Creation Care

Creation Care

NEWSLETTER PROGRAM

InterFaith Creation Care South Metro (ICCSM) introduced our Newsletter Program in 2020. and further enhanced it in 2022.  We wanted to provide to our churches in the south metro a source of information which would encourage Care for Creation in their monthly or weekly newsletters, bulletins and or social media.  Many of our team proposed topics and content which were followed up with drafts that were then further edited into a specific format. An introduction letter was composed that explained what we were doing.  The introduction letter, our logo, and the initial package of 12 topics were sent to the churches we represent and followed up with packages sent to additional faith communities in the area and some regional headquarters for these churches.  The original package of 12 with revisions with an additional 8 more totaling 20 were sent again in  2022.  We have received some positive reaction from this effort.  
The following is the letter of introduction that was sent with the topics.  Each of the topics will follow in order.


Dear Pastor:

Interfaith Creation Care South Metro (ICCSM) would like to share a tool with you and your congregation that addresses our faithful duty to care for the Earth. This tool includes suggested inserts for your church bulletin, newsletter, or social media. We believe that places of worship are the BEST places to share this information and engage people in thoughtful conversations about this issue.

Scientists have told us there is a problem, but they cannot fix it. Inventors and engineers can design new efficient and sustainable processes, but they can not ensure that people will use them. Governments can construct laws and incentives to coordinate the effort. But the actual point of action where a person decides that this is important enough to follow takes place in the heart, or in the center of what they hold to be dear. We believe that this is the domain of our places of worship, the place where we are most likely to heed the call to connect our thoughts with demonstrable action.

Guidance for Use
We have tried to provide you with options for including this text in your weekly or monthly newsletters via printed or online media that you have with your congregation-- there is a longer version and a shorter version, as well as suggested verses to reference or reflect upon. 

Content
We have put these together carefully, but you know your community best and we want you to adapt them to meet your needs. You are encouraged to add examples of Creation Care activities happening in your congregation or other stories, text, or images that make these messages relevant to your community. You are also welcome to explore other verse options that are relevant, combine topics, and get creative in other ways.

Above all, these are intended to be a resource to you to share more information about Creation Care and the ways we can all do more to be good stewards of God’s bounty.

Timing
There’s no wrong time to talk about Creation Care! We don’t have specific expectations for when you share which topics, though you might find that some align well with seasons, holidays, or your scripture readings and would be particularly timely. The first, simply called Creation Care, is designed as more of an introduction and is formatted slightly differently than the others.

Attribution
Interfaith Creation Care of the South Metro is an organization of volunteers representing 15 faith communities in the South Metro. We collaborate to create content like this and to bring Creation-focused events and resources to all faith communities in the area. Please include the phrase “A service of Interfaith Creation Care South Metro” and include our website (https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com/) when you use these messages in print or digital format. We have also attached our logo for your use.

We also want your feedback on how you use this tool and ways it can be improved. We will continue to write new content and share it with you, but your suggestions and comments would be greatly appreciated and help us make this a useful resource for congregations across the South Metro.

Sincerely,

Interfaith Creation Care of the South Metro
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Topic: Creation Care

God first created Earth, and then created humankind. And the first task he gave to humankind was to see that His Creation was good and to care for it-- to till and keep the Garden of Eden, and to care for the plants and animals on all the land and sea. Joining together to care for the masterpiece that God has made should be something that unifies us; a universal way to honor God through our actions.

When we look to the scripture, we see that God cares deeply about all of creation, not just humans. In the story of Noah and his Ark, God makes sure all the animals were on the ark (even mosquitos!). And when the flood recedes, God sets a covenant not only with Noah and his descendants, but “with every living creature that is with you… every animal of the earth with you.” And in the ten commandments, God commands not only humans to rest on the seventh day and observe the sabbath, but also the livestock-- the animals shall also have rest. In Leviticus God commands the people to also give their land rest by letting it go fallow (unplanted) for a year in the seventh year. In chapters 38 and 39 of Job, God speaks about all of the creatures and environments he has made and how intimately he knows them-- and of the joy and delight he takes in all of his creation.

God exhibits over and over again that He loves all of Creation, knows it in incredible detail, and does not find humankind separate from it, but a trusted partner in its care. When we make environmentally-wise choices we are celebrating and respecting creation, giving thanks for Earth’s abundant resources, and being good stewards with what we’re given.

This is a resource of Interfaith creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com.

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Topic: Energy Efficiency at Home

Long Text:

When Earth was created, God entrusted us as its stewards and calls us to care for it and each other in all of our actions. When we make environmentally-wise choices we are celebrating and respecting creation, giving thanks for Earth’s abundant resources, and being good stewards with what we’re given. Being good stewards of resources also means using only what we need-- like the energy we use to cool or heat our homes, turn the lights on, and power our favorite gadgets!

Reducing your energy use at home not only protects the environment, it can be a real money saver!  What can you do to reduce your energy use (and put some “green” in your pocket!)?

Today, I can:

   Turn off the lights, gadgets, and appliances I am not using and make sure I turn the lights off when I leave the room.

   Run only full loads in the dishwasher, washer, and dryer (or use a clothesline!).

