From The Editor

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AS the season of harvest begins across the Church, along with Creation Time – when the Church is invited to think about green issues, sustainability and food will be very much on the agenda.

In the late 20th and early 21st century, the pace of change has accelerated and foodstuffs that were once the traditional preserve of the seasons or of some parts of the world have become increasingly available.

But our almost unfettered access to (almost) anything we want in terms of food supply comes at a price.

Supermarkets have developed supply chains but have also increased the use of plastic packaging by stealth.

Probably until the 1980s or early 1990s, it was still possible to shop locally. Greengrocers, butchers and bakers were a feature of most High Streets – or general stores in villages.

But with the growth of consumerism and globalisation, supermarkets have dominated our shopping experience. The withdrawal of post offices and banking services in rural Scotland has also led to the closure of many of those lifeline general stores which required multiple areas of support to operate.

Our desire to have round-the-year access to all the foodstuff s we have come to view as necessities has driven demand.

Yet in this season of harvest and creation time, we are asked to consider and reflect on what we have been gifted by God.

There can be no doubt that demand for foodstuff is one of a multitude of factors contributing to climate change, which impacts most on the poorest communities of the world as they suffer most when crops that have sustained them for generations fail.

“No one is being asked to give up everything they have, but by making small, informed choices, this can make a difference to local communities.

But what can we do to make a difference? No one is being asked to give up everything they have, but by making small, informed choices, this can make a difference to local communities – and ultimately influence change.

Buying locally sourced fresh food and trying to consume less meat will make a difference, as will a reduction in plastic usage. At the time of writing Waitrose were piloting a huge reduction in the supply of plastics in a single store. Other supermarkets are also recognising the need to reduce plastic. Trying to reuse plastic bags and also shopping seasonally will also make a difference.

Considering moving to more eco-friendly models of transport will also help – although there are acknowledged difficulties for rural communities in making such a switch.

Small subtle changes will make a difference. In our home we have switched from plastic straws to reusable metal straws and try to buy drinks in glass rather than plastic bottles and minimise packaging whenever we can.

No one is perfect, but collectively making small changes could make a big difference

Lynne McNeil

Editor

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