Anglicans Get Serious on Carbon Neutrality

Communal composting and Powerpoint hymns are hoped to have Anglican parishioners on their way to carbon neutrality within a decade.

The diocese of Christchurch has committed itself to neutralising its carbon footprint within the next 10 years.

Ideas included children being taught about the environment in Sunday School and youth groups, and organised tree-planting days for the faithful.

Parish newsletters will include “eco tips” such as installing energy-efficient heating systems like heat pumps, recycling and collective church composting.

The amount of waste paper will also be reduced by making use of electronic alternatives such as Powerpoint during sermons.

Dean of Christchurch Cathedral Peter Beck said looking after the environment was an integral part of Christian beliefs.

“From the earliest days of our religion, the stories are about human beings being given stewardship over the land, which means to take care of it, not exploit it or rape it.”

Young Anglicans had come up with the idea of working towards carbon neutrality and were unanimously supported by the diocese, he said.

Christian leaders should be taking a strong stance on the issue and leading by example, he said.

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