Ncumisa

Charles Bakolo , Malawi “In the past, the land was so fertile that we did not even need fertiliser twice to harvest something. What has changed? The land is still the same but we are not able to harvest enough anymore.” Nurture nature in your garden. Avoid chemical fertilizers and chemicals, which do grave long-term harm to the soil and waters. Instead, fertilize with mulch, compost, and manure, and use natural methods to remove pests. BLOG Rich soil is the basis for successful food production and a beautiful example of the connectedness of all life in our common home. Soil is a complex ecosystem of organisms and nutrients, and the health of that system significantly affects the garden plants that grow in it. Healthier soil leads to higher yields. Boost soil health by contributing to its web of life. Add manure, leaf mulch, or compost to your garden. These methods work with the natural systems of creation, rather than against them, and can occasion prayerful reflection on the work of tending God’s earth. You may want to say a prayer like this to bless your tending of the soil: We ask you, Lord, to bless the soil that nourishes new life in this ground and in this community. Help us to look in awe at the mysteries of your work not yet seen. Help us to appreciate the nourishment of your earth and use it wisely.

The Lord God took Adam and Eve and put them in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded them, “You may freely eat of every tree of the garden” (Genesis 2:15-16)

Julio Reis, Portugal “It hurts me to see the waste that flows down our rivers into the ocean, because we should be blessing God’s creation and making it flourish–not hiding all the wonder and beauty in it under so much litter.” Recycle. Recycling avoids harmful ocean pollution. Recycling glass, plastic, paper, and aluminum is possible in many areas. If recycling facilities do not exist in your area, contact municipal authorities about providing them. BLOG Recycling makes best use of the materials we have extracted from the Earth. If you do not already recycle, investigate what facilities are available in your area, and make a plan with the members of your household or parish to recycle fully as much as you are able. If you already recycle, set aside time for prayerful celebration with your household or parish. Take a moment to rejoice in your shared work to protect creation, and ensure that nothing is discarded that could be diverted to the recycling bin. To guide your conversations, reflect on this statement from former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams: “God is involved in ‘building to last’, in creating a sustainable world and sustainable relationships with us human beings. He doesn’t give up on the material of human lives. He doesn’t throw it all away and start again. . . . God doesn’t do waste.”

Mncedisi Masuku, Swaziland “I saw a cow in the street eating a plastic bag. It broke my heart and I decided to organise a clean-up in my town Mbabane.”  Ditch plastic. Tote a small bag in your pocket or purse for impromptu purchases, and always take your cloth bag to the market BLOG In Pope Francis’ 2016 message for the World Day for Care of Creation, which is also celebrated in the Anglican Communion, among the members of the World Council of Churches, and in many other faith traditions, the pope renewed his plea that we “avoid the use of plastic.” Plastics are most often made from fossil fuels, especially crude oil. Its continued use supports the industry that is most responsible for human-caused climate change. As importantly, plastic trash is pervasive and detrimental. Respond to faith leaders’ call to drop plastic by identifying one or two uses that you can eliminate from your daily routine, or set a goal of completely avoiding the use of plastic for a set period of time. If you do use plastic, be sure to recycle it

Sri Vani Yerramilli, San Francisco “Seeing trash in San Francisco is common. There aren’t sufficient trash cans available in certain areas. I have started the habit of taking my trash with me if a trash can isn’t available. I’m helping my city, and if everyone did the same it would make a big difference.” Put waste in its place. When you do have waste, dispose of it properly. If you’re in an area without receptacles, put your waste in a bag or pocket until you arrive at a bin. BLOG Much of the litter humans throw on the ground is washed into waterways, where it eventually reaches the ocean. Plastic represents the largest portion of marine litter, and the amount of plastic in the ocean is increasing. According to the UN’s Convention on Biodiversity, plastic litter most affectsspecies of sea lions, seals, turtles, whales, and birds. When these animals encounter plastic in the waters where they live, they are often tangled in it and become unable to move. They then slowly starve to death. Conversely, some of the animals that are not entangled eat the plastic itself. They are at risk of choking on large, rigid pieces. Any plastic that is swallowed is not digested, but accumulates in the stomach, giving a false sense of satiety and leading again to the animals’ starvation. Eliminate litter by reducing your use of disposable items, recycling whenever possible, and disposing of any remaining waste items properly. If you see waste collecting on the ground in a certain location, petition your local leaders to install a bin and take the rubbish away on a regular schedule. In smaller communities, a group of residents and parishioners can take this up as a community project. With a prayer like this, pray for gratitude and stewardship: Thank you for the wildlife of rivers, lakes and oceans, of desert, bush and rainforest. Show us how to care for their habitat, and teach us to treat all your creatures kindly, for you have made them all. Amen.