Calvary Green was formed in March 2020 after four Calvary members took part in a 6 week Zoom program called Climate Conversations, facilitated by Climate Action London - a course about climate change, its causes, and how to slow it down and reduce its horrible effects.
The final session focused on ‘Greening Your Church’. The National United Church of Canada has committed to reducing its carbon emissions by 80% by 2050, and has a program called For The Love of Creation. Among its many activities, it offers 2:1 matching grants to congregations for projects reducing the carbon footprint of church properties.
Calvary, through our Property Committee, has already made great strides toward reaching this goal by replacing windows and increasing the efficiency of our heating and cooling systems .
With many inspirational stories across the country , we were motivated to continue the work.
EDUCATION
Monthly Compass updates
Catalyst articles and updates
Monthly Sunday Greening minutes
Green bulletin board in hall for. announcements, pics. sign up sheets
Attending and volunteering for numerous London Climate Action functions, On steering committee of Greening Sacred Spaces London , from its inception (2021) …. Participation at various national ,provincial and local . ‘Tree Equity projects.’
2023 (October ) - Interfaith Tree Planting Event with Reforest London
Supporting local Faith Communities re our Pollinator journey …
Member of Pollinator Pathways, London
RECYCLING
Plastic bags are currently taken to either Loblaw’s Superstore on Oxford east or west for recycling.
Milk bags are picked up regularly by St Paul’s UC in Aylmer and made into sleeping mats.
All used batteries are collected and taken to a recycling facility where they are discharged, and sorted - never throw away in trash !
POLLINATOR GARDEN
Our Pollinator Gardens were started in May 2021, helped by a TD Friends of the Environment Grant. We planted 200 tiny native pod plants on both the Ridout courtyard and Garfield side yard with mostly grasses and ferns on the Garfield side. It was an an extremely hot and dry Spring and Summer but we persevered and our gardens grew. We had 2 raised herb boxes kindly donated to us. We expanded to include a small garden at the rear parking lot doors and around the front lawn digital sign. We continue to plant hostas in our ‘secret garden’ between the front steps. We rely on the help of our dedicated volunteers for spring clean up days, mulching , and watering schedules throughout the summer months, All of our projects are funded by monetary gifts and donations that are very appreciated.
Now we enjoy the rich colours of each new season - the birds and butterflies are benefiting as well. In the Summer 2024 we purchased a memorial bench to honour loved ones passed. The framed script hangs in the hall overlooking the garden window. A newly inscribed end-piece (of the original damaged concrete bench ) dedicated to Dave Wallace now sits in the garden under our little red cardinal (London’s official bird ) in remembrance of all Calvary’s family, passed and present .
We are grateful for “Calvary ‘s Memorial funds, Special Projects “ which made these purchases possible.
Our new commitment with Outreach is to make Calvary a BLUE COMMUNITY. Remember to bring only reusable /refillable water/ beverage containers to Church at all times . Glasses and water are available at back of Sanctuary during service. No plastic (one-time use) water bottles please. We hope to encourage all members , guests and tenants to join us in this project.
The Calvary Green Team:
Lyse Geldard and Karen Butt (co-chairs)
Marlene Wyatt (garden coordinator), Bonnie McNichol and Carolyn Murray
Your suggestions and ideas are always appreciated! Please feel free to contact us at any time.