The Salvation Army in the UK and Ireland has declared a climate emergency, solidifying its commitment to caring for creation
Marking World Environment Day (on Monday), it's highlighting the importance of addressing climate change in pursuit of social justice and loving our global neighbours, stating everyone has a fundamental human right to essentials like clean air, water, food, and shelter.
The Salvation Army UKI has already made caring for creation one of its mission priorities. Its climate emergency declaration includes further action to protect the environment, such as setting a Net Zero carbon emissions target and supporting all of its churches, care homes, hostels (Lifehouses), and programmes to reduce emissions.
Salvation Army Territorial Environmental Officer, Major Heather Poxon said: “A growing number of Salvation Army churches across the UK and Ireland are signed up to an Eco Church scheme where sustainability and caring for the environment is a key focus. One example is in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, where people who use the food bank are encouraged to eat seasonally and given the opportunity to learn how to use what outdoor space they have to grow their own.
“Some churches have installed solar panels and invested in allotments. We have also provided churches with wildflower seeds so they can protect at least a third of their land and gardens for wildlife.”
As part of its commitment to environmental protection, the Salvation Army is encouraging communities to reuse clothing and other products through over 390 charity shops and 8,000 clothing collection banks.
