"I want to put more time into things that matter. That's why I've become active in the Greens," explained Alan in the Green Party newsletter.
"We all know that hard choices have to be made about the future; not just about the economy and the banks but waste, transport, the fine detail and the planet – the lot.
"Everyone can do their bit. I volunteer with several local organisations, like the University of the Third Age: we need to teach each other these days thanks to cuts in adult education."
Alan also helps to run a number of websites, including Incredible Edible Todmorden's, and he is a member of the Calder Valley Voices.
Along with the Green Party prospective Parliamentary candidate, Kate Sweeny, Alan has been campaigning on local issues including promoting green jobs in green businesses, buying back PFI (private finance initiative) buildings and introducing a 20-mile-an-hour limit in Todmorden.