Parish Environment Policy/Statement

This policy is our response to the Pope’s Encyclical ‘Laudato Si’, which calls on us all to make changes in our lifestyles so as to reverse environmental damage.

We recognise the urgent need for action to tackle climate change, as called for by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.                                                                        

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ENERGY

WE WILL

Effective immediately:-

  • encourage the turning off of lights, appliances, computers etc. when not in use, by means of signs

As soon as reasonable

  • use a ‘green’ energy supplier

In the long term, we aspire to:-

  • seek to improve insulation in buildings
  • look into fitting renewable energy appliances on our roofs (solar panels/micro wind turbines/photovoltaic plates) using available grants
  • look into collecting grey water for flushing toilets

TRANSPORT

 WE WILL

Effective immediately:-

  • keep a list of those who are prepared to give lifts to Mass and parish events and for shopping, and regularly publicise this facility

RECYCLING and WASTE

WE WILL

Effective immediately:-

  • not use single use plastics

As soon as reasonable:-

  • enable recycling of all recyclable materials
  •  compost waste food
  • support with publicity those locally who make use of unwanted goods (e.g. Freecycle, Trash Nothing, Tools for Self-Reliance, Kiln Farm Recycling facility)

In the long term, we aspire to:-

  •  look into fitting water butts to collect rain water from roofs
  •  use water savers in toilets

LAND

WE WILL

Effective immediately:-

  • not use pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, artificial fertilisers on any land we own
  • Any products we use will be environmentally friendly as far as possible

As soon as reasonable:-

  • identify areas in the land we own which can be set aside for the natural environment and wildlife, which we will not mow
  • designate areas where we will plant native trees

TEACHING

WE WILL

Effective immediately:-

  • regularly bring environmental concerns into our sermons and bidding prayers and newsletters, encouraging people to consider their personal impact on the planet and its inhabitants

DOMESTIC GOODS

WE WILL

Effective immediately:-

  • try to purchase only organically sourced, 100% biodegradable, recycled, recyclable, environmentally friendly, animal friendly and fairly traded products for our needs, where these products exist
  • not use poisons. We will deter rather than kill unwanted wildlife
  • use water-based paints, sealants and adhesives etc. when decorating
  • avoid putting pollutants into the drain

CONSTRUCTION

WE WILL

Effective immediately:-

  • Ask our contractors to use ‘green’ materials (sustainably sourced/non-polluting) as far as possible

FOOD

WE WILL

Effective immediately:-

  • minimise provision of meat and dairy foods and maximise provision of plant-based foods for our events
  • encourage provision of local, seasonal, organic and fairly traded foods at our events if these are available

MONEY

WE WILL

As soon as reasonable:-

  • morally support Tridos Bank, the Cooperative Bank, and other ethical banks. And also the local Credit Union Scheme and the local LETS scheme.

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