Eco Comment – Sustainable September

We often hear the term ‘sustainable’ but has the meaning changed in our current environmentally-focused world?  

The dictionary states that it is an adjective, meaning: 

*able to be maintained at a certain rate or level. ‘sustainable economic growth’  
*able to be upheld or defended. ‘sustainable definitions of good educational practice’ 

I found another definition ‘in simple words’:

‘Sustainability consists of fulfilling the needs of current generations without compromising the needs of future generations, while ensuring a balance between economic growth, environmental care and social well being.’ This choice of words came from a source that I really wasn’t expecting: Santander Open Academy – a training source for the banking company Santander. This is ‘Banco Santander’s non-profit initiative that helps you obtain training in the professional skills you need to improve your employability and your future.’ (santanderopenacademy.com)  Sustainability might be a way down the list of categories but it’s above Technology and the section on the website is very reassuring, they have been and are committed to a ‘2030’ agenda. 

This internet research then led me to a BBC Bitesize post. It’s for Key Stage 2 school children and is part of Geography for Years 3 and 4. ‘What is Sustainability?’ (bbc.co.uk) and it includes some great pieces of video and easily understood information about sustainability and plastics. 

I also discovered that I’d just missed the 2024 Sustainability Live London Summit! This was a two-day hybrid learning and networking event for sustainability leaders across the UK and Europe. So, big business. I did like some of the topics that were going to be discussed though: Sustainability & Responsibility, Climate Impact Strategies, The Future of Net Zero. All of the things that we’re trying to achieve in the Church of England.  

I was pleased to see in the latest edition of ‘God’s Green Fingers’, the diocesan monthly newsletter for and about the environment that shows so much is happening throughout the diocese.  Possibly of interest is the opportunity for us all to do some training towards reaching the 2030 goals. The lead article is about three ‘Saving Creation’ courses now available to anyone. If you can spare the time there is a 2 hour Bronze course ‘Eco Discipleship for all’ which gives an introduction to the whys and wherefores of the sustainability issues. It is also possible to sign up for the Silver course. This is going to be online on a Monday evening for 8 weeks starting next month. If anyone is able to sign up for this please contact anne.payne@leedsanglican.org for more information. We at Wakefield Cathedral have achieved the A Rocha Bronze award and are working towards the Silver. The Eco Group is open to any interested people and we’re always looking for ways to bring things environmental and sustainable to our cathedral, be it through practical gardening or thinking up ideas to promote the 2030 Net Zero plans.  

There is an exhibition at Ripon Cathedral this month featuring both churches and cathedrals in the diocese that have achieved the A Rocha Eco Church awards. We at Wakefield have contributed to the display but if anyone can visit Ripon you’d be able to see how others have committed to the Net Zero mission.  

Sustainable September is almost halfway so whether you’re taking part in ‘Second Hand September’ (Eco Comment 7.9.23) or trying something new, I hope that you’re able to keep sustainability as an integral part of your daily life for the remainder of September and Creationtide.  

So often news about the environment or climate change or sustainability is all doom and gloom. So, whilst the sun is still shining I thought I’d investigate positive news and environmental success stories. 

In our own cathedral we have positive actions by so many which demonstrate the way that we are more conscious of all things eco. 

Susan Morgan
Eco Group