As the new designated Environmental Officer I think I can proudly proclaim that St. Martin de Porres Church is relatively energy efficient due to its latitude. Despite its altitude it uses very little energy with respect to heating and lighting and currently has no adjoining Church Hall with bathroom facilities and no running tap water or toilet facilities. So the building of St. Martin of Porres has a very low carbon footprint. However I feel it is imperative that we as a congregation do not rest on laurels but give consideration to our own individual carbon footprints. There are several small adjustments we can make. I will just focus on 3 during this initial blog:

1. For short journeys we should look to walk or cycle rather than use the car. If health issues militate against this we should consider using public transport and/or car sharing whenever possible. When feasible car sharing is already currently used for attending Church and despite St. Martin de Porres being situated on the top of a hill, one of the congregation, Fraser (pictured below), who lives in nearby La Rosa, regularly makes the trek up the steep incline to attend Church. Well done Fraser for setting a good example and reducing his own personal carbon footprint.

Fraser looking healthy after his walk!

2. Natural levels of lighting are generally good in La Palma and we enjoy a sub-tropical climate. But again I think it is important that we don’t put on or leave lighting and heating on unnecessarily. Sometimes when reading all we need to do is position ourselves differently to make better use of natural light and wearing a jumper indoors can delay the necessity of having to make use of additional heating. Something for us all to consider.

3. Monitor our own personal water usage. Fix dripping taps and any leaking pipes immediately. Use showers instead of baths and switch the shower onto a low pressure or off completely whilst you apply shampoo to your hair or shower gel to your body. Don’t flush toilets unnecessarily or use excessive water to irrigate your garden, wash your car, patio, etc.

That’s just 3 simple considerations and adjustments folks. I will provide more at a future date.

Take care, God bless, Peter.