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Image: Mural showing Whales under the Stadium in Cardiff "No Ice Caps, No Cardiff".  Photo credit: https://www.foecardiff.co.uk/post/whales-under-the-stadium-no-ice-caps-no-cardiff

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If pressure is brought upon you to lower your standard of integrity, are you prepared to resist it? Our responsibility to God and our neighbour may involve us in taking unpopular stands. Do not let the desire to be sociable, or the fear of seeming peculiar, determine your decisions (Advices & Queries, 1994, 38).

Os pwysir arnoch i ostwng eich safon o gywirdeb, a ydych yn barod i wrthsefyll hynny? Gall ein cyfrifoldebau i Dduw ac i’n cymydog olygu gwneud safiad amhoblogaidd. Na foed i’r awydd am fod yn gymdeithasol, neu ofn ymddangos yn od, gyflyru eich penderfyniad.

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"The impact of climate change may feel like a distant prospect for many Cardiff residents, but without a radical new approach to the extraction of fossil fuels, and further protection of our natural world, huge swathes of Cardiff are likely to be underwater by 2050 .

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Whales under the Stadium - No Ice Caps, No Cardiff

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Cardiff environmental groups come together to create iconic street artFour Cardiff environmental groups have come together during March to bring a life-sized image of a humpback whale and its calf to Grangetown, to raise awareness of climate change and the impact that rising sea levels will have on Cardiff.

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Image: Hilly landscape near Rhayader, Mid Wales.  Photo credit:  Helen Oldridge

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“Countless are the things thou hast made, O Lord. Thou hast made them all by thy wisdom; and the earth is full of thy creatures” (Psalm 104, verse 24, New English Bible: once inscribed near the summit of Caerphilly Mountain). Do you celebrate the wonder and glory of God’s creation? Do you relish the flora and fauna of the coasts and seas, the hills, mountains, valleys and countryside of Wales and the Marches?

SALM 104:24

Emyn i’r Creawdwr

"Doeth a niferus iawn

Yw gwaith dy law, O Dduw:

Mae’r ddaear lydan oll yn llawn

O’th greaduriaid byw"

SALMAU CÂN NEWYDD 2008 (GWYNN AP GWILYM)

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Image: Quakers discerning together at Britian Yearly Meeting. Photo credit: Britain Yearly Meeting

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“Our “Canterbury Commitment”, expressed in Minute 36 from Yearly Meeting 2011, is the Quaker response to the crisis of climate change and the related crises of pollution and biodiversity loss. In the words of this Minute, “The action we are ready to take at this time is to make a strong corporate commitment to become a low-carbon, sustainable community.” Have we thought through the demands and challenges involved in this commitment? Are we ready for new forms of witness to our faith in our local areas and in  Wales and the Marches as a whole?

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https://futuregenerations.wales/

https://www.gov.wales/well-being-of-future-generations-wales

John Woolman’s words in 1772, quoted in Minute 36, are as clear and resonant now as then: “The produce of the earth is a gift from our gracious creator to the inhabitants, and to impoverish the earth now to support outward greatness appears to be an injury to the succeeding age.” (Quaker Faith and Practice 25.01). Are we mindful of the needs of the earth’s inhabitants (of all species), and of those of future generations?

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Full version of Sustainability A&Q for Crynwyr Cymru - Quakers in Wales (2023)

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Full version of Sustainability A&Q for Crynwyr Cymru - Quakers in Wales (2023)

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This set of 21 Advices and Queries has been prepared by Robin Attfield, a member of the South Wales Area Meeting Sustainability Cluster, inspired by a similar but longer set of Sustainability Advices and Queries prepared by Bristol Friends.