   Program my thermostat to be a more energy-efficient temperature when I am away from home (set a little warmer in the summer and a little cooler in the winter).

   Set my refrigerator between 36F and 42F, freezer between -5F and 6F, and water heater at 120F (or lower if young children are in the house).

   Call my energy utility and ask about buying into clean energy options like wind and solar energy.

   Turn water off mid-task (washing dishes, brushing teeth, watering plants)-- running water, especially hot water, uses a lot of energy.

In the future, I plan to:

   Improve my home’s insulation and insulate my hot water heater and hot water pipes.

   Replace burnt out incandescent light bulbs with LED light bulbs.

   Replace appliances with energy efficient options (look for the Energy Star logo).

   Clean and replace appliance filters (especially the furnace) on a regular schedule.

This is a resource of Interfaith creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com.

Short Text:

Being good stewards of God’s creation means using only what we need-- like the energy we use to cool or heat our homes, turn the lights on, and power our favorite gadgets! Reducing your energy use at home not only protects the environment, it can be a real money saver! What can you do to reduce your energy use (and put some “green” in your pocket!)?

Today you can be sure to turn off lights and gadgets when you aren’t using them and wait to run your dishwasher or washer/dryer until you have a full load ready. As your incandescent light bulbs burn out you can replace them with LED light bulbs and replace appliances with energy efficient options. In the future, you can plan to improve your home’s insulation and insulate your hot water heater and hot water pipes.

This is a resource of Interfaith creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com.

Verse Options:

(Psalms 89:11) The heavens are yours, the earth is also yours; the world and all that is in it-- you have founded them.

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Topic: Water for Life

Long Text:

When Earth was created, God entrusted us as its stewards and calls us to care for it and each other in all of our actions. When we make environmentally-wise choices we are celebrating and respecting creation, giving thanks for Earth’s abundant resources, and being good stewards with what we’re given. Water is our source of life-- quenching our thirst and the thirst of the plants and animals on which we depend for food. Water is also our source of spiritual life through baptism.

The Earth is blessed with a limited amount of water in our lakes, rivers, streams, and seas. Our life depends on protecting this water-- using it wisely and keeping it clean. What can you do to protect our living waters?

Today, I can:

  Turn water off mid-task (washing dishes, brushing teeth, watering plants).

  Repair leaking faucets or running toilets in my house.

  Allow my lawn to go brown in the late summer (brown lawns are not dead, they are dormant-- which is normal!)

  Reduce or stop using lawn fertilizer and pest killers. I will not use lawn chemicals before rain or heavy winds, which can carry chemicals to nearby water bodies or storm sewers.

  Use environmentally-safer cleaning and personal care products (shampoos and soaps) that might go down the drain.

In the future, I plan to:

  Replace parts or all of my lawn with native plants that do not require watering or fertilizer and provide good habitat for bees and butterflies.

  Collect rainwater in a rain barrel for all outdoor water needs.

  Install low-flow shower heads or toilets.

This is a resource of Interfaith creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com.

Short Text:

Water is our source of life-- quenching our thirst and the thirst of the plants and animals on which we depend for food. Water is also our source of spiritual life through baptism. The Earth is blessed with a limited amount of water in our lakes, rivers, streams, and seas. Our life depends on protecting this water-- using it wisely and keeping it clean. What can you do to protect our living waters?

Today you can remember to turn off water you are using mid-task (like when washing the dishes, brushing your teeth, or watering plants) and use environmentally-safe cleaners and personal care products that will go down your drains. You can reduce the amount of lawn chemicals you use and reduce the amount you water (a brown lawn is still a normal, healthy, lawn-- just dormant). In the future, you can transition parts or all of your lawn to native plants which require less watering and no lawn chemicals. You can also replace toilets and shower heads with low-flow options, which will reduce the amount of water wasted during daily activities.

This is a resource of Interfaith creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com.

Verse Options:

(Ezekiel 47:9) Wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be very many fish, once these waters reach there. It will become fresh; and everything will live where the river goes.

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Topic: Reuse and Repair

Long Text:

 When Earth was created, God entrusted us as its stewards and calls us to care for it and each other in all of our actions. When we make environmentally-wise choices we are celebrating and respecting creation, giving thanks for Earth’s abundant resources, and being good stewards with what we’re given. Being good stewards means not being wasteful with the resources it takes to make the products we buy and use everyday. One of the easiest ways we can do that is to reuse and repair items like clothing or small appliances to extend their useful life. Did you know? Extending the life of an item of clothing cuts the carbon, water, and waste footprint of that item by 20 to 30 percent!

Not only are you protecting God’s bounty of natural resources, you can save money by not having to purchase new items. And if you have some specialized repair skills, you can help others as well.

Today, I can:

  Put together a small sewing kit to make minor repairs to garment hems, lost buttons, or small holes.

  Find some online resources for repairing items, such as https://www.ifixit.com/.

  Purchase reusable replacements for disposable items I use regularly, such as cloth napkins, mesh produce bags, fabric or silicone snack bags, and glass food storage containers.

  Save glass jars and other containers to reuse in the bulk section of my grocery store on my next shopping trip.

