Blog Archives

52 Ways To Care for Creation

1/1/2020

1. Eat Those Leftovers!

After the holiday season you will likely have leftovers from Christmas dinner, parties, and family get-togethers. A great way to be a steward to the Earth is to consume your food. Did you know that Americans throw away 25% of the food they buy? Not only is this a waste of money but it is also harmful to the environment. Producing food takes land, water, and heavy machinery. By eating your leftovers you are not only saving money but also preventing energy waste from food production. Not to mention you are keeping them from taking up space in a landfill.

2. Bookmark & Visit Creation Justice Ministries' Action Center

Each month, the Creation Justice Ministries team will update www.creationjustice.org/action with a new set of timely events, advocacy opportunities, and education resources. Set a reminder to check this website monthly, and take the actions that are possible for you and your community.

3. Green Your Laundry Routine

Use cold water when washing clothes to reduce energy use. Energy is needed to heat water. You can also opt for a shorter wash cycle.
Only do laundry when the load is full. Not only does this save water and electricity but it also saves you money and time. You can either wait until you have more items to wash or combine your partial load with your family or housemates.
Avoid using energy to dry your laundry by hanging a laundry line or using a drying rack. This cuts down on your electricity bill as well!

4. Plan to Participate in Faith-Rooted Ecumenical Advocacy efforts, including Ecumenical Advocacy Days 2020

Creation Justice Ministries is one of more than 40 co-sponsoring Christian organizations for the annual Ecumenical Advocacy Days conference in Washington, DC. This is a valuable gathering that connects Christian communities nationally to worship, learn about timely issues, develop leadership skills, and take action for justice. This year's theme is "Imagine! God's Earth and People Restored." Learn more at www.advocacydays.org. Early Bird registration ends March 16. When considering who to send, think about who is eager to make a difference, but might not otherwise be able to pay their own way. You can also check the website of your state's Interfaith or ecumenical council to see if they are planning advocacy days in the state capitol.

5. Cut Your Shower Time by Five Minutes

Cut five minutes off your shower to save water. According to a study done by Harvard the average american shower uses 2.5 gallons per minute. You will save 12.5 gallons of water if you shorten by just 5 minutes. Or, consider turning the water off while you lather up and only turn it on to rinse.

6. Plan a Lenten Devotional that Will Benefit God's Creation

The Creation Justice online community is doing a "Tread Lightly for Lent" devotional this year, adapted from the Presbyterian Hunger Program's Environmental Ministries 2018 resource.
You may also consider trying a carbon fast. If you live in a place with an active state chapter of Interfaith Power and Light, it can be fun to find a local community doing a carbon fast together.

7. Use Green Cleaning Products

Did you know some cleaning products have toxic chemicals that can harm your health as well as pollute God's creation? Check out our "Cleanliness and Godliness Toolkit" for ideas on greener cleaning.

8. Change Light Bulbs to Eco-Friendly Types

CFL and LED bulbs can emit 25-80% less energy than traditional incandescents, plus they last longer! Consider this greener alternative when it comes time to replenishing those bulbs.

9: Track Your Waste for a Week

Keep track of the waste that you create for a week. How much of it can be replaced with recyclables or reusables. What can you challenge yourself to live without?

10. Commit to Low or No Waste Grocery Shopping

Some ways to reduce the waste when shopping for groceries are to buy unpackaged fresh fruits and vegetables, bringing your own container to a bulk food store, investing in some produce bags to transport fresh foods, avoid prepared foods, and bring your own grocery bags.

11. Turn Off the Lights When Not in Use

If you’re not in the room, the light doesn’t need to be on. Leave yourself post-its to help you remember to flip the switch off when you leave the room.

12. Donate to a Faith-Based Organization that Supports Care and Justice for God's Creation

Our ecological crisis is a spiritual crisis. We are facing systems of greed and racism that require a moral response. Give to faith-based organizations that devote time and resources to caring for God's creation. Consider becoming a monthly recurring donor, to help the organization build a strong, predictable grassroots funding base for their work. If you don't yet contribute to Creation Justice Ministries, consider joining the #CreationJustice Monthly Giving program.