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Image:  Pollution in Port Talbot, South Wales.  Photo Credit: Ben Birchall, PA archives, Port Talbot listed as the 'most polluted area of the UK' | ITV News

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We face a crisis of climate change and of environmental destruction. Are we prepared to “address the urgent need for radical cuts in greenhouse gas emissions to prevent intolerable damage to human populations and mass extinctions of many plant and animal species?” (Hope in God’s Future, Joint Report of several British Non-conformist Churches, 2020). Do we accept our responsibility for minimising this destruction, for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, and for adapting to environmental and climate change?

https://www.jointpublicissues.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Hope-in-Gods-Future-1.pdf

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Credit: Ben Birchall/PA Archive/PA Images

Port Talbot is listed as the most polluted area in the UK, according to a new report.

It suggested dozens of towns and cities suffer from unsafe levels of air pollution and urged the UK Government has been urged to take action.

Thirty-two areas in Britain are exceeding limits of PM2.5 deemed safe by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The tiny particles, which come from sources like transport, industry, coal plants and burning wood, fuels or waste, are linked to diseases including stroke, heart disease, lung cancer and disease, and respiratory infections.

Levels of PM2.5 particles in the air in Port Talbot were recorded as 18 micrograms per cubic metre, nearly double the WHO recommended limit of 10.

But Cardiff, Chepstow, Newport and Swansea are also failing, or close to failing, WHO standards.

The report added that seven million people a year are dying due to poor air quality, and nine out of 10 people worldwide are exposed to levels of air pollution that are dangerous to their health.

Clean air campaigners called for the UK Government, which has faced legal action over its failure to meet legal targets on another air pollutant nitrogen dioxide, to take steps to stop people breathing dirty air.

This report reconfirms that air pollution is one of the leading environmental public health crises in the UK today. Action to reduce the toxic particles in the air we breathe can no longer be delayed.

While air quality in the UK has improved significantly since 2010, this report from the WHO clearly shows the impact air pollution is having on the health of men women and children in the UK and across the world.

Defra spokesperson

Alison Cook, British Lung Foundation

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Port Talbot listed as the 'most polluted area of the UK' | ITV News

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Port Talbot has been named as the most polluted area in the UK, according to a new report. | ITV News Wales

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Image: Candle - artwork by Celyn Oldridge

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Do not be discouraged by your own shortcomings or daunted by the task as a whole. Engage prayerfully and seek to discern where your service lies. (Bristol Quaker Sustainability Advices and Queries, 2020, 4).

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We encourage local and area meetings to practise speaking truth to power at local level by establishing relationships with all sections of local communities, including politicians, businesses, and schools, to encourage positive attitudes to sustainability (Yearly Meeting 2011, Minute 36). How far have we reached along the road to acting on this encouragement?

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Image: Giant ice heart sculpure (with green lighting) at COP26.  Photo credit: climate.cymru

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“The Canterbury Commitment issues a clear call to action to individual Friends, asking them to consider the effect of their lives on the world’s limited resources and CO2 emissions. It reminds Friends that our actions must flow entirely and only from love” (Cymar Environment and Sustainability Policy, 2023). Can we understand love in such a way as to include concern for the victims of climate injustice? How far are our lifestyles aligned to such an understanding of love?

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Image: Cyclone Idai, Mozambique - taken from video "The Global story of climate change loss and damage and who should pay for it"  (see link below)

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“The Canterbury Commitment recognised that the environment crisis is enmeshed with global economic injustice and that tackling inequality is central to taking action on the climate emergency. It made clear that this is a spiritual task” (The Spiritual Basis for Quaker Climate Action, 2022). Does our belief that there is ‘that of God in everyone’ make us ready to tackle inequality when climate disasters befall vulnerable communities both in Britain and overseas?

https://www.quaker.org.uk/our-work/climate-economic-justice/make-polluters-pay-campaign

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Image: Children and parents hard at work in Cardiff Meeting House garden.  Photo credit: Cardiff and Penarth Children's Meeting

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Being part of a worshipping community involves all of us in creating a sense of community, and a sustainable, anti-racist and mutually supportive community at that. Consider your own responsibilities in fostering such a community (Bristol Quaker Sustainability Advices and Queries, 2020, 16, revised).

