ECO-CIRCUIT

In August 2025 Nottingham North East circuit registered with A Rocha Uk with the intention of becoming an eco-circuit.

 For us to achieve this we have to submit evidence in 9 categories.
The good news is that we are well on the way already!

As a circuit of 11 church councils, 10% of our churches would need to have achieved eco church status.
Currently, Nuthall, Sherwood, Rise Park and Phoenix Farm are eco-churches... that’s 36% of our churches! Another four churches are registered with A Rocha and are working towards becoming eco churches so that’s amazing – congratulations to our eco churches!
(See below for more information about them!)

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Another category is how we embed environmental issues and education into preaching across the circuit. As our circuit vision is to equip and resource local churches we have taken this a little bit further. Last October we produced our reflection booklet, “Flourishing in Faith Together,” which was used by individuals and house group. Alongside this we had a month of themed preaching across the circuit. In April we held our first Eco-Service to tie in with World Earth Day. We spent time thinking about God’s wonderful creation, how we spoil it and the things we can do to look after it. As part of our prayers we used seed paper made by the charity Pulp Friction to plant tubs of wild flowers which were given to each church.

We are looking to foster a culture of sharing and celebrating our eco achievements. At the circuit service we asked people to share their eco-tips and “eco-wins.”
Here are some of them …
• Purchasing Fair Trade products;
• Using natural cleaning products;
• Trying to recycle as much as possible, including taking single use plastics to the supermarket;
• Swapping and donating items you no longer use through Freecycle and Charity shops;
• Use recyclable toothbrush heads from livecoco.com;
• Switching off lap top when not in use and switch things off at the mains;
• Try and reduce food waste...

Perhaps we could put together a list of the various eco-friendly products people use for the next newsletter. Send your recommendations to the office!

We have recently moved into our new circuit hub and so have been thinking in an eco-way as we equip it. Once we have used up the large tubs of hand wash and washing up liquid we inherited (because we don't want to be wasteful!) we will move to eco-friendly options:
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We are using cleaning products from Ocean Saver, we are using cloth towels rather than paper towels, we are using eco-friendly toilet paper and kitchen roll, we bought bins and kitchenware made from recycled plastic, we have planted some summer bee friendly bulbs in old paint tins...

We try and make the actual circuit office as eco-friendly as possible:
Through the lease on our photocopier we are climate partners; we use recycled and scrap paper where possible; The company we have chosen to destroy our confidential waste recycles as much as possible, including technology items and we try to recycle stationary items as much as possible e.g. plastic wallets, document wallets, etc.

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Circuit Environmental Policy:

At the circuit meeting on June 10th 2026 we adopted our circuit environmental policy.  (see button to download a copy)

NNE Environmental Policy

Recognising that for some churches working towards being an eco-church is not feasible, one strand of this policy is how we as a circuit might help you as local churches to play your part – however small or insignificant you think that may be.

So… 
• Several churches have been asking about how to recycle medicine blister packs. The circuit meeting approved purchasing a recycling box from Terracycle so that the circuit hub can become a collection point for blister packs. If you would like to collect these in your churches and then bring them up to the circuit hub, please let us know.

• We would like to produce a list of recommended eco-friendly products for churches e.g. cleaning products, coffee/tea etc. so please let us know which products you would recommend.
• We may also explore the possibility of bulk ordering eco-friendly products from the circuit office for local churches to purchase. 

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What can you do alongside us? ​

• Look around and appreciate God’s creation – don’t take it for granted. 
• Learn about the issues threatening our planet – by having the facts and knowledge at our fingertips we have the power to begin change. 
• Send us your tips and recommendations for eco-friendly products ready for our next newsletter. 
• Send us any questions or queries. 
• Let us know about any eco good news or events. Eg litter picks 
• Let us know if you would like to be part of the eco-circuit team Consider being part of the Blister Pack Collection – let the office know if you wish to be part of this.

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A date for your diary:
On Saturday March 6th 2027 we will be holding our first Eco-Fayre!
We'll keep you posted with more information!

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When we look at the problem’s facing our world, it can seem overwhelming and unachievable. But if each one of us could commit to doing one thing, however small, change can happen. 

And so, here is our first eco-tip:
Turning off the tap when brushing your teeth could save 8 gallons (about 30 litres) of water per day … and reduce your water bill! 

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The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,
the world, and those who live in it. 
Psalm 24v1

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Our Eco-Churches

Soon we'll introduce you to the Eco-Churches we have in our circuit and share with you some of their successes, tips, and maybe even struggles as they try to be good stewards of creation through their Eco-Church work.

Nuthall

Silver Award

Phoenix Farm

Bronze Award

Rise Park

Bronze Award

Sherwood

Silver Award

Registered with A Rocha UK, and working towards Bronze:

Bestwood Park

Calverton

Hucknall Central

St. John's