In the future, I plan to:

   Look up repair practices of companies before I purchase an item. For example, some shoe companies will re-sole or provide other repairs for a fraction of the cost of a new pair of shoes.

   Bring small appliances that stop working to a repair shop instead of throwing them away and replacing them. Some counties or organizations host fix-it clinics where volunteers will fix the items for free or a small donation.

   Learn how to make common repairs to clothing like changing hems, replacing buttons, and darning.

This is a resource of Interfaith creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com.

Short Text:

Being good stewards of God’s bounty means not being wasteful with the natural resources and energy it takes to make the products we buy and use everyday. One of the easiest ways we can do that is to reuse and repair items like clothing or small appliances to extend their useful life. Did you know? Extending the life of an item of clothing cuts the carbon, water, and waste footprint of that item by 20 to 30 percent! Not only are you protecting God’s bounty of natural resources, you can save money by not having to purchase new items. And if you have some specialized repair skills, you can help others as well. What can you do to reuse and repair, and extend the gifts of God’s creation?

Today, you can put together a small sewing kit, purchase reusable replacements for some of your common disposable items like cloth napkins, mesh produce bags, and glass food storage containers, or save glass jars and other containers to reuse in the bulk section of your grocery store. In the future, you can make plans to look up the repair practices of companies before buying a product, look up “fix-it clinics” in your city or county where you can have small appliances repaired for free or low cost, and learn how to make common repairs yourself!

This is a resource of Interfaith creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com.

Verse Options:

(Psalm 104: 30) When you send forth your spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the ground.

(Romans 12:2) Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

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Topic: Green Work or Workspace

Long Text:

When Earth was created, God entrusted us as its stewards and calls us to care for it and each other in all of our actions. When we make environmentally-wise choices we are celebrating and respecting creation, giving thanks for Earth’s abundant resources, and being good stewards with what we’re given. We aren’t limited to being conscientious about God’s bounty in our personal life. We can adopt habits and activities in our workplace that reflect our value of stewardship towards God’s bounty and set a good example for others.

You can make personal changes and advocate for organization-wide changes that will reduce your use of valuable resources and make your workspace healthier. What changes can you make at work to reduce energy consumption and waste?

Today, I can:

  Commit to printing less paper by emailing documents for meetings ahead of time and exploring digital project management options. When I do have to print paper, I will reuse it as scratch paper and recycle it.

  Bring my own lunch in reusable containers.

  Keep a reusable plate, cup, mug, silverware, and napkin in my workspace to use for daily lunch or office parties.

  Turn off and unplug any electronics or small appliances while they aren’t in use and turn off battery-operated objects, like a computer mouse.

In the future, I plan to:

  Ask my employer about opportunities to telecommute, even occasionally, to reduce the miles I drive for my commute.

  Green my commute in other ways, like carpooling, taking public transit, or riding a bicycle; or pair my commute with other tasks that might require driving like grocery shopping to reduce the number of car trips I take in a day.

  Encourage my employer to adopt company- and/or facility-wide best practices like installing energy efficient lighting, a composting and recycling program, and providing the tools necessary for virtual meetings.

This is a resource of Interfaith creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com.

Short Text:

We aren’t limited to being conscientious about God’s bounty in our personal life. We can adopt habits and activities in our workplace that reflect our value of stewardship towards God’s bounty and set a good example for others. You can make personal changes and advocate for organization-wide changes that will reduce your use of valuable resources and make your workspace healthier. What changes can you make at work to reduce energy consumption and waste?

Today you can commit to printing less paper by emailing meeting documents ahead of time and exploring digital project management options, bringing your own lunch in reusable containers and/or leaving a set of reusable dishes in your workspace, and turn off and unplug and electronics or small appliances while they aren’t in use (like overnight). In the future, you can green your commute by telecommuting one or more days per week, taking public transit, or adding bicycling or walking to part of your commute. You should encourage your employer to adopt facility-wide best practices like energy efficient lighting and a composting and recycling program.

This is a resource of Interfaith creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com.

Verse Options:

(Isaiah 6:3) And one called to another and said, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory.”

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Topic: Appreciating Nature

Long Text:

When Earth was created, God entrusted us as its stewards and calls us to care for it and each other in all of our actions. When we make environmentally-wise choices we are celebrating and respecting creation, giving thanks for Earth’s abundant resources, and being good stewards with what we’re given. Spending time in nature is an opportunity to experience God’s love with all of your senses-- He has created the brilliant colors of the fall leaves, the fragrance of the flowers, the tickle of a warm breeze on the back of your neck, the sound of moving water, and the flavor of wild blueberries.

There are dozens of ways to appreciate the natural world God has created for us, even if you don’t usually consider yourself the “outdoor type.” What will you do to appreciate and protect our natural environment?

Today, I can:

  Take a walk without wearing headphones.

  Eat a family meal outside (if the weather calls for it!)

  Start a hiking or walking club at my church to enjoy fellowship in God’s creation.

  Look up the parks and other natural areas that are close to me and see what kind of activities are available for the season. Many parks might have equipment rental for enjoying activities like kayaking, snowshoeing, or bicycling. 

In the future, I can:

  Donate money or write to my legislators about protecting my favorite natural, public spaces.