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“Sustainability is an urgent matter for our Quaker witness. It is rooted in Quaker testimony and must be integral to all we do corporately and individually” (A Framework for Action 2009-2014, quoted in YOUTHQUAKENOW, 2021). Try to imagine Wales and the Marches with sustainable energy, sustainable industry and agriculture, sustainable education and sustainable transport. Does this vision figure in your prayers? What can you do to foster such sustainability?

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Image: Landscape of fields and stone walls at Llanaber, near Barmouth, North West Wales.  Photo credit: Rhian Parry

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Do we recognise that we may all be in different places on our journey and encountering different issues? These may arise from variations in our life history, affluence, age and health. Hold each other tenderly in the light and support friends in their journey (Bristol Quaker Sustainability Advices and Queries, 2020, 17).

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Image: Protesting against River Wye pollution - protesters in the water with a model of a coffin and some dressed as grim reapers.  Photo credit: https://www.rossgazette.com/news/death-of-wye-funeral-attracts-150-mourners-325075

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Intensive animal farming is often cruel to the animals and is an extravagant use of land, water and edible grains. Try to reduce your consumption of animal products (Quaker Peace and Social Witness Green Advices and Queries, 8).

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Image: Open cast coal mining at Nant Llesg near Rhumney, South Wales.  Photo credit: DeSmog https://www.desmog.com/2018/09/19/major-coal-mine-extension-nant-llesg-rejected/

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“Investing in companies who are engaged in fossil fuel extraction is incompatible with Quakers’ commitment to become a low-carbon community” (Meeting for Sufferings, 2013). Have we sufficiently reviewed our investments, and our opportunities to divest from fossil fuel extraction, and to re-invest ethically? Do we sufficiently support our Trustees and Treasurers in their financial discernment?

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Image: collection of leaves and colourful leaf rubbings by Ada.  Photo credit: Cardiff and Penarth Children's meeting

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Remember your responsibilities as a citizen for the conduct of local, national, and international affairs. Do not shrink from the time and effort your involvement may demand (Advices and Queries, 1994, 34).

Cofiwch eich cyfrifoldeb fel dinesydd am reolaeth materion lleol, cenedlaethol a rhyng-genedlaethol. Peidiwch ag arbed yr amser a’r ymdrech y gall eich ymrwymiad ei hawlio.

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Image: Mossy trees and a rocky stream crossed by an old stone bridge at Pont Cwm yr Afon, North Wales.  Photo credit: Rhian Parry

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In the light of the Well-being of Future Generations Act (2015), local authorities in Wales are expected to plan for a sustainable future for future generations. Are you willing to lobby your elected representatives on local authorities and in the Senedd for action on sustainability and climate change?

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Image:  Friends of the Earth Cymru logo (green circle). https://foe.cymru/

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Consider supporting groups in your nation or local area (such as Climate Cymru or Friends of the Earth) which are taking practical action in response to the climate crisis, the biodiversity crisis, and the crisis of air pollution.

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Image: A small group of activists with banners attending a silent vigil outside the Senedd, Cardiff.  Photo credit: Stephen Lingwood

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“Quakers are working with climate campaigners around the world to grasp the historical roots of climate injustices, and create a fairer, sustainable world” (Climate Justice, QPSW, 2020). Where possible, are you willing to campaign and lobby our political representatives to participate in policies of mitigation and of adaptation?

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Image:  Tree drawn by Ada.  Photo credit: Cardiff and Penarth children's meeting.

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The CoP27 conference of 2022 agreed to establish a Loss and Damage Fund to assist developing countries that have suffered from the impacts of climate change. Where possible, are you willing to campaign and lobby our political representatives to contribute towards reparations to those who have suffered loss and damage through environmental impacts generated by others (including ourselves)?