13. Observe World Water Day March 22, 2020

World Water Day is this week! Support various campaigns and check out the water resources provided by Creation Justice Ministries.

14. Observe Earth Hour on Saturday, March 28, 2020

At 8:30pm, turn off the lights for one hour to observe how much energy will be conserved if people around the world cooperate with energy-saving. Click here to see the impact from years before and how you can get involved.

15. Start a Garden, Indoors and Out!

Start a garden in your own backyard or share the work with your community by creating a neighborhood garden. Do you have space in your church’s yard, at a vacant lot, or in a nearby park? Gardening is good for creation and saves you money. If you do not have space outdoors, you can grow veggies or herbs in pots in your place of residence. Indoor plants will produce oxygen improve your indoor air quality.

16. Eat a Plant-Based Meal or Meals with Ingredients from Local Farms

Check out these tasty and healthy options here by Minimalist Baker.

17. Observe Earth Day Sunday on a Sunday close to April 22, 2020, as well as Faith Climate Action Week

This year is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day! Make use of the Earth Day Sunday resource developed annually by Creation Justice Ministries. This year's theme is "The Fierce Urgency of Now" and is all about how to live faithfully in urgent times. Our 2020 resource will be available soon at www.creationjustice.org/urgency, and past years can be found through www.earthdaysunday.org. We also encourage communities to use materials from Faith Climate Action Week April 17-26, 2020.

18. Do Your Dishes Less Often

Instead of doing dishes after every meal, consider only doing dishes when you have a full dishwasher load or full sink. If you do dishes by hand, use a basin to conserve dish-washing water. This reduces your water use and saves you money on your water bill.

19. Observe Endangered Species Day May 15, 2020

Did you know one in five species is threatened or endangered? There are many things everyday people can do to save God's creation from extinction. Check out www.creationjustice.org/endangered to find materials to raise awareness in your faith community.

20. Advocate for Environmental Justice

Learn about imminent threats to communities near you. Learn whose health and livelihood is most affected by local pollution issues, and who is on the front-lines of counteracting the harm. If you need a place to start, check out the Oil and Gas Threat Map. Join an existing grassroots organization, talk to your family and friends about environmental justice, or set up a meeting between your faith community and local environmental justice advocates to build solidarity.

21. Fend Off "Energy Vampires."

Make sure to turn off and unplug items when they're not in use. The socket draws electricity even when items are "turned off." Some items that are often plugged-in when not in use are blow-dryers, phone chargers, electric kettles, and coffee pots. Other items that are often left in the "on" position when not in use are televisions, computers, and video game consuls. Using the battery-saving function on smart phones and computers helps them last longer, as well as saves energy. Perhaps you have a spare refrigerator you only need to run when you're preparing to entertain guests. Look around your house and find what can be unplugged. You might be surprised by your energy savings!

22. Research How Your Community Regulates Waste

Each city or town has their own trash, recycling, and compost system. What is the system where you live? Regulations change frequently so take some time today to update yourself. Here are some questions for you to find the answers:

Does my town/city have recycling curbside pick up or do I take it to the recycling center?
What can I throw in the recycling bin? Do I throw plastics, paper, glass, and aluminum together or do I seperate them?
Does my city/town have a curbside composting program?
Can I compost in my own backyard?

23. Bring a Reusable Container for Leftovers to the Restaurant

Next time you go out to eat, bring a reusable container for your leftovers. One-time use plastic and styrofoam containers are easily replaceable with a reusable container. You can leave one by the door, in your backpack, or in your car so that you always remember it.

24. Honor World Oceans Day Monday, June 8, 2020

Plan to honor World Oceans Day with your faith community. Check out www.worldoceansday.org for ideas, and find faith-based resources at www.creationjustice.org/oceans

25. Watch a Documentary on Creation Care and/or Environmental Justice

Some examples include faith-based films such as Behold the Earth and Renewal, as well as other educational films such as The Story of Stuff. Learn something new, and make a commitment to yourself to make a positive change in your life.

