Debi’s Tips
Watch Tim’s ‘Climate Sunday’ Talk
On September 5th, 2021, Tim spoke about the church's responsibility regarding the environment. The talk begins with the bible reading at 46:22 but feel free to enjoy the whole service.
The environmental challenge is huge, and we’re all part of the problem! We are also called to be part of the solution. What we do at church and in our homes will have a massive impact on the world that our children inherit.
Here’s the simple aim: as a church family we want to get to net zero global warming emissions by 2030, not just the central organisation bit of church, but every household!
This will call us to consider our lifestyle choices and be willing to make changes; in our homes, our work, our leisure, even our parenting.
We believe that how we interact with the environment is a key part of how we love God, love people, and love life.
‘How To Avoid A Climate Disaster’
In his book, Bill Gates presents analysis of where carbon emissions are coming from. This informs our priorities for action. Most emissions come from:
Production
Manufacturing materials such as cement, steel, and plastic accounts for 31% of carbon emissions.
Plugging In
Electricity counts for 27% of carbon emissions.
Agriculture
Growing things such as plants and animals accounts for 19% of carbon emissions.
Transport
How we get around has an impact. Cars, planes, trucks, and ships account for 16% of carbon emissions.
Regulation
Keeping things warm and cool such as central heating, air-con, and refrigeration accounts for 7% of carbon emissions.
Read more in Bill Gates’ book here
Debi’s Response
How she looks to make a difference in these five areas
Production
Buy less. Use less. Live more.
Recycle/Upcycle
Consider sourcing things from Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Depop, Vinted, etc. We also have a private LOVECHURCH group for recycling, sharing and swapping. Send Debi a message on Facebook if you’d like to join.
Mend Things
Changing our approach to disposability can have a big impact. If you aren’t that handy then ask a friend to help, or search for an online tutorial. You’ll be amazed what you can learn from YouTube!
Buy Loose/Bulk Items
Any way of reducing excess packaging is a good start, particularly fruit and veg. Freezing fresh items can also extend their use.
Plastic Free/Refill Stores
These stores often stock a good range of food items as well as cleaning products, toiletries and gifts. We’ve listed some of our favourites below:
www.almondandco.co.uk (Westbourne)
www.foodontheloosebournemouth.co.uk (Pokesdown)
www.just1swap.com (Boscombe High Street)
Buy Local
Consider supporting your local greengrocer or butcher. We have often found the produce lasts longer too! Our milk and juice is delivered in glass bottles. Learn more at www.milkandmore.co.uk
Know Your Recycle Points
BCP collects glass, paper, card and lots of plastics from our homes; lots of supermarkets have a collection point for soft plastics; look out for the TerraCycle symbol on the packaging – I take all of mine to Food on the Loose who also collect old pens and stationery items.
Uncooked veg peelings, dead flowers, etc go into our compost bin which we then use in our garden; any cooked waste or animal products go into the BCP food waste bin.
Apparel
Fast fashion has knock-on effects, every second, the equivalent of a rubbish truckload of clothes is either incinerated or buried in landfills. Consider supporting your local charity shop, or sourcing your clothing from second-hand and ethical sites such as:
I also follow @consciousfashion on Instagram to find out about other companies.
Cosmetics
There are more and more cosmetic companies making vegan products and sustainable packaging. Consider using:
Do Your Research
It’s great to familiarise ourselves with the brands we buy from. Most companies now have something on their website to explain their environmental ethos and vision.
“I was amazed what a difference little things like using LED bulbs, and turning things off at the plug makes.”
Plugging In
Reducing our electricity consumption.
Energy Suppliers
We are with ‘Bulb’ but there are lots of alternatives out there. Most energy suppliers will send you an electricity monitoring device so you can control your usage. LED lightbulbs are an easy and cheap starting point.
Hanging Out
We gave away our tumble drier and air dry our washing. I also try to do only do full loads of washing rather than lots of half full loads.
Similarly I try to bake a few different things at a time when the oven is on for a meal rather than heating it up for one batch of cookies.
Cooking Methods
Batch cooking, slow cooking, and air frying are all methods to reduce electricity consumption. I always feel slightly smug when I don’t have to start dinner in the early evening too!
Sustainable Energy
I believe there are still grants for having alternative energy sources such as solar panels fitted at home; do a bit of research to see what would work for you.
“Growing your own food reduces its carbon footprint, it’s also pretty rewarding.”
Agriculture
Reap what you sew.
Reduce Food Waste
Consider supporting organisations which look to reduce food waste. We love Oddbox, who deliver wonky or surplus fruit and veg that would otherwise be thrown away.
Grow Your Own
From cress on the windowsill, to tomatoes on the balcony, to full allotments and greenhouses, a great way to reduce your food’s carbon footprint is to grow your own. Growing from seeds saves even more money! Learn more at:
Plant-Based Diet
Tim has chosen to follow a plant-based diet after doing some research into the impact of producing animal products on the environment, and the rest of us have cut down how much meat and dairy we consume during the week.
Restaurants and cafes have embraced this a lot too, it has never been more accessible to go plant-based!
“Our Nissan Leaf is great to use around town.”
Transport
They see me rollin’…
Modes of Movement
Walk or cycle, particularly in dry weather. It does require more organisation and time allowance, but is worth the extra effort. The impact on physical and mental health is not to be understated!
Public Transport like trains and buses are good for those long journeys.
Car-Pools
Share lifts when possible – very few people will refuse if you ask nicely and it’s a way of getting to know people!
Holidays
Rather than flying, consider local holidays, or even making a longer journey part of the holiday.
“Don’t be overwhelmed, every little change can make a difference!”
Regulation
Keeping warm and cool.
Layer Up
‘Heat the person, not the home’ has become an increasingly poignant phrase in recent years. We chose to turn down our thermostat and wear more in colder weather.
Retain Heat
If you’re able to replace to replace our drafty old doors and windows with more efficient ones. However, we know this isn’t always an option. Thick curtains and draft excluders can go a long way.
Natural Heat and Light
If you are able to utilise natural light and the heat of the sun to your advantage in your home, this can help in keeping it warm or cool and avoid needing to use central heating.
Every Little Helps
Change doesn’t necessarily happen overnight, but each little change can make a difference. This also makes the next step easier.
Do Your Research
Being able to make an informed decision is empowering, and there’s so much information out there. It means I can avoid tokenism and support the businesses who are actually working to make a long term difference for the environment, not just trying to make money out of it!
A prayer for our planet
Creator God, giver of life, You sustain the earth and direct the nations. In this time of climate crisis grant us clarity to hear the groaning of creation and the cries of the poor; challenge us to change our lifestyles; guide our leaders to take courageous action; enable your church to be a beacon of hope; and foster within us a renewed vision of your purposes for your world; Through Jesus Christ our Lord, by and for whom all things were made.
Amen.
[source: Church of England]