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Image:  Plastic Pepsi bottle on a beach, filled with beans.  Video: "Bean Counter" from the PepsiCo Intercepter Challenge on the website www.hiddenplastic.org, created by siblings Zara and Ashton who have a connection with Almeley Wootton Local Meeting in Southern Marches Area Meeting.

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“Consumerism is an insidious cultural disease, which will still affect you even if you are trying your best to live simply. Reusing, recycling, and repairing will all reduce your footprint on the Earth. However, doing without unnecessary goods and tackling the privileges of consumption are the most powerful actions. How are you tackling the challenges of consumption?” (Bristol Quaker Sustainability Advices and Queries, 2020, 21).

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Image: Ada from Penarth Children's meeting hugging a tree - 19/11/23.  Photo credit: Cardiff and Penarth children's meeting

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“We do not own the world, and its riches are not ours to dispose of at will. Show a loving consideration for all creatures and seek to maintain the beauty and variety of the world. Work to ensure that our increasing power over nature is used responsibly, with reverence for life. Rejoice in the splendour of God’s continuing creation” (Advices and Queries, 1994, 42).

"Nid ni piau’r byd, ac nid eiddom ni mo’i oludoedd i’w gwaredu fel y mynnom. Dangoswch ofal cariadus am bob creadur, a cheisiwch warchod prydferthwch ac amrywiaeth y byd. Ymdrechwch i sicrhau fod ein goruchafiaeth gynyddol ar natur yn cael ei ddefnyddio’n gyfrifol, gyda pharch at fywyd. Llawenhewch yn ysblander creadigaeth barhaol Duw."

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This project is a work in progress.  Please send contributions and suggestions to heleno@quaker.org.uk

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This project is a work in progress.  Please send contributions and suggestions to heleno@quaker.org.uk

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These advices and queries are offered to stimulate reflection and challenge, through the use of beautiful language to distill key ideas and principles, and with the enhancement of creative visuals. Responses are invited from individuals or groups.

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Video: Introduction to Eco Church, made by Helen Oldridge (Quaker Life Local Development Worker for Wales and Southern Marches)

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Is your meeting considering taking part in the Eco Church scheme?

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Is your meeting considering taking part in the Eco Church scheme?

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https://ecochurch.arocha.org.uk/

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Image:  Logo for the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) celebrating 50 years. 

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Centre for Alternative Technology, Canolfan y Dechnoleg Amgen, Machynlleth

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Centre for Alternative Technology, Canolfan y Dechnoleg Amgen, Machynlleth

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The CAT centre has recently celebrated 50 years of research, resources, courses and residentials. How have you engaged with CAT?

https://cat.org.uk/about-us/

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CYNGHORION A HOLIADAU CYNALIADWYEDD DWYIEITHOG I GYMRU (2024)

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CYNGHORION A HOLIADAU CYNALIADWYEDD DWYIEITHOG I GYMRU (2024)

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Bilingual Sustainability Advices and Queries for Wales (2024)

CRYNWYR CYMRU – QUAKERS IN WALES (CCQW)

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Delwedd: plisgyn môr.  Credyd llun: https://www.thewoollenmill.wales/seashells/ Beachcombing in North Wales

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Ceisiwch fyw yn syml. Y mae dewis dull syml o fyw yn ffynhonnell cryfder. Peidiwch â chael eich perswadio i brynu dim nad oes arnoch mo’i angen neu na ellwch ei fforddio. A ydych yn gofalu cael gwybod am effeithiau eich dull chwi o fyw ar yr economi a’r amgylchedd byd-eang? (Cynghorion a Holiadau 1994, 41)

Beth yw effaith ein bywydau ar adnoddau cyfyngedig y byd ac allyriadau carbon? Rhaid i'n gweithredoedd lifo'n gyfan gwbl o gariad, ac o gariad yn unig. A allwn ddeall cariad mewn modd sy’n cynnwys gofal am ddioddefwyr anghyfiawnder hinsawdd? I ba raddau mae ein ffordd o fyw yn cyd-fynd â’r fath ddealltwriaeth o gariad?

