# data[].attributes.body
Let’s Go Zero is the national campaign uniting teachers, pupils, parents and their schools as they all work together to be zero carbon by 2030

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The UK's zero carbon schools campaign, uniting schools working to become carbon zero by 2030 and safeguard the planet for future generations.

# data[].attributes.body
Encouraging, inspiring and equipping faith communities in their work on the climate crisis

# data[].attributes.headline
New guide helps schools take first steps to decarbonisation

# data[].attributes.subject
New guide helps schools take first steps to decarbonisation

# data[].attributes.body
A new animation and digital guide to help schools take the first steps to lowering their carbon emissions has been launched by the Church of England’s Net Zero Carbon 2030 programme.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
New guide helps schools take first steps to decarbonisation | The Church of England

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A new animation and digital guide to help schools take the first steps to lowering their carbon emissions has been launched by the Church of England’s Net Zero programme.

# data[].attributes.body
The nation’s first free, full-scope carbon emissions calculator, built for – and in collaboration with – nurseries, schools and colleges.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Want to count your school’s carbon footprint? Find out your school’s carbon emissions and receive your personalised carbon reduction plan.

# data[].attributes.body
Free, personalised and impartial advice about a range of low carbon technologies - get a personalised plan for your home.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Energy curious? Get Energywise - find out what you could do to improve your home’s energy efficiency and save on your energy bills.

# data[].attributes.body
All the stories about environmental action from the fantastic Positive News magazine

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Positive News is uplifting more readers than ever - helping to provide a balanced view of reality and empowering people to make a difference.

As a small, independent publisher, we rely on the support of our community to make our solutions journalism possible.

If you believe in what we do and would like to help make it happen, please consider making a regular or one-off contribution as a Positive News supporter. Thank you.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Positive News is uplifting more readers than ever - helping to provide a balanced view of reality and empowering people to make a difference. As a small, independent publisher, we rely on the support of our community to make our solutions journalism possible.

# data[].attributes.body
Network of Kindness has published a calendar of awareness days relating to social justice and environmental issues

# data[].attributes.body
A fun and engaging way to help people understand more about the carbon footprint of different activities, and think about ways to cut their footprint

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Carbon Footprint Game – Climate Stewards

# data[].attributes.body
An example of a quiz to hold at your place of worship

# data[].attributes.body
A five minute test to calculate your carbon footprint

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
What is your carbon footprint? With ClimateHero carbon calculator you can calculate your carbon emissions in just 5 minutes.

# data[].attributes.body
With more energy suppliers offering a better range of tariffs for customers, it’s worth exploring your options to see if there’s a better energy deal available for you.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Benefits

make the move to greener energy

lower your energy bills

make your energy provider work for you

An Ofgem survey found that 53% of people said they found energy tariffs confusing. In this guide, we look at different energy tariffs, what you need to do to switch supplier and how to ensure your energy is sustainable.

Most suppliers offer up to four tariffs for gas and four for electricity, along with discounts for managing your account online or choosing a 'dual fuel' deal.

Once a year, your energy supplier should tell you which tariff is cheapest for you.

Increasingly, many energy suppliers will offer one or more green tariffs, which promise to supply you with energy from renewable sources. But some are better than others, as we explain below.

Types of tariffs

Standard variable rate

This is usually the energy supplier's default tariff. You may sometimes be switched on to the standard variable rate following the end of a fixed rate tariff. If you haven't switched tariff for a long time, you may well be on a standard variable rate.

These rates offer total flexibility. You're not tied into a contract with a fixed end date and you won't be charged any exit fees should you wish to change supplier.

However, there's no protection against price increases on a standard variable rate and it's often not the cheapest available.

Fixed rate

A fixed rate is exactly that: you pay a defined amount for each unit of energy until a set end date. Fixed rates often last for a year, two year or five year period.

These rates offer peace of mind - you know how much you're going to pay and rates are often much cheaper than standard variable rate tariffs.

However, you're often locked into the deal for a set period of time. Also, remember it's only the unit price that's fixed - you're still paying for the quantity you use and your bills can still go up if you use more energy.

Dual fuel

A dual fuel tariff is where you buy gas and electricity from the same supplier.

Energy companies will often offer a reduced rate for dual fuel customers and choosing a dual fuel tariff means you're only dealing with one energy company.

However, the discount offered to dual fuel customers aren't always as much as choosing individual electricity and gas suppliers. You need to check the savings carefully.

Green tariffs

Many energy suppliers offer green tariffs, which can either mean they'll match your usage with renewable energy generation or they will contribute towards environmental schemes on your behalf.

These tariffs offer a positive way to tell the energy industry that you want to support renewable energy. However, they're not always the cheapest. And the 'green' aspect of the tariffs isn't entirely straightforward either.

Some green tariffs will directly supply renewable energy. Others involve energy companies purchasing renewable energy guarantee of origin (REGO) certificates on the open market. These certificates are issued to renewable energy generators for each megawatt hour of renewable energy generated. They can sell any excess certificates created at times of surplus to non-renewable energy generators, who then use them to create a 'green tariff'. You need to read the small print to work out which sort of 'green tariff' you are being offered.

Choosing a green energy tariff

With electricity from low carbon sources making up an ever larger percentage of our national grid, we are all likely to be using some sustainably generated electricity, whatever tariff we're on. So what is the benefit of a green tariff in particular?

Choosing a green tariff shows the demand is there. It sends a message to your supplier and the wider industry that you wish to avoid electricity generated from fossil fuels and support renewable energy generation. The increasing numbers of green tariffs available shows the industry is listening. This is a valuable contribution, whichever green tariff you choose.

A green tariff means that some or all of the electricity you buy is 'matched' by purchases of renewable energy that your energy supplier makes on your behalf. These could come from a variety of renewable energy sources such as wind farms and hydroelectric power stations. Some green supply tariffs are also nuclear-free.

Your supplier should let you know what sources are included in the mix, and also what proportion of your supply is renewable. Some tariffs will be '100% renewable', others will offer a percentage of the total.

Green and not so green tariffs

The greenest tariffs

When your energy supplier buys renewable (green) electricity and its accompanying certificates directly from generators, such as UK wind or solar farms, this provides a clear benefit to the UK renewable industry. Most energy suppliers that work this way will be transparent about the source of their electricity and list it on their website.

We've identified the following suppliers who all clearly list the renewable sources of their energy on their websites. We think these tariffs are as green as they get. Other suppliers may meet the same standard of sourcing direct from UK renewable energy generators but we couldn't identify this from their websites at the time of our investigation.

We last checked in February 2020.

Moderately green tariffs

Some larger electricity suppliers will own or have partnerships with a mixture of green (renewable) and brown (regular fossil fuel) generators. Their standard tariff will provide electricity from a mix of sources, while the green tariff will be backed up by the REGOs from their low carbon electricity sources.

That is fine as far as it goes but growing numbers of people on their green tariff won't necessarily mean electricity suppliers buy more renewable energy. Instead, they can just divert a higher percentage of the green energy they source to the green tariff and make their standard tariffs dirtier. So increased demand for these tariffs doesn't necessarily lead to increased support for renewable generation.

Greenwash

Some electricity suppliers, including some who claim to supply 100% renewable energy, will do so simply by buying up excess REGO certificates. These certificates are cheaply available from times of excess production across the EU and these tariffs do little to encourage the generation of renewable energy in the UK.

Other ways to support renewable energy

A green fund usually involves paying a premium to contribute to a fund that will be used to support new renewable energy developments. Under this option, the existing electricity supply continues as normal, but your involvement could help to alter the mix of energy sources in the future toward renewable sources (depending on the type of tariff).

The new generation projects supported will probably also receive support under existing government support schemes.

How to switch energy supplier

If you're looking to switch energy supplier, there are many energy comparison websites available. We recommend using the Citizen Advice Bureau's Comparison Tool to find the best energy deal.

If you don't have internet access, you can phone the Citizens Advice Bureau on 03454 040506, and they will send you a factsheet with the deals available in your area.

To make sure you get the best deal, you'll need to have the following information to hand:

The name of your current supplier.

The name of your current tariff (this will be on your bill).

The amount of energy you use.

How you currently pay, and how you would like to pay with a new supplier.

Your postcode.

Do I have to pay to leave my current provider?

Some fixed tariffs do have an exit fee - but you are still free to leave at any time.

If you're on a standard variable tariff, there are no exit fees.

01

Change the way you pay your bill

Most energy providers offer a discount for paying your bill by direct debit rather than with cash or cheque. On average you can save £100 a year by paying your bill with a monthly direct debit.

02

Receive bills online

You may also get a discount for receiving bills online. As this saves on paper, this is a better choice for the environment too. You will receive a notification by text or email when your bill is ready to view.

03

Speak to your energy provider

Get in touch with your energy provider to see if there is anything they can do to help reduce your bills. They may be able to move you to a cheaper tariff or advise you of any help or benefits you can claim to make paying your bills more manageable.

If you are in debt with your energy supplier, contact them as soon as possible. They are obliged to help you set regular repayment amounts to cover your energy usage and debt at a level that you can afford.

04

Reduce the energy that you use

It's important to stay warm enough in your home but being aware of how you use your heating and appliances in your home can help you reduce your bills. Our website has plenty of advice and tips on how you can reduce energy use.

Support with paying your energy bills

There are some benefits you can claim to help save money on your fuel bills. These include:

Winter fuel payment: You may be eligible for between £100 and £300 tax-free to help pay your heating bills if you were born on or before 5 May 1953. More information about the winter fuel payment is available on the gov.uk website.

Cold weather payment: Some people who receive benefits can get a cold weather payment of £25 if the temperature drops below freezing in their local area for seven days in a row. You don't need to apply - if you are eligible it will be paid automatically in the same way that you receive your benefits.

Price cap protection

In January 2019, Ofgem introduced a price cap to regulate the maximum amount energy suppliers could charge for supplying gas and electricity. Although the price cap does not offer lower tariffs, it protects energy suppliers charging excessive amounts.

The cap is reviewed twice a year in April and October and is currently £1,254 a year for a typical dual fuel customer paying by direct debit.

More information about the current price cap levels.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
make the move to greener energy lower your energy bills make your energy provider work for you An Ofgem survey found that 53% of people said they found energy tariffs confusing. In this guide, we look at different energy tariffs, what you need to do to switch supplier and how to ensure your energy is sustainable.

# data[].attributes.body
Saving energy can help you cut down your bills and care for the environment. Just by making some small changes, you can make a big difference.

# data[].attributes.body
Daily Prayer suggestions for environmental issues

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Green Christian monthly prayer guide has 4 versions of an A5 Booklet format: Small Print: Small Docx or Small Pdf; Large Print: Large Doc or Large Pdf.

