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As part of the Church of England's "Shrinking the Footprint" campaign we are very aware of the impact we have on our planet. A number of us have founded an environmental group to monitor our church's activities and see how we can 'green' our habits. Having a small relatively-modern building does help our work and we have already implemented steps such as installing radiator thermostats, low-energy bulbs etc.

Environment Group
The group was founded following a Lent Course on the environment. The main topics that we have focused on so far are Fairtrade and recycling.

 For most of the year Coventrians can take advantage of Coventry City Council's alternate weekly collections of green waste (grass mowings, prunings) and recycleable materials.

The aluminium recycling bins and resale of used printer cartridges have in the past been very successful at raising funds for the church. However, now the local council collects cans the congregation can use their own wheelie bins. Also we have been unable to find a buyer for our used printer cartridges so now we collect them to send off to various charities.

We are still encouraging the congregation to use the small indoor recycling bins at the church where various items are collected and then passed on to appropriate charities or organisations. For example, items such as spectacles or used stamps can be passed to various charities or things such as batteries can be collected and then taken to disposal points at the main refuse depot or dropped off in special plastic bins found at supermarkets around the city.

Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. By requiring companies to pay above market prices, Fairtrade addresses the injustices of conventional trade, which traditionally discriminates against the poorest, weakest producers. It enables them to improve their lot and have more control over their lives.

Coventry's Fairtrade Steering Group have recognised our contribution to the campaign by presenting us with a Fairtrade Certificate which is displayed in the church next to the kitchen hatches.

The Conservation Foundation's Parish Pump Programme brings news and information on sustainable living, provides funding for community projects and organises events on topical sustainable consumption and production issues. The Programme is organised in association with the Public Affairs Division of the Church of England.

In Warwickshire and Coventry many of the things which we throw away as "rubbish" are in fact useful items which could be passed on to someone else.If you have unwanted things which are just too good to tip, and you don't want the hassle of trying to sell them, then the Community Freebay website is sure to put you in touch with someone local who can put them to good use. You can also browse a large variety of items advertised by other people, and get them for free if that's what you need. This website allows you to contact people by e-mail to give or receive free things. Once you've made the link it's up to you to arrange collection/delivery with the other person.

Christian Ecology Link is a multi-denominational UK Christian organisation for people concerned about the Environment.