At the beginning of the 21st Century it's become abundantly clear that through our activities, we're damaging the life of this planet and the planetary life support system.
Phrases such as climate change, global warming, species loss and biodiversity have become part of our dialogue. The Earth In Our Hands course asks the question of 'how can we rise to this challenge?' and draws off the rich resources of Biblical tradition, illustrating the themes through the actions of a few Lincolnshire people making a difference. Part One Listen to the first piece to hear the Bishop of Lincoln, John Saxbee and Terry Miller, Chaplain for Environmental Issues discussing the reason why it's important we make changes, no matter how small, into our lifestyles. Part Two
 | | Nigel enjoys living in nature |
Nigel Lowthrop and his wife Karen have recently built a house in Hill Holt Wood on ecological principles, and Nigel takes us through what they've done and some principles for extreme green environmental living. It's self sufficient for heat and light and water, but is a regular house with modern appliances. For those of us in ready-made homes we can do a lot by harvesting rainwater, solar hot water on south facing roofs. He advises us to reduce energy and water by showering instead of bathing and why not try a compost loo! Part Three
 | | Sara Cliff |
Sara Cliff is a Methodist Minister and her brother Martin is an airline pilot. Martin reckons there's an incoherent message about air travel and carbon emissions, whilst Sara is researching eco-congregations, supporting Christian environmental action.
Martion questions whether air travel contributes that much to CO2 compared,say, to the amount of pollution that's being pumped out of power stations.
 | | Martin |
Have you thought about the types of transport you use to get around the county and the rest of the world? Are your choices absolutely necessary - could you share? An average car produces about 5 tonnes of CO2 a year - how can we try and recuce our 'carbon footprint' on the planet? You can find out about a local course near to you or why not set up your own study group? by calling the CTAL office. Or you can hear each piece broadcast on Sunday Breakfast with Sue Taylor from 7.30am on BBC Radio Lincolnshire. Part Four
 | | Sue Richardson |
Do you shop with a conscience? The decisions you make everyday in a supermarket impact people all over the world - Through your purchases are you encouraging destructive, exploitative practices or are you supporting ethical and positive trading? Sue Richardson has worked for Christian aid for 20 years and has seen directly the effects of fairtrade in developing countries.
For this session we take up our trolleys into a Lincolnshrie supermarket and Sue explains why we could think differently about the type of banana, coffee, wine or prawn that we choose to buy
Part Five
 | | Kate Bell walks her talk! |
Now how much of an impact does your waste have on the earth? If we don't recycle it's gotta go somewhere - usually landfill, and if we're careless about where we dump our rubbish it can be fatal to wildlife. Kate Bell is an active recycler and we're going to hear if it really is an inconvenience for her to wash out tins and plastics or remove peelings to a composter - and her task is to try and convince you that recycling really works (For further information on 'The Earth In Our Hands' booklet contact the CTAL office, Lincoln 01522 504072) | 
