Eco activity comes to the fore in the Dorset town of Wimborne

It started with a showing of the film ‘The True Cost’ about the clothing and fashion industry. This illustrated the huge impact that making one t-shirt or a pair of jeans has on people and the environment.

Green Bites took place inside the Minster on 3 November. Several organisations joined the Minster team including Wimborne War on Waste, Friends of the Earth and Dorset Wildlife Trust. There was a series of talks and music covering environmental actions, including alternatives to using disposable and plastic items, recycling, food and economics. Music was provided by St Michael’s School African Drummers, the Quayside Cloggies Band and a duet by Minster Accord. ‘Wonky’ trees were seen leaving the church. Donations will be split between Wimborne Food Bank and Hilfield Friary.

In the evening, Muir Miller, of Peel Energy, gave a talk on low carbon energy, with information about how it has evolved from fossil fuels and where the future will take us with renewable solutions. There was also a delicious LOAF (local, organic, animal friendly, fair-trade) supper. 

As part of the festival, the minster church received the Eco Church bronze award at the Parish Eucharist service on 4 November. It was presented on behalf of Eco Church by David Morgan.

The award is achieved by completing an online survey covering five different areas of church life and churches are encouraged to change their practices to show they are caring for God’s earth. It might mean using different cleaning products, or changing to a ‘green’ energy supplier, or working locally or globally to reduce carbon emissions and pollution. The congregation was encouraged by David Morgan to work now towards a silver award.