Scroll down for September's prayers, or download them below.
Ways to use the Prayer Guide
Older prayer guides: Prayer Guide Archive

Subscribe:

1. Email Monthly Have an email sent to you at the end of each previous month announcing when the monthly guide is online.
2. Arrange to have emails sent approx daily Email for daily prayers/meditations

September 2024 downloads: Small print Doc Small Pdf Large print Doc Large Pdf

God of truth and justice:

Fill us with your spirit of compassion so we may live and act with and in solidarity with Creation.

Guide us in paths of righteousness that help us to tread softly on the land and sail gently on the sea.
Monday 26th August
Another Monday, another special animal to celebrate and pray for. Today is World Painted Dog Day. Fewer than 7,000 painted dogs are left across the entire continent of Africa. They may not be as famous as their trunked, horned, or maned neighbours, but these painted dogs -also known as African wild or hunting dogs-are beautiful, unique, and fascinating social animals. Painted dogs are native to Africa, and aren't found in the wild anywhere else on the planet. They live in small pockets across a handful of countries including Zimbabwe, the home of Painted Dog Conservation. " The threats are many. Loss of quality habitat and poaching represent the biggest problems. Unless we take action to address these threats, painted dogs will become extinct in our lifetime." Peter Clinston, Executive Director of Painted Dog Conservation.
https://www.painteddog.org/ Tuesday 27th August
As record temperatures and unprecedented impacts of climate change continue to affect billions of people across the planet, the United Nations and partners have announced a series of regional meetings aimed at increasing ambition in the next round of climate pledges under the Paris Agreement. In 2025, countries are required to submit new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These plans are known as NDCs 3.0. In these NDCs, countries are encouraged to set 2035 ambitious, economy-wide emission reduction targets that align with limiting global warming to 1.5°C and increase resilience to climate impacts... The Fora will use insights from COP28 and the Global Stocktake to focus on mitigation options, adaptation solutions and inclusion of super pollutants (short-lived non-CO ₂ pollutants), such as methane and black carbon in the NDCs.
https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/regional-fora-aim-increase-country-ambition-ahead-next-round-climate Wednesday 28th August
Researchers at the University of Arizona analyzed 20 years of satellite data to understand how different Amazon forest ecosystems respond to drought, write Claire Asher. They found that variations in water-table depth, soil fertility and tree height influence forests' response to droughts. In the southern Amazon, experts observed a strong relationship between groundwater availability and the forests' drought resilience. But the situation was more complex in the northern Amazon, where drought vulnerability depended on a combination of factors, including water availability, soil fertility and tree height. The study suggests scientists may have overestimated the risk of drought-related tree death - and the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere as a result - in the southern Amazon. However, long droughts, like the current one across the Amazon, can push these forests to the brink of collapse. The researchers created a map of drought resilience across the Amazon Basin, which shows that forests at high risk of deforestation are also most vulnerable to drought. These forests also play a key role in regional weather patterns by feeding the "atmospheric river" that brings rainfall to major agricultural areas.
https://news.mongabay.com/2024/07/the-amazons-most-fertile-forests-are-also-most-vulnerable-to-drought-study/ Thursday 29th August
Mars has posted a record 8% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain year-on-year, driven by investments in efficiency, renewable energy and lower-impact agriculture, writes Sarah George. The success was confirmed this week in the multinational food and pet giant's annual 'Sustainable In A Generation ' Report, which tracks progress towards its sustainability ambitions. Mars' 2030 emissions commitment entails halving collective Scope 1 (direct), Scope 2 (power-related) and Scope 3 (indirect) emissions by against a 2015 baseline. The 2030 target supports a longer-term net-zero vision for 2050. Mars' emissions footprint in 2023 was 16% lower than in 2015, despite the business growing by 60% within the same timeframe in terms of annual sales.
https://www.edie.net/mars-decouples-growth-from-emissions-firms-up-1bn-climate-commitment/ Friday 30th August
Whale Sharks are listed as Endangered, which means that they are at risk of extinction in the wild, writes Kelli Whitehead... [They] are the largest member of the shark family and the largest fish in the world. Weighing up to 20 tonnes, they can grow up to 14 m long... Each year on the 30th of August we shine a spotlight on these incredible creatures. Living in warm waters around the world, whale sharks are filter feeders rendering their 3,000 tiny (around 5 mm long) teeth, of not much use while they spend their days hoovering up not only plankton and fish eggs but also small fish and squid... In the last 75 years, whale shark populations have declined by an estimated 63%, meaning there's a lot of work to be done raising awareness for whale sharks and their situation. Overfishing, habitat loss, climate change, slow reproduction and even improperly managed tourism all pose threats to their population.
https://saveourseas.com/international-whale-shark-day/ Saturday 31st August
According to the United Nations, environmental human rights defenders (EHRDs) are " individuals and groups who, in their personal or professional capacity and in a peaceful manner, strive to protect and promote human rights relating to the environment, including water, air, land, flora and fauna." Environmental defenders, many of whom are part of or represent indigenous peoples, remain highly vulnerable and under attack across the globe. Evidence suggests that as the climate crisis intensifies, violence against EHRDs also increases, whether through assaults, murders, intimidation, harassment, stigmatization, and criminalization. In 2022, at least 177 attacks against environmental defenders were recorded worldwide by the Global Witness, taking the total number of defenders killed between 2012 and 2022 to 1,910. Amongst these fatal attacks, 34% target Indigenous people, despite them only making up 5% of the world's population.
https://www.genevaenvironmentnetwork.org/resources/updates/environmental-human-rights-defenders/ Sunday 1st September
The Season of Creation, which starts and runs until October 4 th, is a time to renew our relationship with our Creator and all creation through celebration, conversion, and commitment together. During the Season of Creation, we join our sisters and brothers in the ecumenical family in prayer and action for our common home. The theme for 2024 is " To hope and act with Creation " and the symbol is "The first fruits of hope", inspired by Romans 8:19-25.

We confess that we do not relate to the Earth as a Mothering gift from you, our Creator. Our selfishness, greed, neglect, and abuse have caused the climate crisis, loss of biodiversity, human suffering as well as the suffering of all our fellow creatures. We confess that we have failed to listen to the groans of the Earth, the groans of all creatures, and the groans of the Spirit of hope and justice that lives within us. May your Creator Spirit help us in our weakness, so that we may know the redeeming power of Christ and the hope found in him. (taken from the 2024 prayer, found in the celebration guide)
https://seasonofcreation.org/ Monday 2nd September
Global food prices have seen huge fluctuations in recent years, soaring to record highs in 2022 before dropping in 2023 and rising again slowly this year, writes Orla Dwyer. Extreme weather events, geopolitical conflict, high input costs and increased demand all contributed to these spikes. [For example], in 2023, the UK experienced its second-warmest and seventh-wettest year since records began in 1836, according to the Met Office. England also had its wettest 18 months on record from September 2022 to February 2024... All of this had a major impact on farming, with high rainfall levels leaving soils waterlogged and affecting crop planting times. UK production of vegetables dropped by 4.9% in 2023 compared to the year prior, according to figures from the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. In 2023, cauliflower yields fell by just over 9% and the lowest area of bulb onions in "several decades" was planted, the figures showed.
https://www.carbonbrief.org/five-charts-how-climate-change-is-driving-up-food-prices-around-the-world/ Tuesday 3rd September
[Last month] marked the first anniversary of one of the most significant victories for the global climate movement in the past decade. On August 20, 2023 millions of voters in the South American nation of Ecuador overwhelmingly voted to halt oil drilling in the Amazon's Yasuni National Park, one of earth's most biodiverse places. To date, the Ecuadorian government has failed to respect the people's democratic will and to meet the 12-month deadline for state-run oil company Petroecuador to cease oil activities in Yasuní, close the wells, dismantle infrastructure, and restore the area... Despite being the first country in the world to enshrine the Rights of Nature into its Constitution, Ecuador continues to build on its alarming track record for disregarding legally binding sentences in landmark cases for rainforest protection, with Yasuni being one example among several. Other unresolved cases include the Waorani people of Pastaza and the Kichwa people of Sarayaku who won battles against oil drilling and the A'i Cofan of Sinangoe who triumphed against gold mining interests.
https://amazonfrontlines.org/chronicles/one-year-on-ecuadors-failure-to-comply-with-yasuni-victory-undermines-democracy-indigenous-rights-climate-justice/ Wednesday 4th September
Tonight is another workshop evening, at 7pm, Environmental Restorative Justice with Tanya Jones. Tanya lives in Dundee and works as a researcher on justice issues for Green MSP Maggie Chapman in the Scottish Parliament. She is also completing a PhD in global restorative climate justice and has written a chapter for the Palgrave Handbook of Environmental Restorative Justice. Before coming to Scotland, Tanya lived for 12 years in Northern Ireland where she was active in campaigning against fracking and in peace and reconciliation work. She is the book review editor for Green Christian magazine and is involved in the Borrowed Time initiative. On zoom, and free, but register using the link below:
https://greenchristian.org.uk/gc-campaigns/green-christian-workshops/ Thursday 5th September
Sainsbury's has committed to planting an additional 1.5 million trees by 2025, many of which will be added to farms within its supply chain, in a bid to enhance climate resilience, soil health and biodiversity, writes Sarah George. The supermarket has announced the commitment, taking its total tree-planting pledge through to 2025 to 6.5 million trees, as it marks 20 years of partnership with The Woodland Trust. Since the start of the partnership, Sainsburys has raised more than £14m for the Woodland Trust through a 1p contribution from every 12-pack of eggs sold, plus contributions from the sales of apples, greetings cards and carrier bags... Now, Sainsbury's and the Woodland Trust want to support more farmers across the retailer's broader supply chains to adopt agroforestry i.e. integrating trees, hedges and shrubs on their land... Farmers are being assured that they can integrate trees, hedges and/or shrubs while maintaining their yields and other 'essential land services'. They will have access to land-mapping tools from Land App and the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology to help them balance habitat creation and food production.
https://www.edie.net/sainsburys-increases-2025-tree-planting-target-with-focus-on-british-farms/ Friday 6th September
[In mid August] six young climate activists, Natur og Ungdom (Nature and Youth) and Greenpeace Nordic submitted additional arguments to the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in Strasbourg, France. In 2021 the parties filed an application to the ECtHR, challenging Norway's fossil fuel expansion in the Arctic region. Europe's highest court for human rights will assess whether Norway's fossil fuel expansion in the Arctic region violates human rights and a ruling could be issued later this year. The organisations initially sued the Norwegian State before domestic courts in 2016, arguing that its decision to expand oil and gas extraction in the Arctic region in the midst of the climate crisis is in breach of the Norwegian constitution. After the Norwegian Supreme Court majority ruled against them in 2020, six young climate activists, Nature and Youth and Greenpeace Nordic filed an application to the ECtHR.
https://www.greenpeace.org/international/press-release/69336/youth-and-environmentalists-climate-lawsuit-against-arctic-oil-progresses-in-the-european-court-of-human-rights/ Saturday 7th September
The new, rapidly growing, youth gaming market is being targeted by big oil and major climate polluters, writes Andrew Simms. ... Fossil fuel companies, car manufacturers, the military, and even petrostates are all spending heavily in esports [a multiplayer video game played competitively for spectators, typically by professional gamers] to bolster reputations among younger audiences. Dozens of significant deals have been struck between the esports industry and high-carbon polluters since 2017. At the same time regulation is lagging behind the growth and development of esports, leaving young adults vulnerable to misleading messaging from polluting sponsors. The findings come after UN Secretary General, António Guterres, called for " tech companies to stop taking fossil fuel advertising" during a major speech where he accused fossil fuel companies of " distorting the truth, deceiving the public and sowing doubt ". Younger audiences have the most at stake in terms of the worsening climate crisis, and will of course have future leaders and activists among their ranks.
https://theecologist.org/2024/aug/24/big-oil-griefing-young-gamers Sunday 8th September
The Affirmation of Faith

We have faith

in one God, one Source of all life,

one Ground of the whole Earth,

who created all things good.