  Include natural spaces in my vacation plans to learn about the environment and ecosystems of new places.

  Learn more about the plants and animals native to my community and how they function together in the ecosystem.

  Plant pollinator-friendly flowers in my yard and gardens.

  Plan an outdoor worship opportunity focused on Creation.

This is a resource of Interfaith creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com.

Short Text:

Spending time in nature is an opportunity to experience God’s love with all of your senses-- He has created the brilliant colors of the fall leaves, the fragrance of the flowers, the tickle of a warm breeze on the back of your neck, the sound of moving water, and the flavor of wild blueberries. There are dozens of ways to appreciate the natural world God has created for us, even if you don’t usually consider yourself the “outdoor type.” What will you do to appreciate and protect our natural environment?

Today, you can take a walk outside without wearing headphones, eat a meal outside, or start a hiking or walking club at your church to enjoy fellowship in God’s creation. In the future, you can learn more about the plants and animals native to your community and their role in the ecosystem, plant pollinator-friendly flowers, and plan an outdoor worship service focused on Creation.

This is a resource of Interfaith creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com.

Verse Options:

(Psalm 19:1-4) The heavens declare the glory of God: the skies proclaim the work of his hands.  Day after day they pour forth speech: night after night they reveal knowledge.  They have no speech, they use no words: no sound is heard from them.  Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.

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Topic: Learning About Our Environment

Long Text:

When Earth was created, God entrusted us as its stewards and calls us to care for it and each other in all of our actions. When we make environmentally-wise choices we are celebrating and respecting creation, giving thanks for Earth’s abundant resources, and being good stewards with what we’re given.  Understanding why a clean, sustained environment is important for all of God’s creatures to flourish (including us!) is an important first step to accepting our responsibility to protect creation.

When we learn more of the scientific facts about our changing environment and how the changes impact some people more than others, it can equip us with the information and skills we need to help address those forces that cause harm.  Learning more about the environment also empowers us each to take actions that are proven to be effective and that restore balance in creation and bring justice to all people. 

Today I can:

      Learn more about the environmental crisis and ecological justice.  A good place to start is the “Sources of Information” page in the InterFaith Creation Care website at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com/.

      Research my church’s position on environmental stewardship (each church could link to a statement, if they have it, like the ELCA)

      Read local or national news stories about the environment and our changing climate. If something sparks my interest, I will read other sources on the same story.

 

In the future I plan to:

      Join (or start!) a study group that is talking freely about the changing climate.

      Discuss openly with my friends and family what I have learned.

      Encourage the schools in my community to include climate change and ecological justice in science and social studies classes.

      Read books about environmental crises from perspectives that are different than mine and/or are typically underrepresented (consider the perspectives of women, people of color, indigenous communities, people who work in agriculture, or immigrant communities).

      Use what I have learned to inform actions I can take to be a part of the solution.

This is a resource of Interfaith creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com.

Short Text:

Being good stewards of God’s creation means understanding why a good clean environment is important to our survival as human beings.  Education can deliver the scientific facts about our changing environment and equip us with the skills to help address those forces that cause harm to it.  It will give us the empowerment to engage our actions to make the changes that are necessary.  

Today you can learn about the environmental crisis by reading news reports about the climate crisis and ecological justice and research and better understand your church’s position on environmental stewardship. In the future you can join or start a study group that discusses climate change, encourage schools to include climate change and ecological justice in curriculum, and use what you have learned to inform actions to protect and care for God’s creation. You can help spread the message of creation care by talking freely with friends and family about what you know and what you plan to do to be a part of the solution.

This is a resource of Interfaith creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com.

Verse Options: 

(Proverbs 18:15) The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.

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Topic: Reduce Your Food Waste

Long Text:

When Earth was created, God entrusted us as its stewards and calls us to care for it and each other in all of our actions. When we make environmentally-wise choices we are celebrating and respecting creation, giving thanks for Earth’s abundant resources, and being good stewards with what we’re given. Being good stewards of resources also means using only what we need—like being responsible about the food we produce and consume, and avoiding unnecessary waste! 

Forty percent of all food produced in America is wasted and households-- not schools or restaurants-- are the largest wasters along the food chain from farm to fork. Even if we compost all of that, we still use a lot of water, land, energy, and labor to grow food we don’t eat. No one wants to waste food, and each of us can do more to be wise with our food waste.

Today, I can:

   Take the time to meal plan for the week so that I only buy the ingredients I need and can use large portions for more than one meal in the week.

   Make sure I store my food properly so it doesn’t spoil.

   Keep track of what I have in the house before I go grocery shopping so I don’t accidentally buy something I already have.

   Create an “Eat First” section of my fridge so items don’t get pushed to the back and new items get used before old ones are eaten up.

In the future, I plan to:

   Consider eating less meat and converting to more plant-based foods.

   Buy local produce where available and encourage growers to offer even produce that is not “perfect” and avoid throwing it away. Check out farmer’s markets in my community for local, fresh foods.

   Participate in a co-op or community supported agriculture (CSA) and get fresh produce.

