It’s one of my jobs at home to put out the recycling – paper and cardboard, glass, tins and, of course, plastic. It makes me feel better when there is more to recycle and less in the general household waste bin that I know will go to landfill.
Like so many, I can say I am doing my bit, but of course, I know that, as the climate crisis deepens and we need to care for creation, for the world that God has made and all that is in it (Psalm 24), there is more to do. Wouldn’t it be even better if there was less in my general waste and less in my recycling too?
Plastic Free July® is an invitation to take this challenge, to be part of the solution and reduce or even eliminate our use of plastic. The idea began in Western Australia but has been taken up across the world and it tells stories and offers practical ideas of what can be done, from making a point of refusing plastic straws in our drinks and being prepared with our own reusable one to hand to choosing that pre-made sandwich in paper rather than plastic wrapping, and thinking carefully about what our takeaway meal comes in. Other ideas get us to think about the packaging on our common household items – such as washing detergents, etc – and looking to see if we can buy refillable products or trying an alternative product such as ‘detergent sheets’.
What I love about it is that the suggestions are practical, it encourages us to take small steps and it is not a one-size-fits-all campaign. We are invited to sign up to what we think we can do next, to make a promise that will stretch us but that, with effort, we can keep. We can make choices that will change what we do beyond just a month, and change how we live our lives for the future and our world.
This is fully part of our calling as followers of Jesus Christ, our belonging to the Church, joining together in the task of sharing the love of God and working for the Kingdom. It is present in the fifth mark of mission to ‘safeguard the integrity of creation’. It has the potential to be a powerful witness of our engagement with all of creation, as in this Diocese, we share in our LIFE vision to ‘live out Christ’s love and hope’ and ‘combat environmental destruction’.
Go take a look – you can find details here and see how you, too, can join in and make a difference for the sake of this world and all its people.
Bishop Robert has pledged to make sure he is always carrying a reusable straw with him through Plastic Free July®. What small commitment could you make to a lower plastic future?
Send your pledges on a postcard to Bishop Robert c/o Kay Mundy, 2 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LY or email to ku.gr1761250738o.coi1761250738dsolg1761250738@pmal1761250738ck1761250738 for them to be collated and passed on to Bishop Robert.
Also see the article by Green Christian: Plastic Free July – Green Christian
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This is really good, because we have received a wonderful creation. from God . We really need to take steps to stop endangering the future that our,children and grandchildren will have to endure
Have decided to try and not use anything containing plastic, if this is possible. At least, I am sure that I will be able to achieve a good reduction in my use of . Love Wendy
This is really good, because we have received a wonderful creation, from God . We really need to take steps to stop endangering the future that our children and grandchildren will have to endure
Have decided to try and not use anything containing plastic, if this is possible. At least, I am sure, that I will be able to achieve a good reduction in my use of . Love Wendy