And we have faith

in Christ, in whom we have been shown the special role of humanity to bear God's likeness in working and caring for Creation,

in seeking to understand her mysteries and powers,

in working with these powers

for the wellbeing of life on Earth.

And we have faith

in God's Spirit who leads us to a meek, unselfish and compassionate life-style.

So that the Earth is inherited in peace,

her life is transformed for all creatures and her bounty shared justly.

So be it. Amen.

(Adapted From India. Source: Sinfonia Oecumenica, Gütersloher Verlag-shaus, Gütersloh 1998. Reproduced by ECEN for Creation Time 2003)

Taken from the prayer in the Season of Creation Celebration Guide
https://drive.google.com/file/d/12M3weSD4D2mvjCiI3Mxen3JQZ5Rrazz3/view Monday 9th September
Tomorrow the next Deep Waters course starts. People often have complex emotional responses to the climate crisis, including grief, anger, blame, and many others. Deep Waters aims to help people navigate these responses through a Christian lens of love, wisdom, and justice, and to lead people into a place of active hope. Pray for the organisers and the participants, that they find the peace and hope that they need. To join, see link below:
https://borrowedtime.earth/programmes-of-mutual-support/deep-waters-programme/ Tuesday 10th September
Whistleblowers speaking to Mongabay have reported instances of poaching over decades in Tanzania linked to a luxury hunting firm catering to the United Arab Emirates' elites and royals. The insiders are from Ortello - sometimes spelled Otterlo - Business Corporation (OBC), which operates shoots in Loliondo, part of Tanzania's northern Ngorongoro district. Interviews with the sources, who requested pseudonyms due to safety concerns, provide a rare insight into OBC-organized hunting expeditions, which attracted members of UAE royalty and their associates at least once or twice a year from the 1990s until as late as 2016. They report that some of these trips culminated in live animals being flown abroad. Exports of live wildlife have been outlawed in Tanzania since 2016 to protect rare animals and birds. In 2022, lawmakers swiftly reversed a controversial decision to lift the ban that had been in place for six years. The sources' testimony comes as Tanzanian authorities have served waves of eviction notices affecting Maasai pastoralists in and around Loliondo, as part of efforts to lease 1,500 square kilometers (580 square miles) of ancestral land to OBC.
https://news.mongabay.com/2024/08/luxury-hunting-firm-linked-to-decades-of-poaching-in-tanzania-whistleblowers-say/ Wednesday 11th September
As diplomats get ready to restart talks [later this] month over the new UN climate finance target, the question of who should be putting money into the pot looms large over the negotiations writes Matteo Civillini. Most developing countries offer a straightforward answer: keep the status quo, meaning only the countries classified as industrialised when the UN climate treaty was adopted in 1992. But this club of developed nations, vocally led by the European Union and the United States, argues that the world has changed dramatically over the past three decades. They now want other countries that have become wealthier - and more polluting - to pitch in for the post-2025 New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), set to be agreed at the COP29 climate summit in Baku this November... Switzerland and Canada have been the first nations to propose precise criteria to expand the list of contributors beyond developed countries... Under this measure, Saudi Arabia and Russia would be included. China would too.
https://www.climatechangenews.com/2024/08/16/as-swiss-propose-ways-to-expand-climate-finance-donors-academics-urge-new-thinking/ Thursday 12th September
Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 6.8 per cent (4.0 Mt CO2eq) in 2023 with reductions in almost all sectors. This is the lowest that greenhouse gas emissions have been in three decades, and below the 1990 baseline. Emissions data show the largest single year reductions in the energy and agriculture sectors and the lowest level of residential emissions since 1990, while transport emissions were below pre-Covid levels.

Power generation emissions decreased by 21.6 per cent (2.2 Mt CO2eq)

Agriculture emissions decreased by 4.6 per cent (1.0 Mt CO2eq)

Residential emissions decreased by 7.1 per cent (0.4 Mt CO2eq)

Transport emissions increased marginally by 0.3 per cent (0.03 Mt CO2eq)

Emissions per capita decreased from 11.4 tonnes CO2eq/person to 10.4 tonnes CO2eq/person in 2023.

https://www.epa.ie/news-releases/news-releases-2024/irelands-greenhouse-gas-emissions-in-2023-lowest-in-three-decades-.php Friday 13th September
If we changed the world's consumption patterns to focus more on plants and less on meat, we could reduce global emissions by almost 20%, a new study shows. Emma Bryce continues: crucially, this reduction would be driven by changes in the way the world's wealthiest eat. In fact, high earners changing their diets would free up enough emissions to offset the rising output from the world's poorest as they start to eat more in line with global recommendations for a more balanced diet. The study, published in Nature Climate Change, departs from other studies that consider dietary impact only at the country level: this study considers that there can be huge discrepancies in income within nations, which may drive very divergent eating patterns.
https://www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2024/08/changing-how-wealthy-people-eat-would-free-up-twice-the-emissions-needed-for-the-diets-of-poor-populations-to-grow/ Saturday 14th September
For several years, plastic pollution has been a major issue raised at the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) and other global fora. In March 2022, a historical resolution was adopted at the 5th session of the United Nations Environment Assembly - End plastic pollution: towards an international legally binding instrument (UNEA 5/14), recognizing that " the high and rapidly increasing levels of plastic pollution represent a serious environmental problem at a global scale, negatively impacting the environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainable development ". It mandated the UN Environment Programme Executive Director to convene an International Negotiating Committee (INC) to develop and adopt a legally binding instrument on plastic pollution based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full life cycle of plastics. This landmark decision thus launched the process towards a global plastics treaty, which should be developed by the end of 2024. The next INC (INC-5) is in Korea in November this year
https://www.genevaenvironmentnetwork.org/resources/updates/road-to-plastics-inc-5/ Sunday 15th September To hope and act with Creation
God of the land, the sea, the sky:

Creator of all that is seen and unseen.

Open our hearts to the rhythm of Creation in the swells of the ocean, the movements of air and wind, the breath of all living things.

Open our eyes to the fragile beauty of the biodiversity of which we are a part.

Open our ears to the sounds of life around us.

Open our minds to the awareness of our deep relationship with all your Creation.

Taken from the prayer in the Season of Creation Celebration Guide
https://drive.google.com/file/d/12M3weSD4D2mvjCiI3Mxen3JQZ5Rrazz3/view Monday 16th September
The first half of 2024 saw new coal-fired power plant approvals fall significantly in China, a new report by Greenpeace East Asia said... Cristen Hemingway Jaynes continues: an analysis of project documents found that, from January to June, 14 new coal plants had been approved, with at least 10.34 gigawatts (GW) of total capacity. That reflects a 79.5 percent decrease from 50.4 GW during the same time period last year, a press release from Greenpeace East Asia said. " China has pumped the brakes on coal so far in 2024. Wind and solar expansion continues to be strong. Since 2022, we saw a troubling trend of coal approvals increasing despite renewable energy growth which should displace coal. We may now be seeing a turning point," said Yuhe Gao, project lead for Greenpeace East Asia, in the press release.
https://www.ecowatch.com/china-coal-plant-approvals-2024.html Tuesday 17th September
Road verges should be used as wildlife corridors to increase biodiversity, says campaign group Nature 2030 in its new ' Restoring a Green Britain' report. Brendan Montague writes: the report launch, supported by global charity Plantlife, comes as the new Labour government has set nature recovery as one of the five priorities for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Road verges have particular significance in Britain's efforts to reverse its biodiversity decline, making up nearly 45 percent of the UK's total plant diversity and being home to 87 species threatened with extinction... Pledging his support for the new report, Chris Packham, broadcaster and activist, said: " With every mow and every cut, we are destroying the essential habitats, food and carbon-capturing environments needed for our country to thrive. Councils are at the heart of change in our communities. However, they are facing this battle for biodiversity alone. The report by Nature 2030 gives councils the confidence and support they need to implement necessary change."
https://theecologist.org/2024/aug/15/road-verges-can-save-britains-biodiversity Wednesday 18th September
Oak trees accumulate more wood when there is more carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere, writes Rob MacKenzie. That's the key finding from [a] new study, carried out in a long-established forest in Staffordshire, England, that [was] turned into a huge field experiment by injecting with extra CO₂. After [the researchers] increased CO₂ levels to what will be the planetary level in the 2050s, trees took more of it from the atmosphere and their wood production increased by 10%. In some ways, this result is reassuring. We know that more CO₂ in the atmosphere can often help plants grow bigger and faster, since photosynthesis captures the carbon from which plants are largely made. However, until now, the only comparable study on an older, mature forest (an Australian eucalyptus forest) found no link between extra CO₂ and tree growth. [The] work shows the link really does exist - at least in some common broadleaf forests.
https://theconversation.com/we-pumped-extra-co-into-an-oak-forest-and-discovered-trees-will-be-woodier-in-future-236617 Thursday 19th September
New research has revealed that the number of net-zero projects and the achievement of sustainability targets in the built environment sector are on the rise, writes Sidhi Mittal ... The research, now in its fourth iteration, surveyed nearly 600 professionals in the built environment to assess attitudes and practices around sustainability. Key findings from the report include:

70% of construction projects now incorporate sustainability targets.

43% of industry professionals report successfully achieving sustainability goals, up from a third in 2022.

A 13% increase in net-zero projects compared to the previous year's report.

64% of professionals have worked on a net-zero project in the past year, a significant rise from 49% in 2022.

16% growth in the number of organisations measuring their carbon footprint, with 70% now tracking emissions.

