Creation Care

Sheldon Road Church is committed to do all we can to care for God’s Creation in our worship, lifestyle and engagement with our community. 
We include this commitment in our church vision: Caring for the whole of God’s creation so that it thrives now and into future generations.
We are part of A Rocha UK’s Eco Church programme, and we are currently working towards the Gold Award.

 Focus For 2024
 
Thinking of buying new clothes?   
 It takes 9,000 litres of water to produce just 1kg of cotton 
23% of all chemicals worldwide are used in the textile industry
It takes 200 tonnes of water to dye 1 tonne of fabric
 
Fashion Water 1
Waste chemicals and water often end up polluting local rivers 
The fashion industry is 2nd only to the oil industry in being the most polluting
16% of all global insecticides are used to grow cotton
 
Fashion Water 2
   
The best thing you can do to reduce the environmental impact of your wardrobe is to ‘break up with’ fast fashion.

Essentially, stop buying new clothes! If this seems daunting to you, here are a few ways to start:

Shop second-hand - from a charity. The UK has thousands of charity shops. It can take more time than shopping in mainstream retailers so make it a fun outing. Some charities have online shops for a more convenient experience. https://onlineshop.oxfam.org.uk/

Shop second-hand - from a seller. There is a growing number of clothes resale websites where you can see pictures and condition of pre-used items.

Attend a clothes swap or organise one for your church.

Borrow or share clothes with friends.
 
Learn to sew! A more labour-intensive option, but a very satisfying skill to have. Look to your local adult education centre for a suitable course or ask a friend: try the church craft group.
Try ‘Visible Mending’ - make a feature out of that hole in your jumper rather than hiding it.
 
Visible Mending
 

Mend Reasons
Taken from MEND! A Refashioning Manual and Manifesto, by Kate Sekules
 
slow fashion movement