Fast for the Earth 2024

Then they went in to Hezekiah the king and said, “We have cleansed all the house of the Lord, the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the table for the showbread and all its utensils. 2 Chronicles 29: 18 So our challenge today is to look at our churches and see where we are using single use plastic and what can be refused, reduced or recycled! REFUSE AND REDUCE! The place where we use the most single use plastic in churches is in our catering. Consider after church coffee time – are you using disposable cups? At functions -are you using Styrofoam take-aways?  These all have a huge impact on the environment, and in the case of Styrofoam on our health. Putting hot food into Styrofoam risks leaching chemicals into our food or drink. What about plastic bottles of water? So what can you do about it? Identify the problem and then look at how decision making takes place in your church, you could bring the issue to your parish council, or even bring a resolution to Diocesan Synod. Many Provinces have passed resolutions but they are not being implemented well. For instance the Anglican Church of southern Africa passed a resolution to ban Styrofoam, and the Mothers Union also did, but we still see it being used. So what are the alternatives- its not that easy. The best solution is old fashioned washing up – invite people to donate cups or plates for church cupboards. People could bring their own containers from home for carryouts. Water usage depends on your context, if your water is safe then a jug of water with a slice of lemon is much better for your health (bottled water releases tiny particles of plastic into the water) – or can you consider boiling the water and serving in a jug. Its not easy and will take perseverance to make these important changes RECYCLING Is the church recycling? What can you do to make sure that recycling takes place – perhaps the church can serve the community by offering recycling – this could generate a small income stream for your church. Please share in the group your challenges, ideas and successes!

They shall then bathe their body in running water and will become clean. Leviticus 15:13 There is a lot of plastic in our bathrooms! But let us try these four Rs:  reduce, refill, return and recycle! First of all – do an audit – what do we have here? Separate the essential items (toothbrush, soap, razor) from the less frequently or never used ones.  You may find a lot of items that you never use, or unused gifts. Start by donating, regifting  or recycling the products you don’t plan to use. Next look at which ones you can reduce or replace.  Do some research to see what options are out there. (Much easier to hunt on line)  Here are a few great swaps to consider: Soap: We all used to use soap bars and many have now shifted to ‘body washes’, ‘hand washes’ , ‘shower gel” etc, you can simply and cheaply go back to good old soap! There are also now shampoos in bar form but they can be a bit pricy – if you can afford it , try them out or include them in a birthday gift hamper for someone. Razors: electric razors save a lot of plastic  and cash in the long run (why are disposable razors soooo expensive!) or at least use one with a permanent handle.  Think electric razor –  Father’s day gift? Some items like deodorant bottles – look for the brands that offer glass bottles. Toothbrushes: You can’t use the same toothbrush forever, but if you can afford it look for  toothbrushes made from bamboo or recycled plastic, rather than virgin plastic If you use a battery-powered toothbrush, use rechargeable batteries rather than single-use disposable batteries. Makeup wipes : If so, then you’re likely creating waste on a daily basis from your makeup wipes. Instead, use a reusable washcloth Loofahs: Plastic loofahs can be swapped for cotton  washcloths or sea sponges, which are compostable. Cotton swabs/ear buds: you can get ones which are not plastic now but with wooden handle. The larger the container, the more less plastic per volume there is , and the more likely it is to get recycled. Try to avoid little sachets and go for the largest container. Many brands  now do also have refills available – especially if you shop on line it is easier to hunt for these. When recycling: remember to empty, rinse and replace the lid on your product – otherwise the  remaining liquid might  contaminate the rest of your recyclables. Share which changes you aim to make with the group! [1] https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/recycle-items-plastic-bottle-coffee-cup-crisp-packet-a9490631.html