It’s Earth Day today (22 April 2021) which is a day that we get to celebrate creation but also be aware of how we are impacting it. Care for the environment is an essential priority for ICS and is one of our main focuses on our strategy for this year. This is a new initiative for us and so we are still trying to figure out what this means. Several of our staff members have a personal passion for this and so we thought we’d share some of the ways we implement sustainability and environmental awareness into our daily lives to give you some inspiration on some ways you can help the environment not just on Earth Day but every day.

"The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it." - Psalms 24:1

Grow own produce

Everyone should grow some of the food they eat, even if it is a few herbs in a window box.  It connects us with the food cycle and seasons, allowing us to appreciate the earth and our place in it better. Richard has a vegetable garden which he uses to grow some of his own produce.

 

Plastic Free Products

Think about making the switch from plastic products to reusable products be that switching plastic bags for reusable tote bags or swapping your soap dispenser for a bar of soap. If you have a refill shop nearby you could pay them a visit and I’m sure they’d be more than happy to help you out!

 

Bike to work

If possible, why not ditch the car and cycle or walk to work instead. ICS were very involved in the bike to work scheme and people would regularly cycle to the office. Even if you can’t commit to it regularly even once a week is still a big difference.

 

Conscious Clothes Shopping

It’s always good to be aware of where your clothes come from. The fashion industry is a major cause of pollution and so shopping second hand is a great way to combat this. If you’re buying new though make sure to check out the Good On You directory to see the environmental and ethical impact of the brands you’re shopping from.

 

Recycle

A very simple thing that anyone can do. Take some time to sort out your waste and make sure that things that can be recycled are being recycled and not just thrown in the bin. Also, consider setting up a compost bin to repurpose your food waste.

 

We’re also big fans of A Rocha UK, a Christian charity working for the protection and restoration of the natural world and committed to equipping Christians and churches in the UK to care for the environment. Have a look at their website and feel inspired.