waste

Clean up Crew

Fast for the Earth 2025 / /

Wash and make yourselves clean. – Isaiah 1: 16 The world around us is a gift from God, and taking care of it is part of our responsibility. One simple but powerful way to do this is by cleaning up our communities. Why Does It Matter? Litter and pollution don’t just make our neighborhoods look bad—they harm the environment, wildlife, and even people’s health. Trash in the streets can wash into rivers and oceans, polluting the water and endangering marine life. Proverbs 27:23 says, “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.” In today’s world, this applies not just to animals but also to our communities. When we ignore the mess around us, we neglect the responsibility God has given us. Loving Our Neighbors Jesus teaches us to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). A clean environment benefits everyone—especially children, the elderly, and those in poor communities who suffer the most from pollution. By picking up trash, planting trees, and encouraging others to care for their surroundings, we show God’s love in action. Be the Light Matthew 5:16 tells us to “let your light shine before others.” Cleaning up your community may seem small, but it’s a powerful way to live out your faith. Take action, invite friends, and make a difference. Let’s honor God by keeping His creation beautiful! 🌍✨ The South African Council of Churches has launched a year long campaign encouraging churches to get involved in clean ups and recycling under the theme of “let there be no waste”   The Provincial Youth Consultation took to the streets and cleaned up some spots of dumping after voting in the new exco. A shift that young people need to be at the center of transformation in our communities.

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Feast smarter, Waste less

Fast for the Earth 2025 / /

“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table.  – Luke 16: 19 – 21 The story of the rich man and Lazarus reminds us that some people can feast every day while others go hungry. Food Waste in South Africa – Why It’s a Big Deal Did you know that South Africa wastes about 10 million tons of food every year? That’s nearly a third of all the food produced! Meanwhile, millions of people go hungry every day. Food waste isn’t just about throwing away leftovers—it’s a serious issue that affects hunger, the environment, and the economy. Most food waste happens at farms, supermarkets, restaurants, and even in our homes. Perfectly good food is often thrown away because it doesn’t “look right” or expires before being used. But wasting food also wastes the water, land, and energy that went into producing it. When food rots in landfills, it releases methane gas, a major contributor to climate change. So, what can we do? Start by buying only what you need and storing food properly to make it last longer. Support food donation programs that give surplus food to those in need. If you have leftovers, get creative—repurpose them into new meals instead of tossing them out. Composting is also a great way to return nutrients to the soil instead of adding to landfills. We have the power to change how food is valued. Reducing food waste isn’t just about saving money—it’s about fighting hunger, protecting the environment, and respecting the resources God has given us. Every meal matters, so let’s make sure our food goes to people, not landfills. A few years ago there was a Taize international youth Conference in Cape Town where thousands of young people were fed everyday. Green anglicans was tasked with waste disposal which was challenging! We found a church in Langa with a pig farming project and they were able to come and take away the food waste

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March 12 – Audit your Waste

Leave a Comment / Fast for the Earth 2020 / /

“Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.’” ~ John 6:12 Check out how much waste you have at home. How can you reduce it? The waste we generate and throw out is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to waste generation. For every kilogram of waste your family creates, more than 71 kilograms was created in manufacturing that waste. Every year the worlds’ nations generate 1.3 billion tons of solid waste. That amounts to 1.2 kilograms per person per day and this number is expected to rise to 2.2 billion tons by 2025. Be part of the solution by ensuring that we do not reach this massive amount by 2025.The idea of reducing one’s waste can be overwhelming, a great place to start is within the comfort of your own home. The problem with waste production is that; waste is sent to landfills and incinerators which emit hazardous toxins and greenhouse gases into the environment, destroy wildlife habitats, and pose a major threat to humans What can you do? Purchase products with less packaging- Buy in bulk, switch to concentrated products, or choose brands that reduce packaging and avoid Individually Wrapped Items. Use reusable shopping bags and containers. Reduce unwanted mail- Contact local and regional companies sending you unwanted mail and ask to be taken off their list. Just Mow the grass. Leave grass clippings on your lawn. The clippings will decompose, adding much needed nutrients to your grass and lightening the waste you produce. Drink from a reusable mug or water bottle. Compost food scraps and yard trimmings. Repair furniture or list on the internet for sale. Limit household hazardous waste. Measure before you purchase paint, pesticides, and fertilizers so you don’t overbuy. Plan out your meals. Creating a list of items you need to buy will help reduce food waste at home and give you a better idea of when you need to go to the store. http://www.hamiltoncountyrecycles.org/residents/reducing_waste_at_home https://www.huffpost.com/entry/reduce-home-waste_n_57912d0be4b0fc06ec5c4b56 Photo by Justus Menke on Unsplash

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