   Compost responsibly to avoid sending food waste to landfills; ask my garbage hauler or city whether organics recycling pick-up is available or if there are drop-off sites in my neighborhood. If organics recycling isn’t available, I can learn how to start.

This is a resource of Interfaith creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com

Short Text:

Being good stewards of God’s creation means using only what we need-- like being responsible about the food we produce and consume and avoiding unnecessary waste! Forty percent of all food produced in America is wasted. Residents are the largest wasters along the food chain from farm to fork, yet we no one wants to waste food. What can you do to reduce food waste?

Solutions for families are to improve meal planning, store food properly, buy only what you need and use what you buy. Helpful resources on such topics as meal planning, food storage, “Tracking what you toss” and kitchen inventory are available through Dakota County website at www.co.dakota.mn.us/environment.

This is a resource of Interfaith creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com.

Verse Options: 

(Ezekiel 36:35) And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like a garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced and are inhabited.

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Topic: Trying a Plant-Based Diet

Long Text:

When Earth was created, God entrusted us as its stewards and calls us to care for it and each other in all of our actions. When we make environmentally-wise choices we are celebrating and respecting creation, giving thanks for Earth’s abundant resources, and being good stewards with what we’re given. Being good stewards of resources means using those resources wisely, especially in terms of our food supply.

Our current food system is rapidly deteriorating the planet-- using resources faster than we can replenish them. In its current form, we will not be able to feed the over 9 billion people expected to inhabit the Earth by 2050. Our growing population makes food less and less secure for more people, and what we’re eating is pushing the planet towards a breaking point on climate change and deforestation. Our food system is responsible for over a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions, of which approximately 80% are associated with livestock production.

Today, I can:

   Reduce my meat consumption by having one meat-free day per week (lots of people try “Meatless Monday”), or one meat-free meal per day.

   Buy meat that is grass-fed or free range from local farmers.

   Learn more about the “foodprint,” which measures the environmental impacts of growing, producing, shipping, and storing food at foodprints.earthday.org.

In the future, I plan to:

   Learn more about sustainable agricultural practices and support farmers who pursue them.

   Create a number of meat-free recipes that my family and I enjoy.

This is a resource of Interfaith creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com.

Short Text:

Being good stewards of resources also means using those resources wisely, especially in terms of our food supply. Our growing population is pushing food security to the edge, and what we’re eating is pushing the planet to the breaking point on climate change and deforestation. The food system is responsible for over a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions, of which approximately 80% are associated with livestock production.

Adopting a completely plant-based diet may not be for everyone, but plant-based diets have been shown to provide significant health benefits like reducing your risk for heart, certain cancers, obesity and diabetes. In honor of the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, consider visiting their website https://foodprints.earthday.org, and exploring how you might benefit from a plant-based diet as well as how collectively this could benefit the Earth.

This is a resource of Interfaith creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com.

Verse Options: 

(Psalms 89:11) The heavens are yours, the earth is also yours; the world and all that is in it-- you have founded them.

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Topic: Advocate for Environmentally Friendly Legislation

Long Text:

When Earth was created, God entrusted us as its stewards.  He calls us to care for it and each other in all of our actions. When we make environmentally wise choices we are celebrating and respecting creation, giving thanks for Earth’s abundant resources, and being good stewards with what we’re given.

Being good stewards also means supporting justice in our world’s institutions. As Jesus showed by example, we must become involved in raising our voices to the world beyond our church’s doors. The effects of climate change and environmental degradation impact socially and economically vulnerable people most.  We can work powerfully together to ensure a safe and healthy world for all, in this generation and several generations to come. 

Today I can:

   Find out who my elected leaders are locally and nationally and learn more about their voting history regarding climate and the environment. Write to them as a Christian, explaining my support of actions and laws that safeguard the environment and encourage sustainability.

   Volunteer with my church or a non-profit organization that works to secure and safeguard the earth, or one that develops natural areas for all to enjoy.

   Donate time and/or money to a worthy environmental protection nonprofit.

In the future, I plan to:

   Create or support a Creation Care group in my own church and understand my church’s stance on environmental justice and climate.

   Encourage and support church leadership in their outreach to influence just environmental policies.

   Work to ensure environmental protections and justice are incorporated into political candidates’ platforms, and into our national and state laws.

This is a resource of Interfaith creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com       

Short Text:

Being good stewards of God’s creation means supporting environmental justice in our world’s institutions. Our changing climate and environmental degradation is impacting some worse than others, driving further inequity between those who have and those who do not. A strong Christian voice makes a powerful sound beyond the doors of the church. 

You can research your local and national elected leaders and learn more about their voting record on environmental issues and contact them with your views and prayers for environmental stewardship as a Christian. You can also create or support a Creation Care group at your church to learn more about stewardship of Earth’s resources and God’s bounty. Your group can volunteer or raise money for an environmental nonprofit in your community.

This is a resource of Interfaith creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com.

Verse Options:  

(Amos 5:24) But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never failing stream.

(Deuteronomy 16:20) Justice and only justice you shall follow, that you may live and inherit the land that the lord your God is giving you.

(Proverbs 31:9) Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.

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Topic: Gratitude Toward Creation

Long Text:

When Earth was created, God entrusted us as its stewards and calls us to care for it and each other in all of our actions. When we make environmentally wise choices we are celebrating and respecting creation, giving thanks for Earth’s abundant resources, and being good stewards with what we’re given.

Let's take the opportunity this month to show some gratitude for the abundance we have in our lives! We can tread lightly on this earth by choosing sustainable products that: "Leave No Trace."

Today, I can:

  • Stop using disposable plastic (convenience) items, either going without them or replacing them with something reusable.  I can ask for "no straw" at a restaurant, bring my own reusable bags when I shop, and buy unpackaged items or low packaging/non-plastic packaging when possible.
  • Bring my own reusable container with me when I eat out, and use it for my leftovers--eating them later avoids food waste!
  • Bring my own reusable water bottle or mug with me throughout the day (including for coffee at church on Sunday!), and keep a clean extra one in my car for a friend.
  • "Green" my morning routine.  Use a shampoo bar instead of bottled shampoo, switch to plastic free toothpaste tabs, and use packaging free shave cream with reusable high quality safety razor that will work for years!
In the future, I plan to:
  • Buy an electric car to reduce polluting emissions.  I may have to save up longer, but the return on investment is great, eventually saving me money!  As these cars become more popular and cheaper, gas fueled cars may actually become a liability to own, with very low resale value.
  • Ask to buy into solar or wind energy from my  electricity provider.  There may be a slight cost, but the routine electric energy mix received at most homes in Minnesota continues to come mostly from coal, and coal is the most polluting source of electric energy.  The good news is that wind and solar energy are growing very fast, and I can encourage that growth by opting into a clean electricity program.

This is a resource of Interfaith creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com.

Short Text:

Being good stewards of God’s creation means using products that can be used multiple times and are durable, are plastic free or compostable. When we use disposable “convenience” items on a regular basis, we use a disproportionate amount of God’s bounty and create waste that pollutes and litters our lands or uses what precious space we have been given for landfills. We can also be more thoughtful about where the energy we use to power our lives comes from. Though it might be a slightly more costly investment, transitioning to renewable energies ensures a healthy planet for future generations.

We can buy plastic-free alternatives to a lot of our favorite products, and several everyday items are available without packaging like shampoo bars and toothpaste tabs. Single-use products may be more convenient and feel less expensive, but buying them over and over again can be a real drain on your wallet! You can also ask your energy company about options to buy in to cooperative renewable resources-- rather than buying your own solar panels (or your own windmill!), your monthly fee will be combined with the fees paid by your neighbors to support renewable energy.

This is a resource of Interfaith creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com.

Verse Options:

(Colossians 3:17) Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

(1 Thessalonians 5:18) In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

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Topic: The Web of Life

Long Text:

When Earth was created, God entrusted us as its stewards and calls us to care for it and each other in all of our actions. When we make environmentally-wise choices we are celebrating and respecting creation, giving thanks for Earth’s abundant resources, and being good stewards with what we’re given. Genesis 2:15 tells us, ”The Lord placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it.”  Our very first call from God was to tend the garden. Other than taking care of each other, there is no more important thing we can do than tend the garden, our Earth, as it was divinely and perfectly created by God. The Garden of Eden is not a faraway place in distant history-- it is reflected in the environment all around us and even in your own backyard!

Ever since the last glacier receded from this land the plants, animals, insects, and even bacteria in the soil and water have been forming symbiotic relationships-- meaning they have evolved together and depend on each other for life. Plants capture energy from the sun and nutrients from soil and turn it into food for insects and other animals. Larger animals, in turn, eat the smaller animals, in a seasonal, self-sustaining system. When we bring non-native plants and animals into an ecosystem, it can disrupt the crucial balance that all life living there depends on.

According to Science Magazine, since the 1970s North America has lost over 3 billion birds, nearly 30% of the total.  Some causes are habitat loss and ecosystem demise.  There has been a 53% loss (700 million adults) of grassland birds in that same time period. Bees are experiencing a similar fate. Millions of bees are dying due to loss of habitat, pesticides (neonicotinoids), and parasites (the varroa mite). The garden is suffering and needs our tending.

Today, I can:

   Volunteer with a county park or an environmental protection group (Friends of the Mississippi River or Great River Greening are great resources, as well as Three Rivers Park District) in restoration efforts—removing invasive plants and participating in native plant planting events.

   Learn about sustaining wildlife with native plants in my yard with books like Bringing Nature Home or Nature’s Best Hope by Douglas Tallamy, or Pollinators of Native Plants or Bees by Heather Holm.

   Help birds by providing water, food, and cover.

In the future, I plan to:

   Plant native plants in my yard.  Some examples include:

Trees:  Oaks, especially white or bur oaks, river birch, ironwood

Shrubs:  prairie willow, American hazelnut, gray dogwood

Perennials:  milkweed, purple coneflower, meadow blazing star, stiff goldenrod, bee balm, Joe pye weed

Grasses:  little bluestem, prairie dropseed, Pennsylvania sedge

   Clean plant debris from my yard in the spring. Hollow plant stems and leaf litter provide shelter for insects and their larvae.  Plant debris also provides birds with material for their nests in the spring.

   Install a rain garden to capture precious precipitation and help it soak into the ground rather than run off into storm sewers.

This is a resource of Interfaith creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com.

Short Text:

Genesis 2:15 tells us, ”The Lord placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it.”  Our very first call from God was to tend the garden. Other than taking care of each other, there is no more important thing we can do than tend the garden, our Earth, as it was divinely and perfectly created by God. Ever since the last glacier receded from this land the plants, animals, insects, and even bacteria in the soil and water have been forming symbiotic relationships- meaning they have evolved together and depend on each other for life. When we bring non-native plants and animals into an ecosystem, it can disrupt the crucial balance that all life living there depends on.

There are many ways we can tend the garden, including volunteering with local and regional parks or environmental protection groups, planting native plants in our yards and gardens, and providing food, water, and cover for birds and insects by cleaning plant debris in the spring instead of the autumn.

This is a resource of Interfaith creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com.

 Verse options:

Genesis 2:15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to till it and keep it.

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Topic: Greener Transportation

Long Text:

When Earth was created, God entrusted us as its stewards and calls us to care for it and each other in all of our actions. When we make environmentally-wise choices we are celebrating and respecting creation, giving thanks for Earth’s abundant resources, and being good stewards with what we’re given. Being good stewards of resources also means reducing transportation energy use.

The energy used to move from one point to another has a detrimental impact on our health as well as all living beings in God’s creation. Reducing the use of fossil fuels to get around by moving to clean alternatives is important to our survival and our family’s well being. What can you do to reduce your use of fossil fuels through transportation?

Today, I can:

   Where feasible walk, bicycle, carpool or use public transit.

   Keep my vehicle’s tires properly inflated and the engine properly serviced.

In the future, I plan to:

   Purchase or lease my next family car with the highest Miles Per Gallon rating possible.

   Look seriously at purchasing or leasing an electric vehicle which are now readily available (and are a blast to drive!)

   When flying is absolutely necessary, I will buy carbon offsets.

   Consider taking a train.

This is a resource of Interfaith creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com.

Short Text:

Being good stewards of God’s creation means reducing the dirty energy used to get around.  Fossil fuels for transportation makes the air we breathe harmful to our health and those who are important to us. Today you can be sure to- when feasible- walk, bicycle, carpool or use public transit. Be sure our vehicles tires are properly inflated. In the future you can remember to purchase vehicles that get the very best miles per gallon. Take a further step and consider purchasing an electric vehicle which are now readily available (check out this website to gain more information about EVs in Minnesota https://www.pluginconnect.com/mnevowners.html). Try to avoid air travel but if necessary buy carbon offsets or embark on the adventure of taking the train. Check out the Transportation page of Drawdown website for impacts and solutions of our transportation on our environment at https://www.drawdown.org/.

This is a resource of Interfaith creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com.

Verse Options:

(Colossians 1:29) To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

(James 2:17) In the same way, faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead.

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Topic: Convert to Electric Vehicles

Long Text:

When Earth was created, God entrusted us as its stewards and calls us to care for it and each other in all of our actions.  When we make environmentally-wise choices we are celebrating and respecting creation, giving thanks for Earths abundant resources, and being good stewards with what were given. Being good stewards of resources also means reducing our use of dirty energy sources like fossil fuels. Fossil fuels, in the form of gasoline, are burned to produce combustion to move our family vehicles from one place to another. While getting where we want to go is fun and convenient, this adds more greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere than Gods creation can correct for and these vehicle emissions are contributing to the severe climate changes we are experiencing. They also contribute to air pollution and many people can experience severe health problems as a result. New technology in batteries allows us to drastically reduce dirty emissions from your family vehicle.

Replacing your internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle with a plug-in electric vehicle (EV) helps restore the clean environment that God first provided us. You may feel like only one family among the billions in this world that drive automobiles, but with each new EV on the road emissions drop. It is a positive step that you can be proud of -- you are making an enormous difference in improving your communitys air quality and reducing the emissions causing climate destruction worldwide.  EVs are quieter, more powerful, more comfortable and far less expensive to run than ICE vehicles.  They dont clog up the air with tailpipe emissions, and they are vastly more energy efficient.

Today, I can:

     Reduce the use of your standard ICE automobile by walking, using a bicycle, or public transit.

     Consider the replacement of your ICE vehicle with a plug-in electric vehicle. If you have more than one vehicle in the family, start with the oldest or less efficient and replace it with a new or used EV.

     Talk to an existing EV owner to get their experience. If you dont know one go to http://shift2electric.com which is the website of Minnesota EV Owners group and get on their mailing list and or ask for help on their Facebook group.

     Research electric vehicles (the above website is a good source) and determine which type of EV fits my family best: PHEV, a plug-in hybrid, can convert to gasoline engine when the battery range has been used up and provides additional miles; a BEV is an all-electric that runs only on battery.

     Encourage my state legislators to help improve the number of EVs available in our state by supporting the Minnesota Clean Car Standards.

In the future, I plan to:

     Check out the previous website and look for salespeople at dealerships who are knowledgeable about EVs, as they are still fairly unique.  That website provides a list of proven sales people who can help you find the vehicle that works for your needs.

