environment
Play our part
One of the Church of England’s marks of mission is to safeguard the integrity of creation and to sustain the life of the Earth. In February 2020, the Church of England set new targets for all parts of the church to work to become carbon zero by 2030.
We want to play our part in that vision.
What are we doing?
We are working on making changes to the way we operate to minimise the impact Blackpool Church has on the environment. This will include promoting recycling, using recycled goods and increasing awareness and engagement of the congregation in combating climate change.
We are currently working towards the Eco Church awards and have received the Bronze Award.
Play your part
As a church family, we also recognise that each of us can play our part in caring for creation through the choices we make in our daily lives. Together, we can make small but significant changes as individuals and households that add up to a big impact. This might look like:
Taking action for change – getting involved in social or environmental campaigns, signing petitions, inviting local MPs to services, or joining demonstrations that call for justice for people and the planet.
Understanding our footprint – using tools such as Climate Stewards, Giki, Take the Jump, or the WWF Footprint Calculator to see where we can reduce our environmental impact.
Living more sustainably at home – switching to renewable electricity, using energy more efficiently through smart meters, reducing our consumption, and exploring alternatives to gas and oil heating.
Making thoughtful food choices – eating mainly plant-based meals, reducing meat and dairy, choosing locally sourced or rescued food where possible, and supporting a fairer and more sustainable food system.
Choosing how we travel – walking or cycling when we can, using public transport, car-sharing, and finding alternatives to flying.
Considering finances – banking with providers that protect climate and nature, moving pensions and savings away from fossil fuels, and supporting credit unions and purpose-driven institutions.
Sharing and re-using – using sustainability comparison websites such as Ethical Consumer, joining local cooperatives or sharing schemes like a community fridge or Library of Things, visiting repair cafés, and choosing fair trade and second-hand goods.
Reducing waste – avoiding single-use plastics, recycling wherever possible, composting food waste, and working towards zero waste to landfill.
Caring for nature – signing up for A Rocha UK’s Wild Christian programme, joining outdoor events and volunteering opportunities such as Green Gyms or Wildlife Trust activities, and helping to manage our own or local outdoor spaces for the benefit of wildlife.
We are encouraged to see these lifestyle choices not as burdens, but as joyful ways of honouring God, loving our neighbours, and safeguarding the integrity of creation.
How can I get involved?
We’d love to hear ways in which we can reduce the impact Blackpool Church has on the environment. If you spot something that could be changed for the better, let us know.