A ydym yn ymwybodol o anghenion trigolion y ddaear o bob rhywogaeth, ac anghenion cenedlaethau'r dyfodol?

Un enghraifft o newid y mae angen inni ei wneud yw symud i ffwrdd oddi wrth ddibyniaeth ar ddulliau dwys o ffermio anifeiliaid sy’n aml yn greulon i anifeiliaid ac yn ddefnydd afradlon o dir, dŵr a grawn bwytadwy: ceisiwch leihau eich defnydd o gynhyrchion anifeiliaid. Un arall yw tyfu cnydau olew palmwydd ar raddfa ddwys a all hefyd fod yn ddinistriol.

Gall prynwriaeth effeithio arnoch chi hyd yn oed pan fyddwch chi'n ceisio byw'n syml. Sut ydych yn mynd i'r afael â heriau treuliant? Bydd ailddefnyddio, ailgylchu a thrwsio oll yn lleihau eich ôl troed ar y Ddaear. Mae gwneud heb nwyddau diangen a mynd i'r afael â breintiau treuliant yn weithredoedd pwerus.

Peidiwch â chael eich digalonni gan eich diffygion eich hun na chael eich dychryn gan y dasg gyfan. Gall unigolion wneud newidiadau bach sy'n cyfrannu'n gadarnhaol at symudiadau mwy tuag at newid. Ymgysylltwch yn weddigar a cheisiwch ddirnad lle mae eich gwasanaeth.

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Delwedd: Cylch cerrig Moel Ty Uchaf.  Credyd llun: https://www.cpat.org.uk/walks/moeltyuchaf.pdf

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Os pwysir arnoch i ostwng eich safon o gywirdeb, a ydych yn barod i wrthsefyll hynny? Gall ein cyfrifoldebau i Dduw ac i’n cymydog olygu gwneud safiad amhoblogaidd. Na foed i’r awydd am fod yn gymdeithasol, neu ofn ymddangos yn od, gyflyru eich penderfyniad. (Cynghorion a Holiadau, 1994, 38).

Mae cynaliadwyedd yn fater brys i'n tystiolaeth fel Crynwyr. Mae wedi'i wreiddio yn nhystiolaeth y Crynwyr a rhaid iddo fod yn rhan annatod o bopeth a wnawn yn gorfforaethol ac yn unigol. Mae bod yn rhan o gymuned addoli yn cynnwys pob un ohonom. Ystyriwch eich cyfrifoldebau eich hun o ran meithrin cymuned wirioneddol gynaliadwy, cynhwysol a chydgefnogol. Beth yw'r gofynion a'r heriau sydd ynghlwm wrth ddod yn gymuned o'r fath?

Sut y gallwn annog cyfarfodydd i arfer dweud y gwirionedd wrth y rhai mewn grym ar lefel leol drwy sefydlu perthynas â phob rhan o gymunedau lleol, gan gynnwys gwleidyddion, busnesau, ac ysgolion, i annog agweddau cadarnhaol at gynaliadwyedd?

Mae buddsoddi mewn cwmnïau sy'n ymgymryd ag echdynnu tanwydd ffosil yn anghydnaws ag ymrwymiad y Crynwyr i ddod yn gymuned carbon isel. A ydym wedi adolygu buddsoddiadau ein cyfarfodydd a’n cyfleoedd i ddad-fuddsoddi o echdynnu tanwydd ffosil, ac ail-fuddsoddi’n foesegol? A ydym yn cefnogi’n ddigonol yr rhai sy’n gyfrifol am ddirnadaeth ariannol?

