Pioneers UK and Ireland Creation Care Policy

God has created us, human beings, in his image and with a responsibility over creation (Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15). Creation glorifies God (Psalm 148; 150:6) and God’s redemption includes creation (Revelation 21-22). It follows that our missional purpose includes the whole of creation.

As Pioneers UK and Ireland, our intent is to facilitate the flourishing of the gospel amongst unreached people groups, who are also often the most poor and vulnerable peoples in the world. Because climate change disproportionately affects the poor and vulnerable, environmental stewardship should be a high priority for Pioneers UK and Ireland. As both office staff and trustees, we want to take environmental concerns into account in our operational and practical decisions (Colossians 1:15-20).

This creation care policy aims to reflect the compassion that the Lord has on all he has made (Psalm 145:9), both the natural environment and humanity. To that end, this policy addresses our resolve not only to have a positive impact on the natural environment and minimise any negative impact, but also to interact only with products and organisations that work to safeguard the environment as well as people, and avoid exploitative practices for all.

 

Actions

  1. We will encourage our members and trustees to use forms of transport to work, meetings, etc. which have minimum or reduced environmental impact – e.g. walk, cycle, public transport, or using low- or zero-emissions vehicles. Additionally, we will encourage members and trustees to carshare whenever possible in the absence of reasonable public transport.
     
  2. We will consider whether meetings can reasonably be held virtually instead of in person. We will also encourage staff and trustees to reduce their number of flight hours. Any flights taken on behalf of Pioneers will be carbon offset. For 2026, we will encourage staff to keep track of their business mileage in order to develop a plan for offsetting car travel going forward.
     
  3. We will reduce the environmental impact of the food we serve by seeking to give equal weight to both meat and vegetarian options, and will try to use locally sourced produce. We will ensure the majority of the food packaging of food we serve is reusable or recyclable. This will need to be monitored by staff.
     
  4. We will try to ensure that the coffee, tea, sugar, and other food products we purchase are fair-trade and certified in their various types.
     
  5. We will seek ways to reduce material consumption and the impact of our activities on the environment in our paper habits and cleaning products. We will use email rather than send hard copies unless absolutely necessary, and will use recycled paper, toilet paper, and kitchen roll. We will use low environmental impact cleaning materials, and we wlll reuse or repair items rather than replace them, where possible.
     
  6. We will encourage good recycling habits in the office, including recycling of paper, plastic, metal, and glass.
  1. We will eliminate the use of single-use plastics, including cling film, plastic cups, plastic plates, polystyrene cups, plastic drinks bottles, etc. We will use non-disposable crockery, cutlery, and glasses.
     
  2. We will seek to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of the electricity and gas used in the offices by encouraging staff and board to turn off lights, appliances, and computers when not in use. Where possible, we will use green energy suppliers.
     
  3. We will continue to ensure that Pioneers UK and Ireland’s money is being invested ethically and responsibly and is divested from fossil fuels.
     
  4. We will aim to ensure our bank accounts are linked to credible institutions with an ethical outlook.
     
  5. We will consider our purchasing habits, taking into account care for people and the environment.
     
  6. We will encourage staff and trustees to take actions in their personal lives to care for God’s creation, encouraging a spirit of simplicity and generosity.

Useful Resources