14% rise in firms setting carbon reduction goals, with 76% now doing so, compared to 62% previously.

53% of companies have adopted carbon offsetting strategies, up from 38% in 2021.

https://www.edie.net/sustainability-targets-surge-in-britains-built-environment-sector-research-finds/ Friday 20th September
Sunday is the start of New York Climate Week. The theme this year is It's Time, which highlights the urgent need for progress, to triple renewable capacity and double energy efficiency. ... At the Opening Ceremony, climate leaders will come together to discuss their plans and the steps taken to meet this moment and accelerate progress on global climate action goals.
https://www.climateweeknyc.org/about-us Saturday 21st September
Today is World Cleanup Day and also Zero Emissions Day. It is also a day of action to call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation treaty. After decades of climate negotiations, fossil fuels have finally been dragged centre stage. Despite this, many governments are still approving new coal, oil and gas projects - threatening our chances of limiting warming to 1.5ºC. It's crystal clear: we now need a concrete, binding plan to end the expansion of new coal, oil and gas projects and manage a global transition away from fossil fuels. To protect people from the threat fossil fuels pose to our climate, our health and our future, a growing bloc of 13 countries are seeking a negotiating mandate for a Fossil Fuel Treaty.
https://fossilfueltreaty.org/ Sunday 22nd September
God of Light, Life and Love:

Help us to seek and find your presence in all Creation.

Help us to understand the roots of the ecological crisis and give us the wisdom to live resiliently in harmony with your Creation.

Keep us firm in the faith that the gift of life in all its fullness is for all Creation.

Help us to maintain hope that your reign of love is manifested in our common love for you, for ourselves, and for our neighbour - both human and non-human.

Taken from the prayer in the Season of Creation Celebration Guide
https://drive.google.com/file/d/12M3weSD4D2mvjCiI3Mxen3JQZ5Rrazz3/view Monday 23rd September
The 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly [is on at the moment, and it] marks a crucial milestone in the global effort to accelerate progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Heads of State and Government will gather at UN Headquarters in New York...to address the critical challenges and gaps in global governance exposed by recent global shocks. The highly anticipated Summit of the Future, held [yesterday and today as part of the UNGA], underscores the urgent need for enhanced international cooperation to address pressing challenges such as climate change, poverty and inequality, while also tackling the impacts of ongoing conflicts and global health crises. This Summit aims to reaffirm commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the United Nations Charter. The Summit will result in a negotiated Pact for the Future,
https://www.un.org/en/high-level-week-2024 Tuesday 24th September
Starting today, as party of the 79 th UN General Assembly, world leaders will gather to engage in the annual high-level General Debate under the theme, " Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations ". Heads of State and Government and ministers will explore solutions to intertwined global challenges to advance peace, security, and sustainable development.
https://www.un.org/en/high-level-week-2024 Wednesday 25th September
Also, as part of the 79 th UN General Assembly, today sees the High-Level Meeting on Sea-Level Rise [which] will convene global leaders, experts, and stakeholders to address the urgent and escalating threat of rising sea levels. This meeting will focus on building common understanding, mobilizing political leadership, and promoting multisectoral and multi-stakeholder collaboration and international cooperation towards the objective of " addressing the threats posed by sea-level rise ". Participants will work towards developing comprehensive solutions and actionable commitments to combat sea-level rise, ensuring a resilient and sustainable future including for small island developing states and low-lying coastal areas.
https://www.un.org/en/high-level-week-2024 Thursday 26th September
Today at the UN General Assembly are two the High-level Meetings, one on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and the other on the total elimination of nuclear weapons. The first presents an opportunity for countries and stakeholders to renew efforts and accelerate progress in combating the growing threat of AMR. The second is the annual High-level plenary meeting commemorating and promoting the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. Achieving global nuclear disarmament is the highest disarmament priority of the United Nations.
https://www.un.org/en/high-level-week-2024 Friday 27th September
Human-caused climate change made the "unprecedented" wildfires that spread across Brazil's Pantanal wetlands in June 2024 between four and five times more likely, according to a new rapid attribution study. South America's Pantanal - the world's largest tropical wetland - experienced exceptionally hot, dry and windy conditions in June, causing blazes in the region to soar. The World Weather Attribution (WWA) service finds that the month was the hottest, driest and windiest year in the 45-year record. The team conducted an attribution study to find the "fingerprint" of climate change on these weather conditions. They find that, in a world without climate change, these conditions would be very rare - occurring only once every 161 years. In today's climate, which has already warmed by 1.2C above pre-industrial temperatures as a result of human-caused warming, these conditions are a one-in-35 year event.
https://www.carbonbrief.org/climate-change-made-the-supercharged-2024-pantanal-wildfires-40-more-intense/ Saturday 28th September
In early August, several youth organizations affiliated with Muhammadiyah, Indonesia's second-largest Islamic organization, released a public petition calling on its leadership to cancel its plans to operate coal mines, writes Asad Asnawi. The decision by the Muhammadiyah leadership board was made in July after Indonesia's president, Joko Widodo, amended mining rules to enable religious organizations to enter the mining industry. Grassroots activists and some senior member of the organization told Mongabay the move threatens to undermine Muhammadiyah's extensive charity and advocacy work, in addition to environmental commitments the group made in recent years.
https://news.mongabay.com/2024/08/indonesian-islamic-behemoths-entry-into-coal-mining-sparks-youth-wing-revolt/ Sunday 29th September
God of truth and justice:

Fill us with your spirit of compassion so we may live and act with and in solidarity with Creation.

Guide us in paths of righteousness that help us to tread softly on the land and sail gently on the sea.

Give us wisdom and courage to recognise our role in the evil of systemic exploitation and extraction and to speak truth to power.

Give us strength of heart and arm to be agents of the ecological conversion the world so desperately needs.

Taken from the prayer in the Season of Creation Celebration Guide
https://drive.google.com/file/d/12M3weSD4D2mvjCiI3Mxen3JQZ5Rrazz3/view Monday 30th September
The death and destruction that conflicts cause are visible and immediate tragedies, but often overlooked are the long-term environmental consequences of that violence - insidious, poisonous legacies, writes Obi Anyadike, Senior editor of The New Humanitarian. Even before a shot is fired, standing armies are climate-hostile. Voraciously energy-hungry and wasteful, military establishments are believed to account for 5.5% of all global greenhouse gas emissions. The globe-spanning US Armed Forces, with their fleets of ships, tanks, and high-performance aircraft, are the world's largest institutional users of petrol. As a result, their carbon footprint is greater than most countries, bigger than Sweden, Denmark, or Portugal. Then there are the logistics chains that keep militaries supplied to factor in and, if we are being thorough, the emissions of the arms manufacturing industry as well. But it's the devastation of war that supercharges environmental ruin. This story was originally published by The New Humanitarian, which puts quality, independent journalism at the service of the millions of people affected by humanitarian crises around the world.
https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/feature/2024/08/15/ecocide-resource-stripping-wars-collateral-damage-planet
Sources:

Text and links compiled by Emma King. Links accessed August 26th 2024.
Subscribe:
Since December 2017 we've not been distributing the Prayer Guide as hard copy except under very special circumstances. (We encourage people to print out the Prayer-guide themselves and put it in their local churches.) If you think your circumstances qualify as very special please contact the webeditor

To have the Green Christian prayer guide emailed to you (free), please complete this on-line form
top

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Green Christian monthly prayer guide has 4 versions of an A5 Booklet format: Small Print: Small Docx or Small Pdf; Large Print: Large Doc or Large Pdf. Scroll down for September's prayers, or download them below. Ways to use the Prayer Guide Older prayer guides: Prayer Guide Archive Subscribe: 1.

# data[].attributes.body
Water saving tips for households

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Saving water saves money. Installing simple devices such as water-efficient taps and showers will save both water and energy by minimising the use of heated water. An efficient shower head could reduce household bills by up to £120 per year. Such large financial savings can be particularly vital for households facing water and/or energy poverty.

Climate Change

Our use of water and energy are closely linked. Operational emissions from the water industry account for nearly 1% of the UK's total. A major source of emissions is from using hot water within homes. Reducing the time you shower or the amount of hot water you use for cleaning dishes therefore has a significant impact on your personal carbon footprint.

The Environment

Using water efficiently means that we can minimise the amount of additional water resources being taking out of our rivers and aquifers, especially as demands are rising. This protects our water resources and the wildlife that live in and use them too.

Securing Water Supplies

As water resources become scarcer, building new infrastructure for augmenting supply becomes increasingly expensive. If we save water that is otherwise wasted, we can offset the need for new infrastructures and reduce pressure on existing ones. Additionally, efficient water use makes our supply more resilient against impacts from climate change, such as droughts.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Saving water saves money. Installing simple devices such as water-efficient taps and showers will save both water and energy by minimising the use of heated water. An efficient shower head could reduce household bills by up to £120 per year. Such large financial savings can be particularly vital for households facing water and/or energy poverty.

# data[].attributes.body
Active travel advice from Merseytravel

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Active Travel Network

Millions of pounds are being invested in new cycling and walking routes across the Liverpool City Region to help you travel actively with more confidence.

Most of the journeys in our city region are less than 5km, but a lot of us still make those trips by car. Our new active travel network will be linked to our wider public transport system which will make it simple to switch to active kinds of travel.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Active Travel in the Liverpool City Region | Merseytravel

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Millions of pounds are being invested in new cycling and walking routes across the Liverpool City Region to help you travel actively with more confidence. Most of the journeys in our city region are less than 5km, but a lot of us still make those trips by car.

# data[].attributes.body
Cycle routes on the Wirral

# data[].attributes.body
Resources to help you celebrate the Season of Creation, which runs from 1 September, the Day of Prayer for Creation, to 4 October, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Thank you for your interest in the Season of Creation liturgies, materials, and other resources. Please feel to use them at will. There are no copyright requirements on any of the official Season of Creation materials, including but not limited to the Season of Creation Celebration Guide and other branded materials and resources. If you would like, you're welcome to credit or mention that you are using a liturgy from the Season of Creation Celebration Guide and link to the appropriate website or PDF. But such a mention is not required. Thank you again for your interest and your great work.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Thank you for your interest in the Season of Creation liturgies, materials, and other resources. Please feel to use them at will. There are no copyright requirements on any of the official Season of Creation materials, including but not limited to the Season of Creation Celebration Guide and other branded materials and resources.

# data[].attributes.headline
Outdoor spaces and walking guides in Wirral

# data[].attributes.subject
Outdoor spaces and walking guides in Wirral

# data[].attributes.body
Head off on foot or by bike to explore the many interesting places we have on the Wirral

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Outdoor spaces and walking guides | Visit Wirral

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Whether you’re heading on a half an hour leisurely walk or an all day ramble. Explore Wirral’s outdoor spaces on a walk, cycle even on the water. Plan your outdoor day out in Wirral here. Take a look at our walking guides, full of unique local insight into the best walking routes in the borough.