A allwn gydnabod y gall pob un ohonom fod mewn mannau gwahanol ar ein taith ac yn wynebu gwahanol faterion? Gall y rhain ddeillio o amrywiadau yn hanes ein bywyd, ein cyfoeth, ein hoedran a’n hiechyd. Daliwch eich gilydd yn dyner yn y goleuni a chefnogwch Gyfeillion ar eu taith.

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Mor niferus yw dy weithredoedd, O Arglwydd! Gwnaethost y cyfan mewn doethineb; y mae'r ddaear yn llawn o'th greaduriaid. (Salm 104)

A ydych yn dathlu rhyfeddod a gogoniant creadigaeth Duw? A ydych yn mwynhau fflora a ffawna arfordiroedd a moroedd, bryniau, mynyddoedd, dyffrynnoedd a chefn gwlad Cymru?

Mae'r iaith Gymraeg a threftadaeth Cymru yn rhan o'n diwylliant byw. Dychmygwch Gymru ag ynni, diwydiant, amaethyddiaeth, addysg a thrafnidiaeth gynaliadwy. A yw'r weledigaeth hon yn amlwg yn eich gweddïau?

A ydym yn barod am ffurfiau newydd o dystiolaeth o’n ffydd yn ein hardaloedd lleol ac yng Nghymru gyfan? Ystyriwch gefnogi grwpiau yn eich gwlad neu ardal leol sy'n cymryd camau ymarferol mewn ymateb i argyfyngau gan gynnwys newid hinsawdd, colli bioamrywiaeth, a llygredd aer.

Yng ngoleuni Deddf Llesiant Cenedlaethau’r Dyfodol (2015), mae disgwyl i awdurdodau lleol yng Nghymru gynllunio ar gyfer dyfodol cynaliadwy i genedlaethau’r dyfodol. A ydych yn barod i lobïo eich cynrychiolwyr etholedig mewn awdurdodau lleol a’r rhai yn y Senedd i weithredu ar gynaliadwyedd a newid hinsawdd?

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Cofiwch eich cyfrifoldeb fel dinesydd am reolaeth materion lleol, cenedlaethol a rhyng-genedlaethol. Peidiwch ag arbed yr amser a’r ymdrech y gall eich ymrwymiad ei hawlio. (Cynghorion a Holiadau, 1994, 34)

Mae'r argyfwng amgylcheddol wedi'i rwydo gan anghyfiawnder economaidd byd-eang ac mae mynd i'r afael ag anghydraddoldeb yn ganolog i weithredu ar yr argyfwng hinsawdd. Mae hon yn orchwyl ysbrydol.

A ydym yn barod i fynd i'r afael â'r angen dybryd i atal difrod annioddefol i boblogaethau dynol a difodiant torfol llawer o rywogaethau planhigion ac anifeiliaid? A ydym yn sicrhau ein bod yn wybodus am y dinistr sy’n cael ei achosi gan fodel economi twf parhaus? Mae enghreifftiau o broblemau sy’n cael eu hachosi yn cynnwys allyriadau nwyon tŷ gwydr, gor-fuddsoddi mewn mwynau echdynnol fel lithiwm a beryliwm, a gor-ddefnyddio llawr y môr.

A ydym yn derbyn ein cyfrifoldeb am leihau’r dinistr hwn, lleihau treuliant a gwastraff, ac ymaddasu i newid amgylcheddol a newid hinsawdd? A yw ein cred bod 'yr hyn sydd o Dduw ym mhawb' yn ein gwneud yn barod i fynd i'r afael ag anghydraddoldeb pan fydd cymunedau bregus dramor ac yn nes adref yn wynebu trychinebau hinsawdd?

Sut y gallwn ymgyrchu a lobïo ein cynrychiolwyr gwleidyddol i gymryd rhan mewn polisïau lliniaru ac ymaddasu a chyfrannu at wneud iawn i'r rhai sydd wedi dioddef colled a difrod trwy effeithiau amgylcheddol sydd wedi’u cynhyrchu gan eraill (gan gynnwys ni ein hunain)?

