Grassroots (environmental) group

The Abbey Church of St Alban, built of RECYCLED materials, is an ideal place to promote sustainable living!

Our Christian values compel us to love one another and care for the earth. The Abbey’s history on this hill, site of the first Christian martyrdom, inspires us to put these into practice.

Join the Abbey community as we seek to understand and expand an ecological routine, at home, and in the cathedral.

Advanced Notice: 'Walk to Church' Sunday

Sunday 5th September - Walk, Cycle, or Share a ride!

Our commitment

Our Grassroots (environmental) group is committed to reducing the Abbey’s collective carbon footprint. Our first project has been to recycle paper, glass, plastic drinks bottles, cans, juice cartons and flower waste. We are trying to raise congregational awareness of other green issues through articles in Abbey News, bulletin board updates, and clergy sermons. Additional plans are in the works...

How is St Albans Abbey addressing the growing concern of climate change?

• Recycle paper, cans, juice cartons, plastic, glass
• Recycle flowers/greenery from the Flower Guild
• Plan to recycle cardboard
• Collaboration with Friends of Verulamium Park to raise awareness of litter problem
• Participated in 27 March international WWF’s Earth Hour
• Environmental theme for April’s ‘Christopher ‘ morning during half-term (for young children)
• Ongoing repair of hymn books over the last 9 years by a member of the congregation
• Communicating our environmental policy/strategy with Abbey groups- we plan to share feedback and suggestions with the parish when all have been visited
• Low-energy light bulbs throughout the Abbey building
• Over the last 2 years, the Abbey has reduced gas consumption by almost 40%."
• Bulletin board in south choir aisle educates the public about environmental issues
• 3 doors have been draught-proofed; and a stronger arm mechanism was installed in the slype door, so it will close more easily and keep the cold air out.
• Link with St Albans Town Council- we are represented on regular meetings of the  LSP (Local Strategic Partnership)
• Booth during Pilgrimage Day activities to promote a green agenda (game and crafts)

Summary: adapt lifestyle= consume less, share more, live simply

Why do we have an environment group in the Abbey?

(responses from members of our Grassroots group)

“to facilitate and focus on what is important (ie, recycling)...”

 stewardship of the earth- “if we don’t care about God’s creation, how can we expect others outside the church to be bothered?”

“to raise awareness of our responsibility to look after God’s world”

“by ourselves, nothing may happen, but group support drives us to live responsibly”

“encouragement”