# data[].attributes.body
Research from the University of Manchester on how religious traditions are responding to the climate crisis

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Research Explorer The University of Manchester

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Responding to the crisis of climate change is a 'big ask' for all sectors of society. Religious traditions are among the groups responding to the crisis: for example, by campaigning to draw governments' attention to the climate emergency and trying to put their own eco-house in order.

This research project will focus on Christianity in the UK to explore in detail the on-the-ground theological changes generated by this big ask. Specifically, it will consider how the need to respond to the climate emergency is both leading to theological innovation and shaping Christian climate responses in three contexts: Roman Catholic and Church of England denominations; a Christian international development agency, and Christian advocacy and activist groups.

There is widespread agreement that anthropogenic climate change raises moral concerns as well as scientific and political issues. Moral concerns, however, do not emerge in a vacuum but in a cultural milieu or ethos which depend on certain ethical concepts, commitments and dispositions. Responding to climate change is therefore not only a matter of science and politics but also of ideology and belief.

Whose ideology and which belief, however?

A central theological and moral tradition of the Christian Church that is challenged by the climate crisis is 'personalism'. Personalism identifies the situation and task of the human understood by reference to personal attributes (will, reason, dispositions, etc.). Personalism relates also to human exceptionalism: personalist categories disembed the human from its 'natural' environment and thereby render the human an exception. Personalism is central to Christian theological traditions and moral deliberations. Such centrality explains why some religion scholars argue that Christianity can never be a 'dark green' religion.

This project seeks to test the ways in which existing theologies are in fact being adapted or extended better to serve ethical enquiry and moral action in the crisis of climate change. It also seeks to explore how the emphasis upon the human person is used among different Christian constituencies and what difficulties it creates for audiences receiving information on climate change and responding to its challenges. It also proposes to provide in a monograph a theological reinterpretation that draws on the project data and moves beyond personalism.

The conclusions of the research project will be provided as feedback to partners. Through reports and briefings, partners and similar organisations will be advised of the research findings (both theological and qualitative) and enabled to contextualise these findings in their own work. The reports on the findings of the project will allow partners and others through a process of shared learning to understand more clearly the difficulties they are encountering in fundraising, creating and managing change, and understanding and responding creatively to 'personalist' cultures.

The briefings, together with other sources, will explore how to embed the findings in partners' contexts towards consciousness raising and culture change. Such feedback will make it easier for these denominations, agencies and activist groups to meet the demands of the big ask. This same feedback will be of wider interest to other groups as civil society gears up to respond to the adaptation and mitigation demands of climate change.

Funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council: project AH/W004089/1

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Responding to the crisis of climate change is a 'big ask' for all sectors of society. Religious traditions are among the groups responding to the crisis: for example, by campaigning to draw governments' attention to the climate emergency and trying to put their own eco-house in order.

# data[].attributes.body
Supporting communities to participate in the climate agenda and find available funding for clean energy solutions.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
North West Net Zero Hub is a regional programme to promote investment in energy projects.

North West Net Zero Hub works with public sector organisations to improve the business case for their energy schemes.

North West Net Zero Hub supports communities to take action and participate in the climate agenda.

North West Net Zero Hub can help direct local businesses to available funding for clean energy solutions.

The team can also help publicise the achievements of organisations that have delivered pioneering projects.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
North West Net Zero Hub is a regional programme to promote investment in energy projects. North West Net Zero Hub works with public sector organisations to improve the business case for their energy schemes. North West Net Zero Hub supports communities to take action and participate in the climate agenda.

# data[].attributes.body
A printable list from Wirral Council of what goes in which wheelie bin

# data[].attributes.body
RecycleRight have created videos to inform residents across Liverpool City Region about what materials can be recycled at home, as well as the important role that recycling plays in tackling unnecessary waste

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Ever wonder where recycling goes once collected from your home? Or what happens to the materials you recycle?

Our Journey of Recycling videos have been created to inform residents across Liverpool City Region about what materials you can recycle at home, as well as the important role that recycling plays in tackling unnecessary waste.

By showcasing the #JourneyOfRecycling, we wish to build residents' trust in the process and improve household recycling rates across the City Region.

Journey of Recycling - Main Campaign Video

The main #JourneyOfRecycling campaign video provides a complete overview of the beginning and end processes of all recyclable materials across Liverpool City Region (Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens* and Wirral).
*As explained within the main #JourneyOfRecycling campaign video, if you live in St Helens, the materials that you can recycle and the ways in which you recycle them are different. To find out more about each of the accepted recyclable materials in Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral, check out the videos below... For more information on recycling in St Helens, please visit https://www.sthelens.gov.uk/WhatGoesWhere.
Cardboard

Cardboard forms one of the six material groups accepted via kerbside recycling collections from local authorities in Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral.

If you live in one of these areas, here's what happens to the cardboard which you recycle at home...

Drink Cans

Drink cans form one of the six material groups accepted via kerbside recycling collections from local authorities in Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral.

If you live in one of these areas, here's what happens to the drink cans which you recycle at home...

Food Tins

Food tins form one of the six material groups accepted via kerbside recycling collections from local authorities in Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral.

If you live in one of these areas, here's what happens to the food tins which you recycle at home...

Glass Bottles and Jars

Glass bottles and jars form one of the six material groups accepted via kerbside recycling collections from local authorities in Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral.

If you live in one of these areas, here's what happens to the glass bottles and jars which you recycle at home...

Paper

Paper forms one of the six material groups accepted via kerbside recycling collections from local authorities in Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral.

If you live in one of these areas, here's what happens to the paper which you recycle at home...

Plastic Bottles

Plastic bottles form one of the six material groups accepted via kerbside recycling collections from local authorities in Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral.
Learn more about recycling at home via Do It Right with Recycle Right.
If you live in one of these areas, here's what happens to the plastic bottles which you recycle at home...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Calling all residents from across Liverpool City Region! Come with us, as we take you on the Journey of Recycling...

# data[].attributes.body
How to set up a home composting system

# data[].attributes.body
The Recycling Discovery Centre offers free tours for schools and community groups to see how household waste is recycled

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
During your experience you will discover:
What you can recycle at hometo help you and your group Recycle Right.

What is contamination - That is the wrong things put in the recycling bins.

The Journey of recycling from your home to its final destination.

A unique tour of the Materials Recovery Facility where you'll see recycling in action.

Sessions are tailored for your group. We accept bookings from groups in Merseyside & Halton:

Nurseries

Primary and Secondary Schools

Colleges and Universities

Community groups

Uniformed groups: Beavers, Cubs, Rainbows, Brownies, Scouts, Guides

and many more!

Ready to book? Get started by viewing our availability calendar in our 3 step booking process above.

Session Outcomes

Recycling - Building knowledge confidence

Circular economy and the 3R's

Resources and Waste Strategy - Future plans

Tour of Gillmoss

How can you bring sustainability into the curriculum?

Ready to book? Get started by viewing our availability calendar in our 3 step booking process above.

From small seminars to training events, Gillmoss Recycling Discovery Centre is ideal for your next event.

Up to 24 attendees with 6 tables

72 inch TV screen for presentations

Fully accessible

Toilets

Guided tour of the Materials Recovery Facility from an enclosed aerial viewing walkway

Free on-site parking for cars, mini-buses and coaches

Free refreshments

Catering not provided (we can recommend a supplier or you can organise your own)

Interested? Drop us an email to speak to us about your event.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A unique visitor experience offering free sessions for education, community and uniformed groups.

# data[].attributes.body
Sign up for a free Giki Zero account to calculate your carbon footprint and get suggestions on how to reduce it

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Why is that?

We want to do our best to make Giki Zero as accessible as possible and to support older technologies for as long as we can. However, we're a small development team, and we want to focus our efforts on helping the largest number of people cut their environmental impact as easily and effectively as we can with the most exciting and enagaging experiences. That means that we have to make some trade-offs.

What can you do?

Please use a moden web browser such as:

and ensure that you have JavaScript enabled.

Still having issues?

If one of the browsers above doesn't work, or you think we're showing this message by mistake, please get in touch. Send us an email and we'll do our best to help.

Get in touch

Want to help?

If you have the time and skills to help us improve Giki Zero and help us reach more people, then we'd love to hear from you. We're a small, friendly team who are always interested in collaboration.

Get in touch

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Carbon Footprint Calculator - Recommended by the Climate Champions | Giki Zero

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Calculate, track and reduce your carbon footprint with Giki, and build a personalised plan to reach Net Zero. It's fun, easy to use and backed by science.

# data[].attributes.body
A Wirral charity that collects, repairs and redistributes school uniforms

# data[].attributes.body
Find out more about climate action on the Wirral and take part in current projects

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Stay informed by joining Have your say Wirral

# data[].attributes.body
Calculate your individual environmental footprint

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Calculate your environmental footprint and learn how you can reduce your impact with WWF's Footprint Calculator.

# data[].attributes.body
The Besom in Wirral is a Christian organisation that provides a bridge between those who want to give and those who are in need in the Wirral.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Home | Besom Wirral | Charity Furniture Collection | Wirral, UK

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Besom in Wirral is part of a national network of Besoms. At the time of writing, there are about 25 Besoms across the country. Each one runs slightly differently, but all with the same aim – to help build the bridge between those who have, and those families in need on the Wirral.

# data[].attributes.headline
Recycle hard to recycle plastics with Terracycle

# data[].attributes.subject
Recycle hard to recycle plastics with Terracycle

# data[].attributes.body
Terracycle provide recycling schemes for hard to recycle plastic items such as pens, coffee pods and pet food pouches. Sign up to be a drop off point or find an existing drop off point near you.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
TerraCycle is an innovative recycling company that has become a global leader in recycling hard-to-recycle materials. They offer a range of free programmes, as well as recycling solutions available for purchase for almost every form of waste. Eliminate the idea of waste

# data[].attributes.headline
Historic Places of Worship and Climate Change

# data[].attributes.subject
Historic Places of Worship and Climate Change

# data[].attributes.body
Advice and information from the Methodist Church but applicable to historic buildings used for places of worship for any faiths

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We are dedicated to encouraging our Historic Places of Worship to embrace the call to net zero. We recognise this is an integral part of our mission and are actively encouraging sympathetic and appropriate adaptation to achieve this goal. This includes learning from others, sharing resources and good practice and collaboration.
How can our place of worship be ready for the challenges of climate change?
Good routine maintenance is the first step in preparedness. Small measures can help us prepare for extreme weather and should be incorporated into your annual maintenance plan, these include:

Clearing gutters, hoppers and downpipes of detritus to ensure water flows away from your building. Consider increasing the capacity of any replacement rainwater goods;

Check and secure any roofing materials to prevent loss in high winds or water penetration from slipped slates etc;

High level stonework should be inspected and checked and made good where it is found to be loose.

