Why and how is the natural world changing?
What can I do today at home?
1.Compare energy providers
Comparing electricity and gas plans can help households identify more affordable energy options. Victorian Energy Compare is a free, independent Victorian Government service that allows you to compare available energy offers.
Compare energy plans using Victorian Energy Compare
2. Understand your energy usage. Check your gas and electricity bills for information. This Victorian Government website is a reliable information source Link
3. Recycle as often as you can. Here’s a helpful tool from Sustainability Victoria
4.Increase your composting of food waste. The Clean Up Australia website says “approximately 92% of household food waste still goes directly to landfill, where it anaerobically decomposes, expelling methane – a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.” Read more at this link
5.Transport choices and holiday destinations. Consider if you have alternatives for modes of transport for your daily living and holidays. Seeking to reduce the use of fossil fuels in cars and aeroplanes will help. Read about ‘Climate change and flying: what share of global CO2 emissions come from aviation?’ at this link
What can I do in my Parish?
How can parishes ‘act to reduce emissions from church buildings and vehicles and to adopt patterns of church life that work towards this end’?
- Plant a tree – or even a whole Tiny Forest! Trees sequester carbon as they grow as well as giving out oxygen, providing shade and creating habitat. See the ABC article: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-13/dapto-high-school-students-plant-tiny-forest-wollongong/102565816 If you don’t have space for a tiny forest, consider partnering with a community garden or other group. Or just start by planting one tree in your church garden. Seek good advice on the type of tree suitable to the position, and consider adding extra value by planting a fruit tree, or something that provides deep shade on hot days. Your tree could become a Prayer Tree as part of a Gippsland communion forest – see the Prayer Tree booklet for more information here: Prayer Tree Booklet
You could also register your tree with the worldwide Anglican Communion Forest: General information: https://www.communionforest.org/ How to get started: https://www.communionforest.org/getstarted/
- As they wear out, replace gas appliances with electric Gas is a polluting fossil fuel, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. The Climate Council says ‘gas appliances are less efficient and more expensive to run than modern electric equivalents’. See the Climate Council’s guide to getting off gas: https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/resources/getting-your-home-off-gas-quick-guide/
- Improve energy efficiency Energy saving tips, like fitting draught seals to windows and doors, are available on the Victorian government site: https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/for-households/save-energy-and-money/top-10-energy-saving-tips/winter-energy-saving-tips
- Change the church aircon temperature by 1 degree Go for a winter setting of 18-20 degrees, and for summer, 22-23 degrees and save on carbon emissions (and costs).
- Avoid and / or recycle waste in the church kitchen Food waste can be collected to be composted at home or in the church / community garden compost bin. Or your local council may provide a green waste bin which can include food scraps. Keep food waste out of landfill, where it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
Sustainability Victoria has a helpful online tool to make recycling easier: Small acts big impact: Suggests six small acts and provides tips and tricks on each. https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/recycling-and-reducing-waste/at-home/small-acts-big-impact/small-acts-list
- Compare energy providers Find out how your energy provider compares environmentally. See: https://www.choice.com.au/home-improvement/energy-saving/reducing-your-carbon-footprint/articles/green-electricity-review Also see a not-for-profit energy cooperative that supports some great community projects: https://www.cooperativepower.org.au/ Their mission is to ‘tackle poverty, take action against the climate crisis and build community’.
#Other webinars brought to you by ACTinG
ACTinG Rainforests in East Gippsland Webinarhttps://www.youtube.com/embed/ShT5Bv4fyVk
Food Security Webinarhttps://www.youtube.com/embed/-lxRdI9iENo
Action on Climate Together in Gippsland Webinar – ACTinGhttps://www.youtube.com/embed/WzO7s0wSsdo
Practical Pro-Climate Action for the Home
Anglicans across Australia and in Gippsland have been advocating for commitment to climate action in decision-making circles in 2022.
Did you know?
A climate action motion was made at the Anglican Church of Australia’s decision-making forum in May 2022 (Find out more about ‘General Synod’ here. Read about the motion here. Our Registrar, Mr Richard Connelly, spoke to the motion. You can watch it here (4:51).https://www.youtube.com/embed/uwhiDPZm5TI
In June 2022, the Gippsland Synod met and adopted the following motion: “That this Synod makes action on climate change a major focus for the Diocese of Gippsland over the coming three-year cycle of Synod, with parishes and all Diocesan Bodies making a commitment to:
- Learn about climate change, including its current and anticipated future impacts
- Study the theology of creation and other relevant theology
- Act to reduce emissions from church buildings and vehicles and to adopt patterns of church life that work towards this end
- Encourage individuals to reduce household emissions
- Pray for the wellbeing of all creation:Creator God, giver of lifeYou sustain the earth and direct the nationsIn this time of climate crisisGrant us clarity to hear the groaning of creation and the cries of the poorChallenge us to change out lifestylesGuide our leaders to take courageous actionEnable your church to be a beacon of hopeFoster within us a renewed vision of your purposes for your worldThrough Jesus Christ our LordBy and for whom all things were made. AMEN