Sharing sustainability stories
Friends around the world share stories of sustainability projects
The Friends World Committee for Consultation (FWCC) is gathering stories of Quaker sustainability-in-action projects from around the world.
The organisation has already brought together testimonies from Rwanda, the United States, Bolivia, Switzerland, and European and Middle East Young Friends (EMEYF).
Gretchen Castle, general secretary of FWCC, told the Friend: ‘Quakers work everywhere. Our task is to help people know that every action contributes to a larger collective action. It’s the weave of the fabric, to know we have a strong voice and can bring about change.’
According to Susanna Mattingly, sustainability communications officer at FWCC, the initiative came out of the Pisac Sustainability Minute approved at the World Plenary Meeting in Peru in 2016. This minute asked Yearly Meetings to take on at least two concrete actions to tackle climate change.
She told the Friend: ‘In this newly created role I am trying to engage with Friends to see what’s happening. We all face different challenges, so sustainability doesn’t look the same all over the world. Sharing stories helps to build a positive conversation. So much of the dialogue around climate change is scary and off-putting. We’re keen to celebrate the positive actions.’
Projects so far include Rwandan Friends’ efforts to promote sustainable farming, reduce burning of firewood and plant trees on church land. The Friends International Bilingual Center in Boliva has been holding workshops to teach children about the challenges of climate change and how they can help by filtering rainwater so it is safe to drink.
North London Area Meeting will also be looking at sustainability-in-action at their next Area Meeting.
Susanna Mattingly said: ‘It’s not about going 100 per cent green, but engaging with the issue and taking small steps. This could be simply having a conversation with a neighbour about climate change. Research shows two-thirds of people in the UK have never had a conversation about it.’
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