Becoming an Eco Church

In the beginning, God made the heavens and the earth.” – Genesis 1:1

Climate change and sustainability are very important issues that have been at the forefront of our national media for some time now. As a church community, we have a responsibility to do our part for the preservation of our planet.

Even though the majority of us have been kept away from the church building for the last year or so, a lot has been happening in and around Holy Trinity, Jesmond to make our church eco-friendly and sustainable.

I was recently able to catch up with Abby Grogan, who has been on placement with us this year through Youth For Christ, and who has headed up a lot of the projects that are making us a greener church.

What has happened so far?

This year, as a church we have been trying to become more eco-friendly through projects in and around the church building and by encouraging all members of the church family to evaluate the part they play in combatting climate change. Climate change is a topical issue and it is something that we can have an impact on by taking small steps and making simple changes in our everyday lives.

We have been fundraising throughout the year through car washes and pompom sales to raise funds for eco projects. So far, we have:

• Installed a bird feeder in the church garden

• Swapped to recycled toilet paper

• Installed a bike rack

• Twinned our bin with a recycling project in Nigeria

• Started improvements in the church garden

• Encouraged personal energy reduction through climate-related services

• Made the foodbank a permanent feature at church

All these are small things which over time, will make a real difference in helping to protect and preserve God’s creation.

What is coming up?

Over the next few months, we are looking to start some new project and have ideas such as:

• Install a water butt or a more efficient water-collection facility

• Have a greater involvement in local campaigns and initiatives

• Buy more Fairtrade/eco products for church and for the home

• Continue the garden project and gain the eco-church certificate

How can we get involved?

We would really appreciate your continued prayer and support with all that is going on to make our church greener and more environmentally friendly. All that has been done so far would never have been possible without your generous support.

Also, we would love to hear your suggestions for different things we could do at church to become more sustainable, so let us know if you have any ideas. And we would encourage everyone to look for small changes that you can make at home and in your local area to become greener, as anything that we can do will have a great impact in the fight against climate change.

Keep an eye out in our weekly newsletter for details of up-coming projects and more ways to get involved.

By Rachael Farrimond and Abby Grogan