26. Contact Your Representative

Take initiative today and call, email, or write one of your state representatives regarding an creation care issue that you are passionate about. Positive environmental change starts with the individual and continues with larger scale change. You can contact your representative by calling the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121. You can find out who your US Representative is here and your US Senators here.

27. Reuse. You Don't Have to Use an Item Just Once Right?

What disposable items in your life could you replace with a reusable option? Do you use cloth napkins or paper? Do you have a reusable water bottle or disposable? Do you use cleaning wipes or clothes? Do you pack your lunch in plastic bags or in reusable containers?

28. Make Your Next Shopping Trip Green

Consider the before-life and after-life of purchases. Patronize second-hand or fair trade stores. You can buy clothes, jewelry, shoes, furniture, books, movies, and toys conscientiously. If you cannot find what you need at a second-hand store, try a fair trade store for ethically sourced products.

29. Pick Up the Trash in Your Community

Go outside and pick up trash. You can invite a friend or small group from church to join you. You can enjoy fellowship and increase the amount of garbage collected.

30. Read a Book Concerning Creation Care

We recommend titles by members of the Creation Justice community, including:

50 Ways to Help Save the Earth: How You and Your Congregation Can Make a Difference by Rev. Rebecca Barnes of Presbyterian Church (USA), who is also our board president.
Creation as Sacrament: Reflections on Ecology and Spirituality by Fr. John Chryssavgis of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Rooted and Rising: Voices of Courage in a Time of Climate Crisis by Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas of the Episcopal Church and Rev. Dr. Leah Schade of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Climate Church, Climate World: How People of Faith Must Work for Change by Rev. Jim Antal of the United Church of Christ

31. Use Green Transportation

How do you get from place to place? Make a plan for how you can reduce your footprint. Does your city/town have public transportation? Are there places where you can walk or bike instead of drive? Are there places you can carpool? School, work, church, and small group meetings are great places to carpool. Make a commitment and plan to improve your carbon footprint.

32. Calculate Your Water Footprint

Find out what your water footprint is and how you can reduce your impact. This calculator will show you how your lifestyle impacts the rest of the world and how you can make a positive difference. Share with us ways you plan to reduce your footprint!

33. Use Gray Water

Gray water is water that has been used but is not necessarily contaminated. You can use dish washing water, hand washing water, and cooking water to water plants. There are even systems you can install now that allow you to make use of gray water more effectively.

34. Spend Time Outside This Week

Take some time to appreciate the outdoors this week. Go for a walk, play with your kids, play sports, or go to the park. Find ways to enjoy challenging weather such as snow, rain, and heat. Enjoy God’s beautiful creation.

35. Check Your Car's Tire Pressure

Properly inflated tires improve the car’s gas mileage. This will not only decrease your carbon emission but also save you money.

36. Honor the Season of Creation September 1-October 10

Beginning with the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation on September 1 and ending with St. Francis Day on October 4, the Season of Creation is a time-set-apart to express gratititude for God's good creation, care for creation, and call for justice. Learn more at www.seasonofcreation.org

37. Try Composting at Home

Check out this guide to learn how to compost at your home, or go here to see if your neighborhood has a curbside compost pickup option.

38. Invest in Green Arts and Crafts Supplies

Do you or the kids in your life enjoy art? Buy recycled paper and products for projects. Nature is another great way to find art supplies. Twigs, leaves, and flowers are excellent for art projects. The recycling bin can also be great place for creative minds to find materials.

39. Track Your Use of Paper and Disposable Products

This week, watch how often you use paper plates, disposable utensils and straws. See what of those items you can replace with reusable tupperware and flatware that you can take with you. You can keep this in your car, purse, or backpack to use at a moment’s notice.

