St Mary's Hinckley

'Spiritual' activities:

• month of services in summer 05 on environment involving all ages
• house groups and discussion groups looking at environmental issues relating to the church
• regular environmental themed services, including environment Sunday, Harvest, cycling service, YB Green
• 'Caring for our environment' county-wide service, involving County Council

Practical activities:

• Who Cares? questionnaire, aimed at church members looking at awareness of environmental issues
• church energy audit by local council environmental officer
• church building divided up into separate areas for maximum efficiency
• low energy light bulbs used
• recycled paper used
• water hippos installed
• water butts in use at vicarage
• green noticeboard regularly updated with relevant information
• cycle stands purchased
• coffee shop is Fairtrade, uses environmentally friendly cleaning materials, and composts
• solar pv panels to be installed on church roof

Mission/outreach activities:

• work closely with local council and Groundwork to raise awareness of issues
• church magazine used to raise awareness, and communicate activities
• regular displays by outside agencies in church on environmental themes
• Water action demonstration in town centre
• large fairtrade shop
• work with Boys Brigade on environmental issues
• addressed issues such as eco-burials, real nappies etc through conferences and workshops open to all