Nid ni piau’r byd, ac nid eiddom ni mo’i oludoedd i’w gwaredu fel y mynnom. Dangoswch ofal cariadus am bob creadur, a cheisiwch warchod prydferthwch ac amrywiaeth y byd. Ymdrechwch i sicrhau fod ein goruchafiaeth gynyddol ar natur yn cael ei ddefnyddio’n gyfrifol, gyda pharch at fywyd. Llawenhewch yn ysblander creadigaeth barhaol Duw. (Cynghorion a Holiadau, 1994, 42).

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Mae’r ddogfen hon wedi’i haddasu o gynghorion a holiadau cynaliadwyedd a luniwyd gan Robin Attfield gyda chymorth clwstwr amgylchedd a chynaliadwyedd Cyfarfod Ardal De Cymru sy’n pwyso ar y canlynol: Cynghorion a Holiadau Cynaliadwyedd Crynwyr Bryste, 2020 https://bristolquakers.org.uk/sustainability-advices-queries-for-quakers/

Ymrwymiad Caergaint: Cofnod 36 Cyfarfod Blynyddol Prydain 2011, a dogfennau eraill a gynhyrchwyd gan y Crynwyr ym Mhrydain https://www.quaker.org.uk/documents/minute-36-leaflet-2011

This document is adapted from the sustainability advices and queries drawn up by Robin Attfield with support from the South Wales Area Meeting environment and sustainability cluster which draws on the following: Bristol Quaker Sustainability Advices and Queries, 2020 https://bristolquakers.org.uk/sustainability-advices-queries-for-quakers/

Canterbury Commitment: Minute 36 of Britain Yearly Meeting 2011, and other documents produced by Quakers in Britain https://www.quaker.org.uk/documents/minute-36-leaflet-2011

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Photo of seashell by Natalia Gasiorowska on Unsplash

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Try to live simply. A simple lifestyle freely chosen is a source of strength. Do not be persuaded into buying what you do not need or cannot afford. Do you keep yourself informed about the effects your style of living is having on the global economy and environment? (Advices & Queries 1994, 41)

What is the effect of our lives on the world’s limited resources and carbon emissions? Our actions must flow entirely and only from love. Can we understand love in such a way as to include concern for the victims of climate injustice? How far are our lifestyles aligned to such an understanding of love?

Are we mindful of the needs of the earth’s inhabitants of all species, and of those of future generations? One example of a change we need to make is to move away from reliance on intensive animal farming which is often cruel to animals and is an extravagant use of land, water and edible grains: try to reduce your consumption of animal products. Another is the intensive cropping of palm oil which can also be destructive.

Consumerism can still affect you even when you try to live simply. How are you tackling the challenges of consumption? Reusing, recycling, and repairing will all reduce your footprint on the Earth. Doing without unnecessary goods and tackling the privileges of consumption are powerful actions.

Do not be discouraged by your own shortcomings or daunted by the task as a whole. Individuals can make small changes which contribute positively to larger movements for change. Engage prayerfully and seek to discern where your service lies.

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Image: Modern Stone Circle, Ashley Jones Fields, Bangor.  Photo Credit: Helen Oldridge

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If pressure is brought upon you to lower your standard of integrity, are you prepared to resist it? Our responsibility to God and our neighbour may involve us in taking unpopular stands. Do not let the desire to be sociable, or the fear of seeming peculiar, determine your decisions (Advices & Queries, 1994, 38).

Sustainability is an urgent matter for our Quaker witness. It is rooted in Quaker testimony and must be integral to all we do corporately and individually. Being part of a worshipping community involves all of us. Consider your own responsibilities in fostering a truly sustainable, inclusive and mutually supportive community. What are the demands and challenges involved in becoming such a community?

How can we encourage meetings to practise speaking truth to power at local level by establishing relationships with all sections of local communities, including politicians, businesses, and schools, to encourage positive attitudes to sustainability?

