LIFESTYLE

​

We are a church. But a church is first of all a collection of people committed to following Jesus in pursuing a life which honours God and seeks the common good. As Christians we are called upon to challenge ourselves in living a life in harmony with our environment. This means considering the following:
 

• Are there ways in which I could campaign and join the call of charities and other institutions for greater care of our world?

• Can I reduce my carbon footprint and energy use? Simple steps can be taken such as choosing greener companies and tariffs, installing a smart meter and reducing consumption.

• Are there decisions I could make about food, finance, consumption of goods and services that would be more sustainable? Many of our members consciously try and reduce their consumption of meat. The diocese of Southwark has recently divested from investments connected with fossil fuels. Have we considered the ethical implications of our investments? And could we try and repair and reuse? St Mary’s and the Roehampton Community Shed run repair workshops. Why not give it a go?

• Do you think about waste? Recycling is getting easier and Wandsworth now collect compostable material. Can we send less to land fill?

• Transport is an area where we can make a real difference. London has one of the best public transport systems in the world and it’s often quicker to cycle or more pleasant to walk. Can we use our cars less? Several members of our congregation place limits on their flying. Could we find alternative modes of transport for travel and holidays?

• How do I appreciate, experience, care and protect for nature? We are surrounded here by the most beautiful parts of London – Putney Common and Heath, Wimbledon Common and Richmond Park. Is it time to take a walk down to the river?

• How do I look after my garden or any outside area I can? Can I make more friendly to lcoal wildlife?
   

We are working to create a more sustainable church in harmony with the nature, but we are also called as individuals to love, protect and honour our world. As a church we want to encourage people in thinking about, discussing and discerning what an ethical lifestyle looks like.

 

We have a Green champion and a number of church members working actively to connect our life and worship to environmental concerns and support those who are troubled by the climate crisis and loss of species in the world. Where there are local environmental concerns we will press to involve our members in getting involved and contacting their MP and councillors.

 

Resources

Calculate your environmental footprint: https://footprint.wwf.org.uk/

Think about your finances with resources from the Just Money Movement: https://justmoney.org.uk/

Consider how you can make your garden/area more wildlife friendly with the Royal Horticultural Society: https://www.rhs.org.uk/get-involved/community-gardening/resources/wildlife

Or the National Trust: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/discover/gardening-tips/how-to-build-a-wildlife-friendly-garden