40. Looking for a New Book? Check Out Your Local Library.

Instead of buying your own copy, check out your local library for your next read. Libraries are valuable community centers, and chances are you'll only read the book once - no need to purchase every copy for yourself! If you like using e-readers, the Libby app allows you to borrow books from the library digitally.

41. Make Your Plan to Vote by Election Day, November 3, 2020

Our votes determine who makes important policy decisions. It is imperative that every elected official at every level of office prioritize protecting God's creation. Check out Creation Justice Ministries' voting guide, which we will update with faith-based get-out-the-vote and civic education resources as they get posted in 2020. Please check your state government websites for information about all the candidates to help you make an informed decision.

42. Learn About the Indigenous Peoples to the Places Where You Live, Work, and Pray

Monday, October 12 is recognized by some as Columbus Day, and others as Indigenous Peoples' Day. November is Native American Heritage Month. These are good times to brush up on your knowledge about Indigenous Peoples. Consider using Creation Justice Ministries' Environmental Justice with Indigenous Peoples resource. Take time to acknowledge the Indigenous Peoples who came before you. Consider remembering them by name when you pray. Some questions to research are:

Who lived here before me?
How did communities that lived here before me relate to the land and ecosystems where I live now?
Are the Indigenous Peoples of this land still my neighbors, or were they forcibly removed? What is the story?
How can I support the wishes of my predecessors, the original caretakers of these lands and waters?
Are there any personal choices or political actions I can take to be in solidarity?

43. Evaluate Coffee Hour at Your Church or Place of Employment

Does your church and/or place of employment use reusable cups? Where does the coffee come from? Is it ethically sourced? If not, find out how your congregation or office can make the switch. We suggest using Equal Exchange.

44. Try Cooking One-Pot Meals

By using one pot to cook your meal, you save on electricity, gas, and water; which reduces your footprint and may even give you leftovers for the week!

45. Measure Your Carbon Footprint

Find out what your carbon footprint is and how you can reduce your impact. This calculator will show you how your lifestyle impacts the rest of the world and how you can make a positive difference.

PS - Remember to vote by November 3 if you haven't yet!

46. Invest in a Reusable Water Bottle

Cut down on plastic by carrying your own water bottle with you. Preferably a reusable one made of aluminum rather than plastic. You will find that you save money by bringing your own water instead of buying new bottles every time you are thirsty.

47. Work With Your Local Government to Sponsor a Recycling Event for Electronics or Hazardous Waste

With the holidays coming, new electronics are likely to be under the tree. Make room for the new by safely recycling the old. Too much on your plate? See if an event like this already exists in your community and attend!

48. #OptOutside this Black Friday

Some families depend on the deep discounts on Black Friday and Cyber Monday to be able to afford essentials. For many, though, Black Friday and Cyber Monday can become a frenzy of consumer culture and unnecessary purchases. If you need to make a purchase on a discounted item, please do so with intention. If you don't need to make a purchase, consider joining the movement to go for a walk: #OptOutside & #FindYourPark. This alternative can allow you to use the precious holiday season to spend quality time with family and friends.

49. Check Cabinets for Expired Medicine and Properly Dispose of Them

Avoid flushing medicines and other dangerous chemicals in the toilet or washing them down the sink. Instead, find your local med disposal location and take them there. This will help keep water clean and drug-free for other people drink and animals and plants to live in and consume.

50. Opt to Wrap Gifts in a Reusable Bag Instead of Wrapping Paper

Wrapping paper can only be used once while gift bags can be reused. You can give a festively concealed gift and care for creation at the same time. Or you can wrap your presents in newspaper or brown paper and personalize with your own hand drawn decorations. You can still be festive and make the gift special without buying wrapping paper.

51. Plan a Green Potluck

Host a green potluck with your family and friends this holiday season. Challenge your guests to cook a one pot meal and buy from local farmers.

52. Make Your New Year Resolutions Green

Take some time to reflect with your family on ways to be more green in 2021! Can you invest in solar energy panels? Share your New Year's Resolutions with us at Creation Justice Ministries for the chance to be featured on our social media.

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