As we mark World Environment Day on Friday 5 June, we shine a spotlight on the archdiocese’s first Care for Creation group, established three years ago in Golborne following an archdiocesan initiative.

In 2023, the archdiocese’s Pastoral Development Department provided training to equip parish groups with the skills and ideas needed to form initiatives focused on making a positive environmental impact.

The first group was launched at the parish of St Catherine of Siena and All Saints in Golborne. Parishioner Linda Morris quickly became a key member and has since helped to train others across the archdiocese, enabling more parishes to set up their own Care for Creation groups.

Linda said: “I’ve always had a passion for the outdoors. When I was little, I used to go on walks with my grandad, and that’s where it all began. Nearly 40 years ago, I was professed as a member of the Secular Franciscan Order. Six years ago, I qualified as a Laudato Si Animator with the global Laudato Si Movement.

“When it came to choosing a career, I became a geologist specialising in the investigation and control of contaminated land and mining issues.

“After I retired, I had more time to volunteer in my parish, and when I heard about the training, I jumped at the opportunity.”

Since its formation, the group has been registered as a Laudato Si Circle and has undertaken a wide range of projects.

Linda explained: “One of our biggest achievements has been building seven raised beds on land behind the church. A sewer runs underneath, so it can’t be used for burials, and as it’s unconsecrated ground, it felt like a perfect use of the space.

“We grow vegetables which are donated to our parish foodbank, and we also grow flowers to decorate the church. This not only reduces costs but also cuts our carbon footprint by avoiding imported flowers. We also grow wild flowers to increase biodiversity. We have four composters and make our own compost from discarded flowers etc. Father has installed extra waterbutts to collect rain water for watering the beds and we have converted an unused waste collection bin to serve as a waterbutt.

“At Easter, when our theme was sustainability, we displayed flowers in reused items such as single-use plastic bottles and even walking boots instead of traditional vases.

“We’re really focused on giving items a new life. For example, we collected 500 pairs of old glasses, which we donated to a local Pentecostal Church supporting a clinic in Africa.

“We also support another Care for Creation Group by  collecting duvet covers for a local volunteer who turns them into dresses for children in developing countries, and we knit blankets for the local Ukrainian hub and asylum seekers.

“We’ve planted bulbs in community spaces with local school children and organised parish litter picks. It’s been wonderful to see people of all ages getting involved -young families especially enjoy our seed-planting sessions after Mass.

“We’ve achieved so much already, and we have plans to do even more.”

Encouraging wider participation is a key aim of the group. Members have prepared leaflets for parishioners and the local community, giving practical tips on how they can make small but meaningful environmental changes. During Laudato Si’ Week last year, prayer cards were given to parishioners. For 5 years we have held our annual Ecumenical Prayer Service for the Season of Creation.

The group has also contributed to research supporting those experiencing climate anxiety.

Linda said: “This included trialling a climate grief café - a space where people can come and share their concerns about the future. Nationally, cafes are especially popular with young people, many of whom feel anxious about what lies ahead.”

At a national level, Linda was one of five group members who attended the National Emergency Briefing Film being shown throughout the UK. The film highlights urgent risks relating to climate change, biodiversity loss and national security, calling for greater public awareness and government action.

Linda added: “We’ve been sharing the messages from the briefing with our parish community and have also approached our local MP asking her to support a public TV screening of the film. It’s an important message that more people need to hear.”

So, what can you do this World Environment Day to make an impact. Here’s some top tips from the Care for Creation group:

Reduce energy consumption

Turn off lights and unplug electronics when not in use, use energy-efficient light bulbs, and consider improving insulation with double-glazing, cavity wall and loft insulation, investing in renewable energy sources like solar panels.

Reduce water consumption

Fix leaks, take shorter showers, and in stall low-flow showerheads and toilets, turn off your tap when cleaning teeth.

Reduce waste

Recycle, compost, and use reusable bags, containers, and water bottles instead of disposable ones.

Eat sustainably

Choose locally sourced, organic and seasonal foods and reduce meat consumption.