Caring for the Environment

Why should I care?  Well, Jesus said said 'Love your neighbour'.  We can't claim we're doing that and at the same time happily trash the planet we're stewarding. The poor and vulnerable always suffer most when the environment is damaged^* and the bible makes it clear that God has a particular concern for them. So should we and it should move us to action.

We take the environment seriously as a church and seek to minimise the carbon footprint from our ministry. We try to reduce our impact and improve our green legacy in other ways too. Actions already taken by the church include:

• Double glazing and insulation installed throughout the building.
• EDF Super Saver Green Tariff - energy from renewable sources for the church.
• New cycle locking bars - these have already so popular we've installed some more! If you're able to do give cycling to Alma a try.
• Progressive installation of low energy light bulbs where possible.

However, our efforts as individuals/households will make a 20 to 30 fold larger impact than what happens in the church building. Decisions we each take about living our lives and taking our holidays are vital. Follow the links for help and information - Bristol City Council, Christian Aid.

As with the slave trade, in years to come the world will almost certainly look back and wonder why more wasn't done. Pray for wisdom & God's heart.

Calculate your carbon usage and offset it by investing in Christian projects around the world: Climate Stewards >>

Tear Fund are running an event called the Carbon Fast timed to coincide with lent (25 February to 11 April 2009). It gives information on simple steps we can take, each day, during lent, which will reduce our consumption of carbon and make a difference for the climate. More detail will be coming shortly. Read More >>

^* Damage to forests, rivers, marine life and other aspects of nature could halve living standards for the world's poor, a major report has concluded (The economics of ecosystems and biodiversity (TEEB) review), Richard Black, Environment Correspondent, BBC News. May '08