| Eco Congregation |
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 About seven years ago, the Peace and Justice group was approached about applying for eco-congregational status by Keep Britain Tidy and another, church-related, group. Having already discussed green and ethical shopping and living, it was a logical next step to fill in the first module on the route to becoming an eco-congregation: "An M.O.T. of your church’s green credentials or life".This showed that we were already doing quite well, so after discussion with the kirk session we involved the congregation, obtaining suggestions for recycling and improving the local environment. The response was so good that we applied to work for the eco-congregation award. Our efforts were assessed by a group consisting of three local councillors, representatives of the eco-congregation organisation and a local minister. We obtained the other modules (concerning worship, younger members of the congregation and schools) and wrote to all our youth leaders. We were awarded a bronze eco award, now displayed in the church hall, and have enjoyed telling enquirers from other churches how easy it is to become an eco-congregation. The whole process took about a year. Now, we have recycling boxes in both the church and the hall kitchen and a special tub for cans - these were at first sold to a recycling organisation but after this service was withdrawn found a home in a church member’s domestic recycling bin. Other church members take the rest. The local council have so far resisted including churches in the blue bin service, but we shall continue to press for a change of heart. |