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Eco-Congregation Scotland
Eco-Congregation Scotland is provided by Keep Scotland Beautiful and the Society Religion and Technology Project, on behalf of Action of Churches Together in Scotland. Through the programme, over 10,000 people in cities, towns and villages across Scotland are engaged in a sustained process of learning and practical environmental action. A Scottish Executive Sustainable Action Grant has funded it for three years.
One church has become self-sufficient in energy, with a wind turbine, ground-source heat pump, and back-up biodiesel generator. Another formed a partnership with the local Eco School to deliver successful initiatives such as an environmental community newsletter, a regular community
clean-up and a recycling programme. A third asks all members of its congregation to make regular pledges of environmental action, to encourage one another in progressive lifestyle change.
Churches have created gardens, environmental youth programmes, liturgies, transport surveys, quizzes and artwork. Churches make a huge contribution to reducing, reusing and recycling waste through charity shops and by acting as collection points for paper, sewing machines, toys, plastic cups, cans, spectacles, stamps, mobile phones and many other materials.
Over 30 churches have gained Eco-Congregation awards for their work, and are beginning to take responsibility for promoting the programme. As the numbers of registered and award-winning churches grow, clusters in one area are beginning to meet to share ideas, source local information, and plan joint projects. Three pilot networks have been established in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth, and these networks will give a structure to the future shape of the programme. We are seeking funding for 2006-9 to develop networks throughout Scotland.
Further information can be obtained from:
Eleanor Todd
Assistant Director
Society Religion and Technology Project
Co-ordinator, Eco-Congregation
121 George Street
Edinburgh EH2 4YN
Tel: 0131 240 2250
e mail: eleanor.todd@srtp.org.uk
www.ecocongregation.org/scotland
www.srtp.org.uk
www.ecen.org
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