Purchasing Policy

We believe that as part of our care of creation we should act in a way that demonstrates good biblical stewardship* in all areas of our corporate life. We are working towards becoming a Carbon Neutral organisation but we do not track the wider Carbon Footprint of our supply chain. The decisions therefore positively influence this and other ethical protections of habitats and biodiversity, animal welfare and fair employment practices.

This will involve sourcing all the products we use in a way that: reduces miles travelled; encourages good animal welfare; reduces harmful impact on the environment; both direct and indirect; and takes into account the environmental cost of waste and end of life recycling.

LOAF We will endeavour to follow Green Christian's LOAF principles when procuring food using Church finances. LOAF stands for Local, Organic, Animal-friendly and Fairtrade and is a simple and memorable way to consider God's creation when food-shopping.

FAIRTRADE We will endeavour to buy Fairtrade products when using church finances. Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world.

PLASTIC We will endeavour to try to reduce the amount of plastic that we use in the church and hall as much as possible. Unavoidable plastic will be recycled wherever possible.

PAPER We will endeavour to try and only buy products made from recycled post-consumer waste.

CLEANING PRODUCTS We will endeavour to only use Eco-friendly cleaning products.

ENERGY We will endeavour to reduce our energy use where possible and use 100% renewable electricity as energy contracts allow.

Implementation

It is expected that this policy will apply to the following:

A. Church-bought, church-cooked food We should follow the above policy at church events, such as fairs, BBQs, Café St James.

B. For donated food The policy is for awareness only. We hope church members will follow these principles We will publicise this policy to the church congregation, e.g. for bring-and-share meals; food donated to Café St James; food at other events.

LOAF

  1. Local Our preferred option is to buy local and seasonal wherever produce. Examples of this might be: e.g. salads and British fruit and vegetables.
  2. Organic look out for organic produce to support farmers who are working with nature. Organic animal products are the kindest to animals.
  3. Animal-friendly St James' policy is based on The Christian Ethics of Farmed Animal Welfare: A Policy Framework for Churches and Christian Organizations (https://www.abdn.ac.uk/media/site/dhpa/documents/CEFAW-PolicyFramework-Interactive-Jan22.pdf)
    Church-bought, church-cooked meat, eggs and dairy should be at least free-range, but preferably organic, and RSPCA-assured.

    Other food actions:
    • - Consider using plant-based alternatives when planning meals.
    • - Please buy organic or free-range eggs - they are easy to find; there are higher welfare standards for organically reared hens.
    • - Choose organic or free-range meat, and meat-products such as sausages, wherever possible.
    • - Organic milk comes from cows reared to a higher ethical standard.
    • - Choose fish which is Marine Stewardship Council certified and RSPCA-farm assured salmon.

  4. Fairtrade We use fairtrade tea and coffee at all events. Please also look for the Fairtrade label when buying tea, chocolate and bananas and other food products.

PLASTIC

PAPER We aim to use paper which is 100% recycled, with low carbon footprint (NB This is not the same as “recyclable”). This includes photo-copying paper; toilet rolls; paper towels (though we offer recycled cloth “mop-its” as alternatives).

CLEANING PRODUCTS

ENERGY As contracts allow, we aim to use suppliers that generate equivalent renewable supply and/or increase the capacity for renewable energy.
We buy LED light bulbs, or low energy where LEDs are not appropriate.

Promotion and implementation of these policies

The clergy and PCC are responsible for promotion and implementation of these policies.

* Biblical principles

Genesis 1:1,31; Nehemiah 9:6; Psalm 104God created the world to be good
Deuteronomy 10:14; Psalm 24:1The earth is the Lord's.
John 1:3; Colossians 1:15-16 It was created through and for Jesus
Psalm 33:5-6; Psalm 145:9 God loves his creation
Genesis 9:9-10; Hosea 2:18 God loves animals
Job 12:7-10; Psalm 19:1-4, Romans 1:20Creation reveals its Creator
Psalm 96:11-13; Psalm 148; Isaiah 55:12Creation praises its Creator
Psalm 65:9-13; Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 1:3 God sustains his creation
Genesis 2:15; Leviticus 25:23,24We are charged with its care
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