Our value of simplicity supports our Quaker Faith and Practice guidance on Unity with Creation, which you can reflect on further on this link. We are aware there has never been a time to more urgently prioritise care for the natural world of which we are a part.
While we continually look to deepen our understanding of what is needed, current examples of putting our faith into action include -
- Regularly holding environmental concerns from Quaker Faith & Practice as a focus for our weekly Meeting for Worship
- Local Friends attend the Skipton Climate Cafe and support Skipton Climate Action and report back to Meeting
- Friends from Skipton Meeting were part of the Quaker group taking part in the Mass Lobby of Parliament (2019) and The Big One (2023) Climate Justice protests
- Our weekly newsletter regularly carries updates and news on Green issues, along with a 'flower of the week'
- Friends have attended Quaker training such as the year long Climate Justice (2023) course and Relational Campaigning for Climate Action (2024) and shared learning with our meeting through News of Friends and our mid-week gathering for learning
- Our monthly financial collections have included local environmental groups including Friends of the Dales and the Peat Partnership
- We are engaging with the Quaker EcoChurch network to learn from other Meetings. We have begun the process of carrying out a sustainability assessment of the Meeting:
- Consumable materials such as cleaners or washing up liquid are all plant based
- Toilet paper is purchased recycled.
- We minimise the use of energy which is on a green tariff
- We minimise the use of water
- We use only natural light and ventilation within the meeting house
- The garden is planted a little wild to encourage biodiversity.
- We do not use any pesticides.
While we understand there is much more for us to do, we recognise the inter-connectedness between environmental and human injustice and the impact of war, poverty, and greed on the natural world. We will continue to seek ways to restore our Unity with Creation, minimising harm and increasing positive care.