Caring for Our World
In 2016 the United Reformed Church published its Environmental Policy, so we endeavour to live by its guidance in all that we do. The policy states at the outset that it is "...the cornerstone of our intent, as a body of people committed to caring for God’s creation, to reduce our carbon footprint, improve recycling, minimise waste and improve efficiencies on finite natural resources in all of our operations."
Led by our Eco Group, these are just a few of the actions taken and ongoing:
> Launched our SIXTY SMALL STEPS TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE PLANET leaflet. This has been circulated widely within the church and also into the community beyond.
> Raised funds for the charity toilet twinning by twinning the 5 toilets in our building with 5 in far-flung locations in the developing world.
> We support the UK environmental charity The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) and the international charity WaterAid.
> The Eco Group leads 2-3 services a year on environmental themes and caring for our planet. A special service was held prior to the UN's COP26 event in Glasgow in November 2021 on the climate crisis, seeking God's help with achieving its goals and the actions the congregation will take.
> The Eco Group contributed a sustainably decorated tree to the church's 2021 Christmas Tree Festival. It was one of 31 trees from local and national charities raising money for good causes. The eco tree made £20 for WaterAid. The eco tree demon-strated our mantra: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
Oxted URC has been awarded Bronze
Eco Church status and is now working towards a silver award.
We have published a small cookery book Our Useful Recipe Collection, a compilation of contributions from members of the congregation. The 26 recipes are mainly designed to use up leftovers and gluts of fruit and vegetables. The book, price £3, has sold out, but re-prints are possible upon request to the Church Office. A profit of £165 was made from the original print-run and donated to MCS.