Your lightening protection should be maintained and checked for efficiency;

Re-pointing in an appropriate mortar should be carried out where pointing is missing to prevent water penetrating into the building. Defects such as damp walls and poorly fitting doors and windows can substantially reduce thermal performance, Remember DAMP=COLD!;

Gently dust fan convector heater fins and grills on back of fridges to increase efficiency

Ensure your radiators can function efficiently; bleed radiators if cold at the top, have sludge flushed-out if cold at the bottom.

Get the boiler services

Fix leaking taps

Keep radiators clear of furniture or other obstructions

Don't block air vents or other intentional ventilation, and remember some windows may need to be open to let condensation out and to help moist air evaporate from the building.

Insulate heating pipes and water tanks

Turn lights off when the room is not in use.

A template Annual Maintenance Plan can be found here.

10 Simple Measures to make your Historic Place of Worship more Energy Efficient for other tips on where to start making changes see the Methodist Church's webpages Get Your Building Down to Net Zero.
How can our Historic Place of Worship contribute to net zero targets?
Historic Places of Worship can make a difference and can respond to the challenges of climate change. For examples and case studies on how other churches and historic buildings are making a difference see the Historic Environment Forum's Heritage Responds web pages which includes case studies on solar arrays and energy efficient heating systems.

Guide to Energy Retrofit in Traditional Buildings Not sure how to make your traditional building more energy efficient? Historic Environment Scotland has published a new guide looking at different retrofit options as well as important considerations such as material compatibility and building regulations. Whilst the guidance covers all buildings, including domestic buildings, it offers general principles that can apply to any church or chapel of traditional construction. Please find the guidance note here.

Cadw on 'How to improve energy efficiency in Historic Buildings in Wales' ... 'for everyone': The challenge of climate change requires everyone to act, and Cadw has produced guidance for anyone who wants to improve the energy efficiency of a traditional or historic building.

"How to Improve Energy Efficiency in Historic Buildings" is guidance aimed at owners and managers of historic buildings. It describes a 'whole building approach' to devising and implementing energy efficiency improvements that:

avoid harming the significance of the building

are effective, cost efficient, proportionate and sustainable

ensure a healthy and comfortable environment for occupants, and

minimise the risk of unintended consequences.

It considers the factors that influence levels of energy use in historic buildings and explains the whole building energy planning process in detail. It also includes checklists of energy efficiency measures that might be suitable as part of this approach, with links to sources of more detailed technical information on upgrading building elements such as roofs, walls and floors.

There is a widely held view that older buildings are not energy efficient and must be radically upgraded to improve their performance. In practice, the situation is more complicated, and assumptions about poor performance are not always justified. Even so, the energy and carbon performance of most buildings can be improved. And small savings quickly add up.

The guidance can be found here

Historic Environment Scotland has also collated a number of other resources which consider energy efficiency measures. Whether you are looking for technical data, a look at their live Q&A or to read their extensive list of case studies, you can find links to all of them here.
The Church of England's Environment Webinars
The Church of England has produced a number of webinars on a variety of topics relating to carbon reduction and meeting 'net zero carbon 'emissions targets. Sessions include:

Environmental fundraising;

Best heating and lighting solutions;

Net zero carbon topics covering heat pumps, "conservation pitfalls en route to net zero", assessing embodied carbon in retrofit projects, and net zero schools;

Eco Church; and

Defining and measuring net zero

A link to these webinars can be found here

To readstrategy and response to the climate, energy and biodiversity crisis, including an assessment on the role of heritage, visit their webpages Historic England's here. You can also access their guidance notes on:

Solar Electric (Photovoltaics) - this advice note describes the different options available and how they work as well as advice on how to minimise the potential damage to fabric and visual impact of a renewable installation.

- this advice note offers help on how to minimise damage to historic fabric when considering your heat pump installation.

Renewable Energy Generation in Historic Places of Worship - This is a general web page outlining relevant considerations for trustees when thinking about the installation of renewable energy equipment in Historic Places of Worship.

Heating Historic Buildings - This section covers the issues to be considered when refurbishing a historic heating system. It also looks at designing and installing a new heating system in a historic building. Read on to find advice on the different types of heating systems, their suitability for the building, collection and occupants, installation, control systems and maintenance.

Low and Zero Carbon Technologies - This gives links to low or zero carbon technologies that generate electricity or heat or both with low or no carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions are vital to meeting this target, such as biomass boilers, combined heat and power, hydroelectric power etc.

Internal Lighting in Historic Buildings - This explains the issues to be considered when refurbishing historic internal lighting or designing and installing a new layout. Read on to find advice on light fittings, types of lamps and their suitability, installation, control systems and maintenance.

External Lighting of Historic Buildings - This section covers the issues to be considered when designing and installing external lighting to illuminate a historic structure or building and its surroundings. Historic England's advice covers light fittings, types of lamps, differing control systems and their suitability, security, installation and maintenance.

Future of Heating in Historic Buildings - Conference Recordings The conference recordings for the Future of Heating in Historic Buildings are now available on YouTube. This took place on 28 June and involved a partnership between The Fit for the Future network (National Trust), Church of England and Historic England. Topics included decarbonised heating, carbon neutrality and heat pumps.
Scheme For EV Charging Points
The Government has introduced a Workplace Charging Scheme that will provide grants for organisations to purchase and install electric vehicle (EV) charging points - applicant can receive grant funding of up to £350 per socket (with a limit of 40 sockets across all sites per applicant). Guidance for charities and small accommodation businesses applying to the scheme can be found here.

The Historic Environment Forum (HEF) The Historic Environment Forum (HEF) has launched a new Sustainability & Net Zero Resource Page, which shares key materials from the HEF Sustainability & Climate Change Task Group to support the heritage sector on the path to Net Zero. You can access this here

Share this

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Historic Places of Worship and Climate Change

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We are dedicated to encouraging our Historic Places of Worship to embrace the call to net zero. We recognise this is an integral part of our mission and are actively encouraging sympathetic and appropriate adaptation to achieve this goal. This includes learning from others, sharing resources and good practice and collaboration.

# data[].attributes.body
A map of eco businesses; shops; places of worship, community gardens; groups and much more in the Liverpool City Region

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Contact us: transitionliverpool@gmail.com

You can...
Become a Community Champion for your area:
- Help us keep up to date with local, green and ethical businesses and organisations and encourage them to join the Mersey GNM
Support our Annual Transition Gathering
Our Transition Gatherings are helf in October and have usually attracted between 50 and 80 people. We will need people to cook, help to set up, register people as they arrive.
Help organise our Mersey Green Fairs:
- Get in touch with businesses and organisations on the map and ask if they would like to be a speaker at one of our Mersey Green Fairs

- Assist on the day of the Green Fair
Spread the word:
- You can simply share what we are doing with friends, family and colleagues

- Please also share this page on social media to reach wider audiences

For more information please get in touch with Margaret or Bee at transitionliverpool@gmail.com

This map is a free resource and we want people to use it and support their local, green and ethical businesses and organisations!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Mersey Green Network Map - Transition Liverpool

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Contact us: transitionliverpool@gmail.com You can... Become a Community Champion for your area: - Help us keep up to date with local, green and ethical businesses and organisations and encourage them to join the Mersey GNM Support our Annual Transition Gathering Our Transition Gatherings are helf in October and have usually attracted between 50 and 80 people.

# data[].attributes.body
A local charity aiming to educate of the public about protecting the environment, sustainability, recycling and fair trade within Wirral and the surrounding area

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Wirral Environmental Network – Working to improve the quality of life in Wirral

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Projects that promote sustainable lifestyles – planting trees, greening your community, growing your own food, community gardens, reducing waste, reusing and upcycling furniture, reducing your energy use and lots more.

# data[].attributes.body
Ethical and eco shopping guides for more than 100 products and services

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Reliable and easy to use ethical and eco shopping guides, for more than 100 products and services.

Helping you to buy ethically, and avoid unethical products and companies.

From broadband to investments, jeans to travel companies, we've got it covered.

Each guide has product ratings, best buys and key information to help you shop ethically.

Our dedicated team of researchers bring you the facts, and we provide ethical ratings from our unique corporate research database.

New to Ethical Consumer? We are the non-profit co-operative at the heart of the ethical consumer movement - find out more about us.

Find a guide from the A-Z list below or browse above by category.

Shopping guides

What is the most ethical and environmentally friendly milk?
We look into the sustainability of plant-based milks, including almond, coconut, hemp, rice and soya; with ethical & environmental rankings for 25 vegan plant milk brands, and best buy recommendations.

View guide

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Ethical Shopping Guide | Ethical Consumer

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Reliable and easy to use ethical and eco shopping guides, for more than 100 products and services. Helping you to buy ethically, and avoid unethical products and companies.

# data[].attributes.headline
Wirral Environmental Network - Green Organisations List

# data[].attributes.subject
Wirral Environmental Network - Green Organisations List

# data[].attributes.body
Wirral Environmental Network maintain a Big Green List of green businesses and organisations

# data[].attributes.body
Fairtrade information, resources and products

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Fairtrade is about better prices, safe working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers.
Learn more What is Fairtrade?

Buying Fairtrade is easy. There are over 6,000 Fairtrade products from coffee and tea to flowers and gold, so when you shop, look for the FAIRTRADE Mark.
Learn more Buying Fairtrade

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Fairtrade is a system of certification that sets standards in the production of goods. For farmers it means safer working conditions and fairer pay. For shoppers it means high quality, ethically produced products.

# data[].attributes.body
The United Nations Environment Programme’s guidelines for congregations that want to go green

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Around the world, there are an estimated 37 million churches, 4 million mosques, 20,000 synagogues and hundreds of millions of temples.

Experts say many of these houses of faith could become models of sustainability by practicing eco-friendly worship, embracing green buildings, and offering environmentally-friendly sermons.

To help in that process, the United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) Faith for Earth Initiative has just published guidelines for congregations that want to go green. The standards are designed to support the work of religious leaders who are already preaching the value of environmentalism to followers.

"We agree with faith leaders around the world that change starts at home," said Iyad Abumoghli, director of the Faith for Earth Initiative at UNEP. "Our spiritual homes and sacred spaces are our houses of worship. All religions and spiritual traditions commit to live in harmony with nature, thus it is imperative that we practice what we preach."

With that in mind, here are four things congregations can do to help the environment.

1. Incorporate green technology into their place of worship

Photo by Unsplash / Jennifer Chen

The building sector is responsible for 40 per cent of energy consumption and nearly 30 per cent of all energy-related greenhouse gases globally. Places of worship can be standard bearers for green building by planting trees on their grounds. They can also embrace renewable energy, like solar power, install water-efficient faucets, and use recycled gray water for plants.

