Dry Drayton Church is committed to caring for our God-given planet. As such we have achieved our bronze award from the Wildlife Trust and a silver EcoChurch award from A Rocha, and are working towards further awards.
Information about the Wildlife Trust’s Churchyard Conservation Scheme can be found here.
Below are some ideas about how we can all become more eco-friendly, at church and at home.
How much energy do we use? What steps can we take to reduce our energy consumption?
• Undertake a personal carbon footprint audit www.climatestewards.org/offset
• Switch off lights and plugs
• Reduce heating thermostat by 2 degrees
• Use energy efficient light bulbs
• Close windows and doors properly to prevent drafts
• Wear another layer of clothing
Plastics, Paper, Glass and Food waste: Reduce. Recycle. Reuse.
• Recycle all our plastics, paper, glass and food waste at home and at church
• Reduce amount of plastic we use
• Use a re-usable water bottle
• Use a re-usable box for snacks and lunches
• Reuse junk for craft activities
What small, good things can we do to make a big difference?
• Plant insect friendly flowers and wildflowers
• Plant more trees
• Mow less often
• Recycle and reuse as much as possible
• Compost food waste
• Reuse rain water
• Grow our own fruit and vegetables
• Pick up litter
• Consider making ethical investments with our personal savings
• Consider making ethical decisions when buying food, drink and clothing
Some other useful resources:
Cambridge Carbon Footprint – what is easy and what is difficult about reducing your carbon footprint?
Useful links for saving money on energy, going green, etc:
- Energy Saving Trust – things to do to keep your home warm and save money and energy this winter
- Guide to going green at home – recommended by a class in the USA as great for kids
- Eco ratings for mobile phones – from O2
Natural Cambridgeshire – what can we do to help nature?
Composting and growing your own food – PDF of display
Eleanor Haines (South Cambridgeshire District Council, SCDC): Opportunities for reducing our carbon footprint (PDF of presentation)
Transition Cambridge Energy Group – Zero Carbon Heating: what are your options for converting your home heating to zero carbon? Presentation slides as PDF or PowerPoint
Experience of a heat pump installation– what to test or think about in advance
Investments – make money out of doing good, and influence your pension provider
Links to the Church of England’s Guidance on Churchyard Management:
St Peter and St Paul's Church 