Report Copyright Infringement View in OSM UK

Description

Aim: To get young people thinking about their impact on the environment and their responsibilities. Introduction: What is a Carbon Footprint? Carbon Footprint is a measure of the impact human activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases produced, measured in units of carbon dioxide. Taken from the BB Company Section Discoverer Pro Pack, Community, Christian Faith J3

Resources

Activity 1
• Bible

Activity 2
• Optional — Access to PC / Internet

Instructions

Activity 1 - Talking Green

Aim: To develop young peoples’ understanding about how God teaches us to respect and care for what he has created.

Instructions: 3 Read Genesis 1:25-28; 2:8-9
and Joel 2:21-27, then ask: Z
• From these readings, do you believe that God wants us to strip the earth of its resources or to take 3 good care of our planet? m • What examples are there of mankind damaging the environment for their own benefit?

• What examples are there of mankind using the planet in a non-polluting and renewable way?

• What is humanity’s responsibility in terms of being stewards for our planet?

• Does the Bible teach that humankind is equal to animals or rules over them? a Whilst the Bible teaches us that we should respect and not abuse creation, it also teaches us that people
are uniquely different from the rest of God’s creation because we are made in Gods image (Genesis 1:26).

Prayer suggestion:
"lord, you have entrusted us with the cam of your world, and remain closely interested. You teach us that all creation looks forward to a day when it will be made whole again. By challenging — empowering — ourselves with the support of our community, we can set a shining example of what can be achieved 0 out of love for your creation and all of your people, those living now and all future generations across the world. Amen.”

Tips /Advice:
Refer to the conservation and Recycling topics (in community — Nature & Environment sections of the programme), so that members can investigate ways in which people can utilise natural resources in a sustainable fashion and through greater consideration of the environment.

Activity 2 - Reduce My Carbon Footprint

Aim: To discuss ways In which we can reduce our Individual carbon footprint.

Instructions:
• Discuss ways in which each person uses energy in the home (e.g. playing computer games, a hot shower, dishwasher, television central heating etc).

• Is all the energy each person’s household uses necessary?

• Think about ways in which we can reduce the amount of energy we consume (some suggestions are listed below):
1. Turn things off when not in use (lights, television, DVD player, Stereo, PC etc.).
2. Turn down the central heating slightly (try just 1 or 2 degrees Celsius).
3. Turn down the water heating setting (just 2 degrees C will make a significant saving).
4. Check the central heating timer setting — remember there is no point heating the house after you have left for work or school.
5. Fill your dish washer and washing machine with a full load — this will save you water, electricity, and washing powder.
6. Fill the kettle with only as much water as you need.
7. Unplug your mobile phone as soon as it has finished charging.
8. Defrost your fridge/freezer regularly.
9. Do your weekly shopping in a single trip.
10. Hang out the washing to dry rather than tumble drying it.
11. Walk / use public transport rather than getting a lift from family.

Extension Activity:
Visit the web link www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.html

The calculator will determine a persons primary carbon footprint, based on your household fuel bills and annual travel. For your annual travel you can choose to enter just your own personal travel, or the total travel taken by your full household / family.

Plenary (to be read out):
God created our planet and declared it very good”. We can see the goodness and wisdom of God in the order and beauty of the earth. But that is not the whole story. Human beings were made in God’s image that they might enjoy fellowship with him. They were charged with looking after the earth. But often we choose to rebel against our Maker and go our own way. This had catastrophic consequences for humanity and the planet.

Human greed leads to more and more consumption. This leads to pollution which leads, in turn to environmental problems. We should not take the earth and its God-given resources for granted. But what can we do about all this? The Christian faith emphasises personal responsibility. We can all do our bit to cut down on consumption, recycle waste and try to make our homes more environmentally friendly. Yes, governments have a role to play on an international and national level, but that does not let us off the hook.

Adapted from: The Complete Works of Francis A. Schaeffer:
Volume 5, A Christian View of the West.

For full details see the BB Company Section Discoverer Pro Pack, Community, Christian Faith J3

Tags

• carbon footprint
• christian Faith
• community
• company
• discoverer

Badge Links

This activity doesn't complete any badge requirements