The Zhengjue Temple in Shandong Province, China uses solar panels to generate their entire need of energy and store excess.

2. Include the importance of sustainable living in regular sermons

Badshahi Mosque in Lahore. Photo by UN Photo / Mark Garten

Places of worship can convey the importance of sustainable living in regular sermons through prayers, meditations or hymns, drawing inspiration from religious texts.

EcoMENA provides some tips for a Green Ramadan to Muslims, like reducing food waste, saving water while making 'Wudu', rejecting disposable cutlery and cycling to the mosque. While Longshan Temple in Taipei reduces the use of incense and finds more eco-friendly alternatives.

Faith leaders can also organise congregations on special environmental days such as Earth Day, World Environment Day and World Car Free Day.

3. Include environmental education in the curriculum of religious-affiliated schools

The Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour in Prizren, Kosovo. Photo by UN Photo / Eskinder Debebe

Since Faiths are involved in over half of the world's schools as founders, coordinators, funders and managers, they are perfectly placed to champion environmental sustainability in education by promoting religious values that enhance environmental conservation.

These can be done through storytelling, debates, games, dramas or the core curriculum. Some schools, known as eco-schools, adopt an approach where the environment in its totality is placed at the centre of teaching and learning, ensuring environmental concerns are part of the curriculum and day-to-day running of the school.

The St. Joseph's Senior Secondary School, a Catholic mission school, is engaged in the Sandwatch Project by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), which seeks to develop awareness of the fragile nature of the marine and coastal environment and the need to use it wisely.

4. Ensure your house of worship purchases sustainably sourced goods

Photo by Pixabay / HeVoLi

Houses of worship can demonstrate sustainable living by leading through example and purchasing goods that are locally or sustainably sourced, fair-traded and eco-friendly, such as recycled paper, cleaning products, organically grown food. Faith leaders can also reduce the number of offerings at temples or ensure they are eco-friendly and not made of single-use plastics or other harmful materials.

The Mylapore Kapaleeshwarar Hindu Temple in India has transformed into a zero-plastic zone, with plastic bags banned not just inside the temple premises, but also in any of the surrounding shops. The items for offering, previously contained in polythene bags are now packed in reusable bamboo baskets.

See the full guide here.
Nature-based solutions offer the best way to achieve human well-being, tackle climate change and protect our living planet. Yet nature is in crisis, as we are losing species at a rate 1,000 times greater than at any other time in recorded human history and one million species face extinction. In addition to important moments for decision makers, including the COP 15 on Biodiversity, the 2020 "super year" is a major opportunity to bring nature back from the brink. The future of humanity depends on action now.
For more information, please contact Iyad Abumoghli: Iyad.Abumoghli@un.org

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Four ways to make your house of worship eco-friendly

# data[].attributes.body
A guide for becoming more eco-friendly in your faith community from The Scottish Inter Faith Council Youth Committee

# data[].attributes.body
Background information on different faiths' responses to climate change and the environment from the UN Environment Programme

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Spiritual values drive individual behaviours for more than 80 per cent of people. In many countries, spiritual beliefs and religions define cultural values, social inclusion, political engagement and economic prosperity.

In 2008, the United Nations passed a resolution to promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace, and established the UN Inter-agency Task Force on Religion and Development (UN IATF-FBOs) in 2010. The task force is composed of 19 United Nations organizations, including UN Environment.
The Faith for Earth Initiative
Following a series of initiatives and conventions organized in partnership with faith-based organizations, UN Environment launched the Faith for Earth Initiative in November 2017. The goal of Faith for Earth is to strategically engage with faith-based organizations and partner with them to collectively achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and fulfill the objectives of the 2030 Agenda.

Faith for Earth has three main goals: to inspire and empower faith organizations and their leaders to advocate for protecting the environment, to green faith-based organizations' investments and assets to support the implementation of SDGs, and to provide them with knowledge and networks to enable their leaders to effectively communicate with decision-makers and the public.
Mission

"To encourage, empower and engage with faith-based organizations as partners, at all levels, toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and fulfilling the 2030 Agenda."

Vision

A world where everything is in balance.

Shared values that spell CREATION
C: Communication - Effective communication at all levels between all stakeholders.

R: Respect - All spiritual and religious beliefs are respected.

E: Empower - Empower and engage all stakeholders.

A: Act - Act in coherence with individual reflection and communal beliefs.

T: Transform - Transform people's behaviour for a more responsible lifestyle inspired by their own faiths.

I: Inspire -Inspire innovative approaches to achieve the 2030 Agenda.

O: Organize - Organize knowledge and other resources related to faiths and sustainable development.

N: Network - Build a strong network between the UN and faith-based organizations.
Engaging faith-based organizations as partners to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals
Faith-based organizations have been recognized as key players in eradicating poverty, improving people's health, protecting the environment and working toward sustainable development. Their agility is crucial, especially at the local level and with faith actors. FBOs are also sustainable institutions and, in recent years, policymakers have begun to engage them in environmental conservation and natural resources management.
Benefits of a Faith for Earth engagement
The networks of faith-based organizations and faith leaders cross continents and political boundaries, making it a viable and practical means to achieve sustainable development. Tapping into the spiritual wealth of people and their beliefs accelerates people's engagement and the organizational drive to contribute. Mobilizing the financial assets and practices of faith-based funding institutions responds directly to the Addis Ababa Action Agenda for financing sustainable development.

One of the most important challenges is building trust around common objectives, rather than pushing the perceived secular views of the UN. Basic principles for engagement must be established and made clear to all partners in a transparent manner. Also, the secular position of the UN provides a neutral space for interreligious and intercultural dialogue.

Faith for Earth is an equitable engagement. All major faiths, along with indigenous spirituality, are represented in a transparent and balanced manner.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Spiritual values drive individual behaviours for more than 80 per cent of people. In many countries, spiritual beliefs and religions define cultural values, social inclusion, political engagement and economic prosperity. In 2008, the United Nations passed a resolution to promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace, and established the UN Inter-agency Task Force on Religion and Development (UN IATF-FBOs) in 2010.

# data[].attributes.body
A teaching resource from Religions & Environmental Education Projects (REEP) on relevant beliefs, values and attitudes to the environment in Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Faiths for a Future has a range of practical activities and information on environmental beliefs, values and attitudes in different faiths.

# data[].attributes.body
People often have complex emotional responses to the climate crisis, including grief, anger, blame, and many others. Deep Waters aims to help people navigate these responses through a Christian lens of love, wisdom, and justice, and to lead people into a place of active hope.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
People often have complex emotional responses to the climate crisis, including grief, anger, blame, and many others. Deep Waters aims to help people navigate these responses through a Christian lens of love, wisdom, and justice, and to lead people into a place of active hope.

Deep Waters can be used in a church context and seeks to be a practical resource for pastoral needs.

Do have a look at the details of the course on these pages.
If you would like to register your interest for future Deep Waters sessions please do so here. If you would like to run a Deep Waters course yourself for your church or group, please enquire via our contact page here. To get in touch on any other aspect of the Deep Waters programme, please also use our contact page.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
People often have complex emotional responses to the climate crisis, including grief, anger, blame, and many others. Deep Waters aims to help people navigate these responses through a Christian lens of love, wisdom, and justice, and to lead people into a place of active hope.

# data[].attributes.body
Links and teaching resources around youth activities and greening schools premises

# data[].attributes.body
Energy saving tips, energy audits and free energy tariff consultations from Eco Mosque

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Mosque Energy Saving Tips - Eco Mosque Audit With energy bills increasing across the UK due to the rise in cost of living, Faith Associates through the EcoMosque project are providing a FREE energy tariff consultation that could save your institution thousands of pounds. The 8 tips

# data[].attributes.body
A source of reliable and easily understandable knowledge on climate change

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Facts. Connection. Action.

The Carbon Almanac is a powerful tool to help us create change, right here and right now.

We're a global community EAGER to make change.

It's a source of reliable and easily understandable knowledge on climate change...that you can share to create meaningful impact.
Contributor Seth Godin explains more below.

We are called to be architects of the future, not its victims.
-R. Buckminster Fuller

Make an impact right now... Switch your search engine to Ecosia.

It's a not-for-profit that plants a tree for every 45 online searches you make.

It's fast, it's easy and it's a lot more private than Google. With just a few clicks, you make a difference, today and every single day from now on.

The Carbon Almanac is an invaluable resource. If you're looking to inform yourself about the basic science, impacts, and solutions to the climate crisis, then pick up a copy, arm yourself with knowledge, and join the defining battle of our time.

Michael Mann

Presidential Distinguished Professor University of Pennsylvania
Author of "The New Climate War"

An approachable, hopeful guide to a subject that is otherwise paralyzingly scary. A tonic for inaction and a bid to save our species and the only planet capable of sustaining it in the entire universe.

For too long the climate conversation has excluded the vast majority of people - many of which are directly impacted by changes to our climate in significant ways. The approach to creating The Carbon Almanac is truly inclusive. Relying on volunteers across the globe has resulted in information that provides varied perspectives and makes room for knowledge that has been historically excluded.

Readers from all backgrounds will find the information accessible and interesting, allowing them to take action in a way that is most meaningful to them, resulting in the change we need now more than ever!

Focused on the climate crisis in all its forms, The Carbon Almanac is wonderfully thorough, democratic in intent and language, and should draw as many readers as the Whole Earth Catalog did for an earlier generation.

An absolutely essential read for anyone who still has hope that humanity can save itself from the wreck it has made of this beautiful world. First you cry, then you act.

Every action we take makes a difference - every day. It is up to each one of us the kind of difference we make and The Carbon Almanac helps us all find a way to take positive actions for the health of our planet and its inhabitants.

Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE

Founder - the Jane Goodall Institute
& UN Messenger of Peace

Panama has understood that the success of its economy and the well-being of its population will depend on the preservation of the environment. Investing in conservation and sustainability is profitable for us. Our country has prioritized addressing the climate crisis both at home and as a key element of our foreign policy. Climate diplomacy is emerging to be a crucial asset for nations wishing to achieve their own climate goals, while also raising global ambition. Climate change is a challenge that requires coordinated efforts to be solved.

The Carbon Almanac is a powerful tool to help people understand the complexity of the global climate crisis and the do-able solutions that we urgently need to apply.

Changing our climate requires first changing our mindset about climate. This book is an exceptional resource to do just that

This book is a remarkably readable, digestible, and impactful exploration of climate science. It will change the world.

Travis Miles, PhD

Assistant Professor - Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Oceanographer

The book is just fantastic. I think it's going to be a huge success, by which I mean to break out of the silo and perhaps cause a shift in a larger public discourse. That would be the absolute best outcome, of course.

