As part of this work, an Environmental Working Party was established to audit environmental aspects of the life and work of the church using Eco-congregations church check up.
A teaching series, "Godly and Green", took place in September 2007, culminating in a Green Fair after the final Sunday morning service. In 2008, an Environmental Officer was appointed to take forward the work of the Environmental Working Group.
The Environmental Officer has recently joined the London Churches Environmental Network and also receives regular information from A Rocha, a Christian Environmental Charity.
Environmental Policy
- St John's PCC Environmental Policy was reviewed in June 2010. (a PDF is available from our Online Library)
Environmental Action Plan
The environmental action plan is the mechanism by which the policy is implemented. This was developed following an environmental audit of the church and its activities in early 2008. The action plan has been updated since then in September 2008, March 2009 and April 2010.
Summary of progress made towards action plan:
- The environmental web page was updated.
- There were two notice board displays in Church during September 2009. One was the story of a plastic cup, to promote the church plastic cup recycling scheme and another on the issue of waste and landfill. These included scriptural quotes about God's creation.
- God's creation was the theme of Harvest 2009.
- A tap water filter has been installed in the kitchen to reduce the use of plastic bottles given to groups during the week.
- Alternative gift catalogues were made available at the information point in the run up to Christmas.
- Fairtrade Easter eggs were provided to the children for the third year running.
- The Environmental Officer is linked to the local Active Community Team, which held an environmental event in July 2009, which Garry and Adrian attended as part of Newham Reuse Group.
- A report was provided for the Annual Review 2009.
- An application has been made for the Eco-congregation Award. The assessment is scheduled to take place in July.
- An article was published in the East London Waste Authority community magazine regarding recycling at St John's.
- An Environmental session took place with J Team and Kingdom Kids at the beginning of the year
- Lights in the café were replaced with LED lights.
Proposed plans for 2009/10
- Further updates of the environmental web page
- Another environmental related display at Harvest time - working with Waste Watch charity for ideas
- Ongoing consideration of the environmental impact of church events and functions - e.g. resource use, recycling etc.
- Ensure new trees are planted in the churchyard, following removal of diseased trees
- Progress the Eco-congregation application
- Do another environmental session with Sunday Club and YPF - working with Waste Watch charity for ideas.
- Consideration of environmentally friendly cleaning materials and catering supplies.
- Ensure input into churchyard upgrade in regards to energy efficient lighting.
- Consider selling recycled goods in mini shop, made by the company who recycle our cups.