The Stanford Avenue Methodist Church plays an important role in the community of Preston Park by hosting a number of projects and movements which incorporate environmental citizenship.

The church received the national Eco-Congregation Award in 2009, in recognition of a number of its green activities, including environmental themed masses, advice on switching to Fairtrade and organic foods, and the community upkeep of a vegetable garden and wildlife sanctuary in the church grounds. The church also set up a programme aimed at young members, consisting of a system of environmental badges which can be won for good citizenship. It has also partaken in a rainwater harvesting project- a system of collecting rainwater and using this to flush all the toilets in the building and saving on the cost of water bills. This is inspiring for the community as it shows what can be done to make better use of resources.

The Stanford Avenue Methodist Church can be considered Brighton’s first ever ‘Eco-Church’, (this status only lasted officially for 3 years after the award).

How is this environmental citizenship?

The environmental activities organised by the church have a key focus on community involvement and are inspiring in providing the incentive for local people to make improvements in their lives for the good of themselves and the environment, as well as forming connections with the local community. This is fundamental to environmental citizenship and important in the move towards sustainability in Brighton.

Contact details: tel: 01273 554141 email: stanfordmethodist@btconnect.com

References: http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/4540141.Brighton_church_becomes_first_eco_congregation/ http://www.carolinelucas.com/latest/visit-to-inspiring-rainwater-harvesting-project-in-brighton