Iva Kravitz

Member, Committee on the Environment, AIA NY

Join The Daily Difference

The Daily Difference is a free email that will connect you to the Carbon Almanac Network. Every day, you will get an opportunity to join thousands of people from all over the world in taking action and making a significant positive impact. It's not too late. The earth needs passionate people like you to spread the word and create meaningful change.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Carbon Almanac | Facts. Connection. Action.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Facts. Connection. Action. The Carbon Almanac is a powerful tool to help us create change, right here and right now. We're a global community EAGER to make change. It's a source of reliable and easily understandable knowledge on climate change...that you can share to create meaningful impact.Contributor Seth Godin explains more below.

# data[].attributes.body
Wildlife events, resources and volunteering on the Wirral

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Wirral Wildlife | Wildlife Conservation | Wirral, Merseyside

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Wirral Wildlife is a group of the Cheshire Wildlife Trust, one of the network of 47 local Wildlife Trusts protecting wildlife across the UK. The Wildlife Trusts partnership is the UK’s leading environmental conservation charity.

# data[].attributes.body
Wirral Council's planned approach to reach net zero carbon on the Wirral and some early actions we can take

# data[].attributes.headline
Environmental Stewardship in Places of Worship

# data[].attributes.subject
Environmental Stewardship in Places of Worship

# data[].attributes.body
Detailed information around heat pumps and other methods of decarbonising your place of worship from the Diocese of Salford

# data[].attributes.body
An easy to use tool that allows you to work with others to calculate the carbon footprint of your church, synagogue, charity or small business.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A collaborative carbon footprint calculator for churches, charities and small businesses. Create an account, add your organisation, name your group and invite new members. Work together to calculate your organisation's carbon footprint for: energy, travel, working from home, food, expenditure, waste and water.

# data[].attributes.body
Supporting groups and individuals to investigate and care for burial grounds

# data[].attributes.body
A movement calling for the trillions of pounds invested in our UK pensions to be used to build a better world

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Your pension is powerful. Greening it is 21x more effective at cutting carbon than stopping flying, going veggie & switching energy supplier combined.

# data[].attributes.body
Rating local councils on their Climate Action Plans - See how Wirral Council compares to other local authorities around the UK

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Want to know how effective UK councils' climate plans and strategies are? Check out the Council Climate Scorecards to see your Council's score and how it compares to others across the UK.

# data[].attributes.headline
How to use the Council Climate Action Scorecards

# data[].attributes.subject
How to use the Council Climate Action Scorecards

# data[].attributes.body
Presentation from Hope for the Future at the Cool Places of Worship Meeting with  Councillors on how to use the information from the Council Climate Action Scorecards to engage with your local council

# data[].attributes.body
Six lifestyle changes you can make to protect the earth

# data[].attributes.body
Your starting point for data about local MPs, constituencies, public opinion and the climate and nature movement.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Explore data across the UK

Use data from The Climate Coalition, its member organisations, and the wider sector, to narrow down your focus to the areas and constituencies that matter to you.

Use the interactive map to discover data about your area, then export as a spreadsheet for further analysis.

Start exploring

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Your starting point for data about local MPs, constituencies, public opinion and the climate and nature movement.

# data[].attributes.body
Islamic Relief’s ‘Greening our Mosques’ initiative supports mosques to do more on climate change

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Greening our mosques – leading by example

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
At Islamic Relief we believe that climate change is one of the greatest threats humanity faces. There has never been a more critical time for a society-wide approach towards reducing our carbon footprint.

# data[].attributes.body
A charity that helps communities, groups and individuals across the country engage with their local politicians on climate change

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
At Hope for the Future, we believe in the power of democratic engagement in calling for action on climate change and the nature crisis.

That's why our mission is to equip campaigners across the UK with the tools they need to have effective and impactful conversations with their local politicians on climate change.
How we can help

We are experts in delivering tailored training workshops. These can help make your engagement with local politicians as effective and meaningful as possible

Our team is on hand to offer advice and guidance for your campaigning work, whether you're meeting with your local MP or councillor

Running an event and want to make a political impact? We're the people to ask!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We bring together local politicians and communities to take decisive action on climate change.

# data[].attributes.body
An annual 24 hour detox from consumerism and an opportunity to tune into the impact we have on the environment through shopping

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Buy Nothing Day was started by Adbusters in the early 90's and has since grown into an international event celebrated in more the 50 countries. Its is a simple idea, which challenges consumer culture by asking us to switch off from shopping for a day. The day is celebrated as a holiday by some, a street party by others - anyone can take part provided they spend a day without spending!

The UK campaign and website was created in 2000 by Michael Smith a graphic designer who cares passionately about environmental and ethical ussues. The message has always been simple, 'Shop Less, Live More'. Twenty one years on - the message couldn't be any simpler - WE NEED TO CONSUME LESS! Recycling is good - reducing is better!

There are serious issues linked to shopping, which expose the environmental and ethical consequences of consumerism. The rich western countries - only 20% of the world population are consuming over 80% of the earth's natural resources, causing a disproportionate level of environmental damage and unfair distribution of wealth.

As consumers we need to question our culture of shopping. We all have different needs and ultimately we are all consumers and will never be able to escape culture altogether. But this shouldn't stop us from questioning the products we buy or challenging the companies, who produce them. After all, what are the true risk consumerism poses to the environment and developing countries? The arguments are infinite - but there is no reason why we shouldn't be looking for simple solutions now because one day we may be forced to change.

The issues connected with Buy Nothing Day are broad and deep, however, the campaign focuses on promoting ethical and responsible consumerism, recycling, re-using and ultimately cutting back on what we consume - its a big challenge!

People have become aware that large corporations are exploiting labour conditions in developing countries using up vital resources because they are cheap and there aren't the systems to protect workers or the environment like there are in the west. The gap between the rich and poor nations is growing in spite of the much-heralded benefits of globalisation, there are still 1.3 billion people world wide who live on less than $1 a day and a similar number of people do not have access to clean water.

Workers rights in developing countries are frequently violated, including payment of low wages and long working hours. The lives of workers may also be endangered by poor health and safety provision. Child labour is rife in developing countries, and forced labour still exists. Unfortunately most people don't think of these things while shopping.

Supporters of globalisation offer economic growth as a solution to world poverty. They propose that impoverished nations and individuals can eventually attain a standard of living similar to our own through the 'trickle down' of wealth. However, the current globalisation model is leading to an increase in world poverty and inequality.

Buy Nothing Day is non-confrontational, it's not a protest. All we ask people to do is switch off from shopping, have a bit of fun, use their imagination and simply escape consumerism for a day. If people laugh at the ingenuity and genius of Buy Nothing Day, then we've got their attention and we're opening the door to change.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Buy Nothing Day is a 24 hour detox from consumerism and an opportunity for you to tune into the impact we have on the environment through shopping.

# data[].attributes.headline
How local councils are acting on climate

# data[].attributes.subject
How local councils are acting on climate

# data[].attributes.body
Case studies from Friends of the Earth exploring the impacts, benefits and resources needed to tackle climate change locally

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How local councils are acting on climate | Local action

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn from tried and tested initiatives helping local authorities tackle the climate crisis.

# data[].attributes.body
Fair Trade, ethical and sustainable products

# data[].attributes.body
Ideas for reducing waste across the Liverpool City Region

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Find out what materials can and cannot be collected at the kerbside for recycling from households and how those materials should be presented for collection in Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral.

Visit recycleright.org.uk

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Zero Waste Liverpool City Region is aiming to reduce waste and to support the wider aim of a net zero carbon Liverpool City Region by 2040.

# data[].attributes.body
A digital visualisation tool that helps you understand the carbon footprint of your parish, council ward or local authority area

# data[].attributes.headline
50 simple ways to make your life greener

# data[].attributes.subject
50 simple ways to make your life greener

# data[].attributes.body
Expert tips on how to be kinder to the planet – from cooking and cleaning to fashion and finance

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
50 simple ways to make your life greener

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Expert tips on how to be kinder to the planet – from cooking and cleaning to fashion and finance

# data[].attributes.headline
Climate Stewards Carbon Offsetting Scheme

# data[].attributes.subject
Climate Stewards Carbon Offsetting Scheme

# data[].attributes.body
Climate Stewards offer a carbon offsetting scheme

# data[].attributes.body
Resources to help churches to support their communities in holding councils accountable over their climate action plans

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Do you want to be a climate champion in your community? Would you like to help make where you live greener, safer and more pleasant? Are you looking for local ways to act on your environmental concerns? Then Net Zero in My Neighbourhood is just what you're looking for!

These resources will help churches to support their communities in holding councils accountable over their climate action plans. The campaign encourages us to build relationships with our councils and facilitate meeting spaces for our communities to come together and discuss how we can achieve a just transition from fossil fuels where we are.

Read the pages below for background on the campaign, and download our practical guide for effective engagement with your local council.

Workshops

We'd love to help your church get started with engaging your local council on their net-zero commitments. We've produced a one hour interactive workshop, exploring the background to the project and the practical steps to getting started.

Book us to come and meet your group

Someone from the Joint Public Issues team could run a workshop with your group. This could be online although we can often offer in-person sessions too. Please contact us with some details about your group and your preferences for dates.

Run the workshop yourself

We've also put together a version of the workshop that's ready for you to download and run with your group. You can find workshop notes for a group leader and an accompanying PowerPoint presentation download below.

Webinars with Hope for the Future

We ran two webinars with Hope for the Future in February and March 2023. Hope for the Future is an environmental justice charity with a wealth of experience in working alongside local councils and authorities to bring transformation to communities in the face of the climate crisis.

Ideal for anyone aiming to learn more about how to form relationships with councillors effectively, or who is just interested in lobbying, local government or the climate crisis.

If you'd like to see the webinars, let us know using the 'Contact us' link at the bottom of the page.

Local Elections

Are local elections coming to your neighbourhood in May? If you're not sure, you can find out by clicking here.

Elections are a great opportunity to encourage candidates and councillors to engage with the issues you care about. You could encourage councillors to make a pledge, or begin a relationship with a new councillor just as they are taking up their position of responsibility.

Video

If you want to share more about Net Zero in My Neighbourhood with your whole church and you have elections coming up, why not share our video with your church at a worship service?

Our friends at Hope for the Future have created some really helpful resources to support your engagement with the local elections - you can find these by clicking below:

Sign up

Is this something you or your church would be interested in? Sign up to join our campaign mailing list and join the network of activists seeking a greener future for their neighbourhoods.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Do you want to be a climate champion in your community? Would you like to help make where you live greener, safer and more pleasant? Are you looking for local ways to act on your environmental concerns? Then Net Zero in My Neighbourhood is just what you're looking for!