Eco-Church
Caring for god's creation
In Genesis 1, God has told us that as part of his creation, we have a duty to look after what he has given us. Within the Forge Group, we understand this and take our duty seriously.
Each one of our churches is approaching this situation differently as we move towards a more sustainable future.
We have begun rolling out smart thermostats to enable greater control over heating programmes and drive reductions in unnecessary usage,
St John's has created a community allotment from some waste space on the church land, people donate their produce which is offered to the local community, they also encourage recycling waste food, and green waste, which gets added to the shared compost area.
St Andrew's has created an energy strategy document for how we will heat and light the building for the next generation of worshippers, and is conducting a review of our 9.5acre graveyard to understand how we can conditionally rewild the space with the help of the local community. We hope to have a churchyard in which people can find space, and peace, but also walk through and find something to eat.
Our Energy Strategy is available here
What can we do personally?
Every action, no matter how small, contributes to the fight against climate change. By being more conscious of your energy use, transportation choices, and consumption habits, you can significantly reduce your personal carbon footprint and inspire others to do the same. Start with a few changes, and gradually incorporate more sustainable habits into your lifestyle to create lasting, positive environmental impact.
1. Energy Use in the Home
Reducing energy consumption in your home is one of the most effective ways to cut down on your personal carbon emissions.
Switch to renewable energy sources: If available, opt for green energy from solar, wind, or hydropower providers.
Energy-efficient appliances: Replace old appliances with energy-efficient models (look for the ENERGY STAR label).
Unplug electronics: Unplug devices when not in use or use power strips to switch them off, as many electronics consume energy in standby mode.
LED lighting: Switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs that use significantly less electricity and last longer than incandescent bulbs.
Smart thermostats: Use programmable thermostats to reduce energy waste by only heating or cooling your home when necessary.
2. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Waste reduction plays a big part in mitigating climate change since waste often ends up in landfills, emitting greenhouse gases.
Buy less, buy better: Avoid unnecessary purchases and opt for durable, high-quality goods that last longer.
Repair instead of replace: Whenever possible, repair items instead of throwing them away.
Choose reusable products: Use reusable bags, bottles, and containers instead of single-use plastics.
Recycle properly: Ensure that you recycle according to your local guidelines and compost organic waste to reduce methane emissions from landfills.
3. Transportation
Transportation is a major source of carbon emissions. Shifting to more sustainable travel options can make a big difference.
Use public transportation: Buses, trains, and trams are more energy-efficient than personal cars.
Walk or bike: For short trips, walking or biking reduces emissions and has health benefits.
Switch to electric vehicles (EVs): If you're in the market for a new car, consider an electric or hybrid vehicle. Charge EVs during off-peak hours to minimize grid strain.
4. Dietary Choices
What you eat also affects your carbon footprint due to emissions from food production and transportation.
Buy local and seasonal: Support local farmers and buy produce that’s in season, which requires less transportation and energy to grow.
Avoid food waste: Plan meals ahead of time and store food properly to avoid wastage. Compost food scraps instead of sending them to landfills.
Choose sustainably sourced products: Look for certifications like Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, or organic labels that prioritize environmental sustainability.
5. Water Conservation
Reducing water consumption saves energy and lowers emissions associated with water heating and wastewater treatment.
Shorten showers: Reducing your shower time by just a few minutes can save a lot of water and energy.
Install low-flow fixtures: Use water-saving showerheads, faucets, and toilets.
Cold water washing: Wash clothes in cold water instead of hot whenever possible to save energy.
6. Sustainable Shopping Habits
Consider the environmental impact of the products you buy and their lifecycle.
Second-hand shopping: Buy used clothes, furniture, and electronics to reduce demand for new products, which require raw materials and energy to produce.
Minimal packaging: Choose products with minimal or no packaging to reduce plastic waste.
Support eco-friendly brands: Buy from companies that have sustainable practices, such as using recycled materials or reducing their carbon footprint.
7. Conscious Investments and Banking
Your financial decisions can also impact climate change, as some institutions fund fossil fuel projects.
Invest in green funds: Choose investment portfolios that focus on renewable energy or sustainability.
Bank responsibly: Use banks or credit unions that don’t invest in fossil fuels or support projects with large environmental impacts.
8. Offsetting Carbon Emissions
While reducing emissions is ideal, you can also consider offsetting your carbon footprint.
Purchase carbon offsets: These are programs that reduce or capture emissions elsewhere (like reforestation projects) to balance out your carbon footprint.
Support reforestation: Donate to or participate in tree-planting initiatives, as trees absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere.