At Highgrove we believe that we have a responsibility to look after God’s creation and protect it for future generations.  In Psalm 24 it says, ‘The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it’.  Just as we are called to care for people around the world, we are also called to care for the world itself, God’s incredible creation.  We are living in a time of rising global temperatures with increasing frequency and severity of catastrophic droughts, floods, and storms.  And we are also living in a crucial time to make changes which can influence the progress of climate change. 

 

We have joined the A Rocha UK award scheme to help us make changes to better steward the resources that God has given us and to reduce our environmental impact.



The Eco Church scheme is for churches in England and Wales “who want to demonstrate that the gospel is good news for God’s earth”. It looks at:

  • Incorporating care for the environment into worship and teaching

  • Making changes to reduce the environmental impact of the church’s premises and utilities

  • Increasing biodiversity through how church land is used

  • Activism through engagement with the local and global communities on environmental issues

  • Encouraging the church community to make lifestyle changes that are better for the environment

We are delighted to say that Highgrove Church was awarded the Bronze Eco Church Award in November 2021, and in March 2023 we were awarded the Silver Award. We are currently working towards the Gold Award.

 

Here are some ideas of changes you can make to reduce your personal impact on the environment:

  • Walking or cycling to church instead of driving

  • Reducing your energy consumption - click here for some inspiration

  • Reduce, reuse, recycle

  • Choose to use Fairtrade or ethically sourced products - other things to look out for are locally grown, organic, animal-friendly products

 

For other ideas of changes to make and to do an environmental audit of your household, have a look at the Creation Care website. If you want to know more about Eco Church or get involved in the Eco Church team, contact Rosie.