January, 2025 - Go Green Goddess - Plastic is so hard to replace

Solar pv and rising energy costs

The rising cost of energy has been a concern for many UK households, particularly since the eligibility criteria for the Winter Fuel Payment changed. Recent statistics show that in January 2025, energy bills are 67% higher than in winter 2020-21, with average households paying more than £700 extra to use the same amount of gas and electricity.

With no sign of costs falling in the near future, many are wondering how to bring their bills down. One way to do so is to invest in solar panels. Here, we explore how a solar PV system can help you manage energy costs.

Energy independence

The primary way that a solar PV installation will help to bring bills down is by reducing a household’s reliance on energy from the National Grid. Harnessing the power of the sun is free, enabling you to meet your energy requirements during daylight hours without having to pay for electricity from the grid. This helps to protect you when prices rise..

Including a solar battery in your system delivers further benefits. Reliance on power from the grid is even lower, since excess energy produced during the day can be stored and used after dark. In summer, you may find your bills are minimal thanks to long daylight hours and less need for electric lighting, while winter bills will be reduced even when the days become short and overcast.

The Smart Export Guarantee

Solar panels not only help you to reduce your bills by providing free energy during the day, they also provide an opportunity to offset bills via the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). This scheme enables you to sell excess power back to the grid. Various energy suppliers offer tariffs, and it’s not necessary to use the same provider for the SEG as for your gas and electricity supply. That means you can shop around for the deal that suits you best.

Costs and breaking even

According to GreenMatch, a 4kW solar panel system for a two or three bedroom house costs £5,000 – £6,000 in 2025. Adding a battery – which can reduce electricity bills by as much as 70% – increases the total cost (including installation) to £13,000 – £15,500.

While this is a significant upfront cost, the break-even point is between seven and ten years. With typical solar PV lifespans reaching 30 years, that gives households up to 23 years of sustainable power at minimal cost. Savings can reach £1,005 per year.

Investing in solar panels

Now is a great time to invest in a solar PV system, since there is a 0% VAT rate on solar panels and batteries which ends on 31 March 2027. This minimises installation costs, allowing homeowners to reach a break-even point more quickly and enjoy greater long term value. Households should always choose MCS certified solar PV installers to fit their system, guaranteeing quality, reliability and safety. An expert can assess your needs and survey your roof to determine the number of panels you require, as well as helping with ongoing maintenance.

A green pilgrimage. It sounds like a curious mix of the ancient and the modern, doesn’t it? But it’s a concept that’s as relevant today as it is inspiring. A pilgrimage, at its heart, is a journey—a spiritual one, often undertaken to seek renewal, reflection, and a deeper connection to faith. But in today’s world, where eco-consciousness is no longer just a buzzword but a necessity, the idea of a green pilgrimage takes on a whole new meaning.

The Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee 2025 calls us to reflect on hope, renewal, and care for creation. What better way to embody these themes than by travelling lightly on the Earth, honouring both the spiritual and the natural world? In this article, we’ll explore how eco-friendly pilgrimages can reduce environmental impact while deepening our spiritual connections.

The spiritual and environmental significance of pilgrimage

The spiritual side of pilgrimage

Pilgrimage has been a cornerstone of faith traditions for centuries. From the Camino de Santiago in Spain to the Hajj in Mecca, and even Buddhist pilgrimages to sacred temples, these journeys are about more than just reaching a destination. They’re about the journey itself—walking, reflecting, and connecting with something greater than ourselves.

For many, a pilgrimage is a journey of hope. It’s a chance to step away from the noise of daily life and reconnect with faith, purpose, and community. It’s about renewal, both spiritual and emotional, and finding a sense of peace in the process.

The environmental connection

But here’s the thing. Traditional pilgrimages, as beautiful as they are, often come with a hefty environmental footprint. Think of the long-haul flights, the disposable water bottles, the energy-intensive accommodations. It’s a bit of a paradox, isn’t it? A journey meant to connect us with the divine can sometimes leave a trail of waste behind.

This is where the idea of a green pilgrimage comes in. It’s about aligning our spiritual journeys with care for creation. After all, if we’re walking in faith, shouldn’t we also walk gently on the Earth? The Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee 2025 reminds us that renewal isn’t just about our souls—it’s about the world we live in too.