Investing in companies that are engaged in fossil fuel extraction is incompatible with Quakers’ commitment to become a low-carbon community. Have we reviewed our meetings’ investments and our opportunities to divest from fossil fuel extraction, and to re-invest ethically? Do we sufficiently support those responsible for financial discernment?

Can we recognise that we may all be in different places on our journey and encountering different issues? These may arise from variations in our life history, affluence, age and health. Hold each other tenderly in the light and support Friends in their journey.

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Countless are the things thou hast made, O Lord. Thou hast made them all by thy wisdom; and the earth is full of thy creatures” (Psalm 104)

Do you celebrate the wonder and glory of God’s creation? Do you relish the flora and fauna of the coasts and seas, the hills, mountains, valleys and countryside of Wales?

Welsh language and heritage are part of our living culture. Imagine Wales with sustainable energy, industry, agriculture, education and transport. Does this vision figure in your prayers?

Are we ready for new forms of witness to our faith in our local areas and in Wales as a whole? Consider supporting groups in your nation or local area which are taking practical action in response to crises including climate change, biodiversity loss, and air pollution.

In the light of the Well-being of Future Generations Act (2015), local authorities in Wales are expected to plan for a sustainable future for generations to come. Are you willing to lobby your elected representatives of local authorities and those in the Senedd for action on sustainability and climate change?

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Photo of planet earth by NASA on Unsplash

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Remember your responsibilities as a citizen for the conduct of local, national, and international affairs. Do not shrink from the time and effort your involvement may demand (Advices and Queries, 1994, 34)

The environment crisis is enmeshed with global economic injustice and tackling inequality is central to taking action on the climate emergency. This is a spiritual task.

Are we prepared to address the urgent need to prevent intolerable damage to human populations and mass extinctions of many plant and animal species? Do we keep ourselves informed about the destruction caused by the continuous growth economy model? Examples of problems caused include greenhouse gas emissions, over-investment in extractive minerals such as lithium and beryllium, and exploitation of the ocean floor.

Do we accept our responsibility for minimising this destruction, reducing consumption and waste, and for adapting to environmental and climate change? Does our belief that there is ‘that of God in everyone’ make us ready to tackle inequality when climate disasters befall vulnerable communities overseas and closer to home?

How can we campaign and lobby our political representatives to participate in policies of mitigation and of adaptation and to contribute towards reparations to those who have suffered loss and damage through environmental impacts generated by others (including ourselves)?

We do not own the world, and its riches are not ours to dispose of at will. Show a loving consideration for all creatures and seek to maintain the beauty and variety of the world. Work to ensure that our increasing power over nature is used responsibly, with reverence for life. Rejoice in the splendour of God’s continuing creation. (Advices and Queries, 1994, 42).

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Image:  Sun shining through tall trees on cover of Bristol Quakers Sustainability Advices and Queries PDF

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Bristol Advices and Queries (PDF document)

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Bristol Advices and Queries (PDF document)

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https://bristolquakers.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Sustainability-A-and-Q-FINAL.pdf

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Video: Adeiladu Heddwch - building peace through the power of conversations

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Adeiladu Heddwch - Film made by young people across Wales and Southern Marches: building peace through the power of conversations

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Adeiladu Heddwch - Film made by young people across Wales and Southern Marches: building peace through the power of conversations

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsO84WB9RLY

Hear young people's voices on peace, sustainability and Quaker values. Filmed mostly at the Gregynog residential April 2025

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Adeiladu Heddwch - building peace through the power of conversations

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Image of paper peace doves, Penwythnos Gregynog/ Gregynog Weekend

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Penwythnos Gregynog/ Gregynog Weekend, April 2025

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Penwythnos Gregynog/ Gregynog Weekend, April 2025

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https://padlet.com/helenoldridge/penwythnos-gregynog-gregynog-weekend-wqygxq38be1u4ujz