Rosie Venner, our National Programme Manager for Money Makes Change, looks at some tools that can help you take a closer look at your finances and your carbon footprint.
I’ve spent the last week taking part in a 5-day challenge with Sustainable(ish) aimed at helping people take more positive actions for the planet. It has been a thought-provoking few days. It’s a lot easier to make changes to your behaviour and habits when surrounded by a supportive community.
One of the things that struck me is how much information is out there online to help us discern where we can make an impact. Yes, it can feel overwhelming, but there are some innovative tools that are making it easier.
The tools helping you take a closer look at your finances
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- Switch it is a website with a very simple concept. You can use their online tool to quickly find out if your bank is funding fossil fuels. Try it and see how your bank performs! You can also look at your energy provider. Could you put a link to it in your church newsletter and encourages others to take a look?
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- Giki Zero helps you measure and reduce your carbon footprint. Designed by social enterprise Giki it looks at how your home, transport, food, purchases and services all contribute. What I like about this tool is that it tackles the topic of money. It asks questions about your bank or building society, your savings and your pension – and points you towards the greenest options as well as to relevant campaigns that can help your raise your voice.
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- CoGo is an app that helps you track your carbon footprint in relation to your spending. For example, £1 spent at a UK fashion retailer creates on average 1kg CO2e. This is the same amount of CO2e produced by driving an average car 2.5 miles. The app also has lists of thousands of ethical and sustainable businesses, to help you decide where to shop or buy services from.
Renewing our commitment or taking new steps
At the heart of all our Money Makes Change programme resources is the understanding that the way we spend, save and invest money has a huge impact on the world around us. Loving our neighbours and protecting God’s creation means taking seriously what we do with all our resources.
The Season of Creation begins on 1 September and many Christians use this time to pray and act for our common home.
What could you do in the coming weeks to renew your commitment or take new steps to care for creation and reduce your carbon footprint?
If you are inspired to take action, have already used one of the tools above or if you have another resource to recommend – then do get in touch!