Campbelltown Uniting Church NSW

Campbelltown Uniting Church’s sustainability journey began in 2017 when they were inspired to take action by the ABC’s War on Waste program and actions taken by other churches around Australia. They established a Sustainability Action Group and decided not to use plastic, removing plastic/disposable bags, cutlery, or plates from the church, and educating the congregation and building users about waste reduction and reusable alternatives. They participated in the Plastic Free July challenge and have become a recycling collection point for tea bag tags, lids, cables, clothes and used batteries.

On the 23rd of July 2023, they were presented with two Five Leaf Eco-Awards: the Basic Certificate and Eco-Worship Award by program founder, Jessica Morthorpe (these awards were actually earned in 2019, but the presentation was delayed by Covid). The awards acknowledge the many actions the church has taken, including the installation of a solar panel cross, fans and LED energy lighting, reducing paper use and switching to recycled toilet paper. The church has also installed a water tank and dual flush toilets, planted a native garden, and held environment-themed and outdoor worship services. Church members participated in the School Strike for Climate protests, hung a banner stating that “Killing the Planet is Against our Religion”, and hosted a Bee Day where 80 people came together to discuss climate change and its effect on bees. They built Bee Motels, sold honey, and encouraged the planting of flowering plants to provide food for pollinators.

Campbelltown’s Minister, Rev. Andy Carlisle said: “We are delighted to be presented with these two awards. They are an affirmation of the hard work and determination of the congregation and we look forward to pursuing more.”

John Russell and Carol Ison from the Sustainability Action Group, who accepted the awards on behalf of the congregation, added:

“We can’t change the world, but we can do a little bit towards it.”