PNK: An Eco Church
The Eco Team at PNK includes members and leaders of Young Kirk, our Property Convenor, Treasurer, Caretaker, Minister and members of the Congregation. We work together to ensure we look after God's creation both within our grounds and buildings, our local area and the wider global community.
We are an accredited Fairtrade Church and are delighted to have achieved the Eco Congregation Scotland Silver Award. The certificate can be viewed below.
Our current Action Plan is outlined below:
To change to eco products e.g. cleaning products, toilet roll, kitchen roll, bin bags
To organise 2 events a year that focus on environmental issues
To host a Fairtrade event during Fairtrade Fortnight and make a donation
To write/create prayer stations within the garden areas of the Church grounds
To invite eco-speakers to Church services and Young Kirk
To advertise inter/national environmental/ ethical schemes
To work out the carbon footprint of PNK
What The Bible Says About God's Love For Creation
He makes springs pour water into the ravines; it flows between the mountains. They give water to all the beasts of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. The birds of the sky nest by the waters; they sing among the branches. He waters the mountains from his upper chambers; the land is satisfied by the fruit of his work. He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate- bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts. The trees of the Lord are well watered, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted. There the birds make their nests; the stork has its home in the junipers.
Psalm 104 vs. 10-17
The high mountains belong to the wild goats; the crags are a refuge for the hyrax. He made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down. You bring darkness, it becomes night, and all the beasts of the forest prowl. The lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God. The sun rises, and they steal away; they return and lie down in their dens. Then people go out to their work, to their labour until evening. How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.
Psalm 104 vs. 18-24
Seasonal, local flowers
If you would like to buy seasonal flowers that are grown close to your home whether the reason is easy access for buying or reducing your carbon footprint, why not go to https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/___https://www.flowersfromthefarm.co.uk/___.YzJlOmNodXJjaG9mc2NvdGxhbmQ6YzpvOjBlNjg4YjcyNWFmNGFlNGMyODkyOWE0NmY0NzUzOTQyOjY6M2E1Mzo2NmNlOTc3NTdjYjNiMjgzNzVlMDlhMDY1MzMyY2E4ZjQ5MTE3YTcyN2NhNTVlYThmMDJlMGQ0OGY3Mzc1NzUyOnQ6VA Growers of flowers register on this website, you can then enter your postcode and see who grows flowers near-by for you to buy. There is also a blog from the flower farmers and a newsletter to find out more about this website and news from the flower farmers
Hug Rugs
This company is based in Yorkshire which produces sustainable and natural products such as door mats, runners, cushions and bath towels many of which are made from recycled materials. Find out more at https://hugathome.co.uk/
Local foods and crafts
If you’re looking for locally farmed/grown food and hand-made crafts then look no further than the Storehouse which is located on Penicuik’s High Street. They sell a variety of Fairtrade and eco-style goods, together with craft items made by people in the local community and there is a café too. For more information check out their website penicuikstorehouse.org
Reading Selection
‘Avocado Anxiety and other stories about where your food comes from’ by Louise Gray (2023). This book focuses on the food stories behind our fruit and vegetables. The author tracks the journey of the fruit and vegetables from farm to plate and includes Fairtrade stories too. She does this through visits to farms, interviews with scientists and her own experiences of growing these foods at home.
Fairtrade Fortnight
This year it’s from Monday 9th to Sunday 22nd September. 2024 is the 30th anniversary of the Fairtrade Foundation so they are celebrating with 30 different ways to celebrate. These can be found at https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/media-centre/blog/30-ways-to-celebrate-30-years-of-fairtrade/
