machine. I was sitting back watching my dad having a lot of problems riding the bike.
Which challenge did you find most difficult?
The log task was the most difficult. This took a lot of time to complete becase we had to create logs to burn a fire out of newspapers.
What advice would you give anyone who wishes to follow in your footsteps?
I think everyone should at least try and turn green – it's easy so there's no excuse. But remember to do the small things first because it's easier.
Is there anything that you would change about your experience?
Not at all. I would do it all again if I had the opportunity – I don't want the series to come to an end.
© 2012 S4C
O Gymru / Made in Wales