Principles of a green pilgrimage

Travel lightly

The first step to a green pilgrimage is simple: travel lightly. And I don’t just mean packing fewer pairs of socks (though that helps too). It’s about reducing your carbon footprint as much as possible.

Walk or cycle whenever you can. Not only is it better for the planet, but it also gives you time to reflect and connect with your surroundings.
If walking the entire way isn’t feasible, use public transport instead of driving or flying. Trains, buses, and shared rides are all more eco-friendly options.

Sustainable practices

Next, think about what you bring and how you consume along the way. A few small changes can make a big difference:

Pack reusable essentials like a water bottle, utensils, and a cloth bag.
Opt for biodegradable toiletries and sustainable clothing made from natural fibres.
When it comes to food, prioritise local, organic, and plant-based options. Not only are they better for the environment, but they also support local communities.

Respect for nature

Finally, remember that a pilgrimage isn’t just about the path you walk—it’s about how you walk it. Respect the natural world around you:

Leave no trace. Take all your rubbish with you and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Stick to marked trails to protect fragile ecosystems.
Think of “treading lightly” not just as an environmental practice, but as a spiritual one too.

Deepening spiritual connections through eco-consciousness

Finding the divine

There’s something undeniably sacred about nature, isn’t there? The rustle of leaves in the wind, the warmth of the sun on your face, the quiet hum of life all around you. For many, nature is where they feel closest to the divine.

When you’re mindful of the environment during a pilgrimage, it’s easier to notice these moments. You start to see the beauty in the small things—a flower blooming by the roadside, the sound of a stream trickling past. It’s a reminder that creation itself is a gift, one we’re called to cherish and protect.

Simplicity and humility

Travelling lightly isn’t just good for the planet—it’s good for the soul. There’s a certain humility in carrying only what you need, in letting go of excess and focusing on what truly matters.

This simplicity mirrors the values often associated with pilgrimage. It’s about stripping away the distractions and reconnecting with faith, with purpose, and with the world around you. And isn’t that what the Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee 2025 is all about?

Community and solidarity

One of the most beautiful things about a pilgrimage is the sense of community it fosters. You’re not just walking alone—you’re part of something bigger, a shared journey of hope and renewal.

Green pilgrimages take this a step further by addressing shared environmental challenges. They remind us that we’re all in this together, that caring for creation is a collective responsibility. Faith communities have a huge role to play here, promoting eco-friendly practices and inspiring others to follow suit.

Practical tips for planning a green pilgrimage

Planning a green pilgrimage doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s all about making thoughtful choices that align with your values.

Start by choosing a route that prioritises sustainability. The Camino de Santiago, for example, has introduced green initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. Or consider a local pilgrimage to cut down on travel emissions.

When it comes to packing, think eco-friendly. Bring a reusable water bottle, solar charger, and a lightweight backpack made from sustainable materials. And don’t forget to support local communities along the way—stay in family-run accommodations, buy from local artisans, and eat at small, independent cafes.

If long-distance travel is unavoidable, look into carbon offset programmes to balance out your emissions. It’s not a perfect solution, but it’s a step in the right direction.

Inspiring examples of green pilgrimages

There are already some incredible initiatives out there leading the way. The Green Pilgrimage Network, for example, works with sacred sites around the world to promote sustainable practices. From composting toilets to solar-powered facilities, they’re proving that faith and eco-consciousness can go hand in hand.

Then there are the stories of individuals who’ve undertaken green pilgrimages. Like the group of friends who walked the Camino de Santiago using only reusable gear, or the family who turned their local hiking trip into a spiritual journey by focusing on gratitude and mindfulness. These stories remind us that small changes can have a big impact.

Becoming pilgrims of hope

The Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee 2025 calls us to reflect on hope, renewal, and care for creation. A green pilgrimage is a beautiful way to embody these themes, to walk lightly on the Earth while deepening our spiritual connections.

So, as you plan your next journey—whether it’s a long trek across a sacred trail or a simple walk through your local park—remember this: every step is an opportunity. An opportunity to honour the Earth, to connect with faith, and to leave behind not just footprints, but hope for future generations.

Green pilgrimage. It’s not just a journey. It’s a way of life.

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