The Diocese of Free State officially launched its Plastic Free July campaign with inspiring environmental awareness activities led by Green Anglicans Eco-Champions, encouraging church members to embrace sustainable living as an expression of Christian stewardship.
On Saturday, 4 July 2026, Green Anglicans Eco-Champion Mrs Motsei Hlalethwa shared practical insights on reducing the use of single-use plastics during the Mothers’ Union (MU) Quarterly Kroonstad Archdeaconry Executive Committee Meeting, held at the Parish of St Clare, Bothaville.
Addressing Mothers’ Union leaders, Mrs Hlalethwa highlighted the growing environmental challenges caused by plastic pollution and encouraged members to make simple yet meaningful lifestyle changes that protect God’s creation. She reminded participants that caring for the environment is part of the Church’s mission and that every individual has a role to play in reducing waste.
During the meeting, Mrs Hlalethwa also recognised and appreciated Mme Priscilla Matjila, the Mothers’ Union Archdeaconry Secretary, for her consistent commitment to promoting Green Anglicans’ environmental awareness initiatives. As a token of appreciation, Mme Matjila received a beautifully crafted Mothers’ Union recycled-material shopping bag, symbolising the importance of choosing reusable alternatives over single-use plastics.
The gathering further encouraged the “Blue Ladies” to embrace environmental conservation through food gardening and sustainable agriculture. Members were inspired to live out the slogan “Re kgaba ka ditshingwana” (“We take pride in our gardens”) and to make “working the soil fashionable again” by establishing home gardens that contribute to food security while caring for creation.
The Plastic Free July message continued Sunday, 5 July 2026, when Green Anglicans Eco-Champion Mme Manibijara addressed the congregation of St Edward the King and the Confessor Parish in Parys. Speaking on the importance of reducing plastic pollution, she encouraged worshippers to adopt environmentally friendly habits, stressing that sustainable living should become a permanent lifestyle rather than a temporary campaign.
Using the Plastic Free July theme, “Small steps, big difference ,” Mme Manibijara reminded the congregation that living sustainably should not be viewed as a burden or another household chore. Instead, she described it as a spiritual discipline that reflects mindfulness, gratitude, and respect for God’s creation.
She encouraged every household to begin with one or two simple changes, including:
- Refusing plastic shopping bags and using reusable shopping bags instead.
- Replacing plastic cling wrap with reusable silicone bowl covers.
- Carrying a lightweight stainless-steel or glass water bottle to reduce the purchase of bottled water.
- Saying no to plastic straws and disposable cutlery.
As the Plastic Free July campaign continues throughout the month, parishioners are encouraged to remember that meaningful environmental change does not require perfection. Rather, every small action contributes towards healthier communities, cleaner environments, and a more sustainable future for generations to come.
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