– Taken from An Action Plan for Christians in Cumbria (but relevant to all)
There are various ways in which we can make a difference and care for our Earth:
PRAY:
* Include environmental issues and care for creation as a regular part of your prayers
* Go for a ‘prayer walk’around your local community and into some nearby beautiful place
* Take time to enjoy and appreciate the wonder of creation
BE BETTER INFORMED
* Sign up to receive newsletters/bulletins/briefings from organisations that engage with environmentat issues, such as Christian Aid, A Rocha, WWF etc
* Sign up to Cumbria Action for Sustainability
MAKE LIFESTYLE CHANGES
* Think about what you eat: try to eat more local and seasonal food, eat less meat, use leftovers and cut down on food waste
* Prepare meals from scratch instead of using ready meals
* Teach children how to cook
* Grow some of your own food
* Buy less stuff, such as clothese, electrical goods, household items. Purchase new only when necessary
* Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and make good use of freecycle schemes for exchanging unwanted goods
* Remember to take a basket or bag when you go shopping
REDUCE ENERGY USE IN THE HOME
* Change to low energy lighting
* Turn off lights in empty rooms
* Switch off appliances when not in use and avoid leaving them on standby
* Improve thermal insulation, with lined curtains, draught excluders and secondary double glazing. Draw the curtains in the evening during colder months
* Turn the heating thermostat down a degree or two and wear a jumper
* Purchase electricity from a 100% renewables supplier
* Consider installing solar panels to generate electricity
REDUCE YOUR TRAVEL CARBON FOOTPRINT
* Walk, cycle or take public transport rather than hopping in the car
* If you have to use the car, can you car-share?
* When buying a car, opt for a fuel-efficient model
* Drive in a more environmentally friendly manner – stick to the speed limit and be a smoother driver with less aggressive acceleration and braking
* Travel less – is that meeting/visit/shopping trip essential? Combine several tasks in one trip
* Reduce or eliminate air travel. Take holidays in the UK or explore Europe by train
MAKE SPACE FOR NATURE
* Create a ‘wild space’ in your garden. Provide acces for wild creatures such as hedgehogs
* Cultivate butterfly-friendly and pollinator-friendly flowers
* Support local conservation bodies
PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR BELIEF IS
* Think about how you spend your money. Do you really need that new item? Can you choose a greener version? Can you borrow or share, instead of buying?
* Find out about ‘green’ and/or ethical savings and investments
* If possible, move funds out of fossil fuel investments
* Find out where your pension fund invests. How green are its credentials?
INFLUENCE OTHERS AND CAMPAIGN FOR A BETTER WORLD
* Participate in our Eco-Group and Eco-Events