     Remember when choosing a vehicle to check out whether there is a federal tax credit available. 

This is a resource of Interfaith Creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com

Short Text:

Being good stewards of Gods creation means reducing our use of dirty energy sources like fossil fuels which are used to move ourselves from one place to another.  Fossil fuels, in the form of gasoline, are burned to produce combustion to move our family vehicles from one place to another. This adds more greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere than Gods creation can correct for.  These emissions are contributing to the severe climate changes we are experiencing and they contribute to severe health problems because of the air pollution they produce and we breathe. New technology in batteries allow for the drastic reduction of those dirty emissions from your family vehicle.

Today you can reduce the use of your standard internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle by walking, using a bicycle, or public transit or consider replacing your internal combustion engine vehicle with a plug-in Electric one (EV).  Learn about EVs by talking to an existing EV owner to get their experience.  If you dont know one go to http://shift2electric.com, the website of Minnesota EV Owners group, and get on their mailing list and or ask for help on their Facebook group. They can help you determine which type of EV might be best for you. You can also encourage our state legislators to help improve the number of EVs available in our state by supporting the Minnesota Clean Car Standards.  When you are ready to act on an EV, check out the previous website and look for salespeople at dealerships who are knowledgeable about EVs; they will be able to match you to the best vehicle for you and your family. And, remember to check out any federal tax credit that might be available!

 This is a resource of Interfaith Creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com

Verse Options:

Judges 18:6 The priest answered them, Go in peace.  Your journey has the LORDs approval.

Exodus 13:21 By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.

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Topic: Home Heating

Long Text:

When Earth was created, God entrusted us as its stewards and calls us to care for it and each other in all of our actions.  When we make environmentally-wise choices we are celebrating and respecting creation, giving thanks for Earths abundant resources, and being good stewards with what were given.  Science makes it clear that we are adding more carbon dioxide to the environment than what Gods environment can correct for.  Being good stewards of our resources means adjusting our Minnesota lifestyles by reducing our carbon emissions through our home heating. 

Through consumption behavior, households are key actors in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.  Most of the energy we use in our household is for lighting, heating, cooling, and air conditioning.  The key source of heating found in homes in the south metro of the Twin Cities is natural gas, a fossil fuel we burn and create carbon emissions.  Reducing the use of this fossil fuel and staying comfortable requires initiative and creativity, but it can be done.

Today, I can:

     Run ceiling fans in reverse during the winter to circulate warm air.

     Clean or replace furnace filters to make sure my furnace is running efficiently

     Seal air gaps around windows and doors to keep the cold air out.

     Clear area around heating vents to assure free flow.

     Turn my gas fireplaces pilot off during the summer.

     Open my shades or window drapes on sunny days in the winter to gain the suns natural light and heat.

     Set my thermostat to 68 degrees during the day and set it to 63 degrees during the night.

     Have my furnace regularly checked for efficiency.

In the future, I plan to:

     Install a programmable thermostat.

     Add attic sealing and insulation to R50 or more and take advantage of heating rebates.

     Convert from blinds to cellular shades for better insulation.

     Convert my gas appliances to electric (water heater, stove etc.).

     Consider converting to an Air Source or Ground Source Heat pump to provide heating and cooling.

     Consider converting to electric heat supported by solar panels.

This is a resource of Interfaith Creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com

Short Text:

Being good stewards of Gods creation means minimizing the use of fossil fuels, like natural gas, to heat our homes. Burning fossil fuels adds more carbon emissions to our environment than what Gods creation can compensate for.

Use less natural gas as much as possible or eliminate natural gas use entirely. You can run ceiling fans in reverse during the winter to recirculate warm air. Replace furnace filters regularly, clearing the area around heating vents, and having your furnace checked regularly can help it run most efficiently. Set your thermostat to 68 degrees during the day in winter, and set it back 5 degrees at night. Installing a programmable thermostat can make that automatic and easy! Seal any air gaps around windows and doors and add attic sealing and installation to R50 or better. Open shades or drapes during the winter daytime to use the suns heat to warm areas of the house and convert any blinds to cellular shades for added window insulation so that heat stays in the house through the night. In the summer, turn the gas pilot off for gas fireplaces.  As you replace appliances, consider converting your old gas appliances to electric and replacing your old gas furnace to an Air Source or Ground Source Heat pump, or convert totally to electric heat supported by solar panels.

This is a resource of Interfaith Creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com

Verse Options:

Isaiah 4:6 It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain.

Isaiah 18:4 This is what the LORD says to me:  I will remain quiet and will look on from my dwelling place, like shimmering heat in the sunshine, like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest.

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Topic: Home Organics Recycling

Long Text:

When Earth was created, God entrusted us as its stewards and calls us to care for it and each other in all of our actions.  When we make environmentally-wise choices we are celebrating and respecting creation, giving thanks for Earths abundant resources, and being good stewards with what were given.  Being good stewards of resources also means reducing the harmful emissions that are damaging our environment. One way we can do this is to reduce our residential methane waste by participating in home organics recycling. One third of our residential trash is made up of organic materials.  When organic materials are added to our landfills, it produces methane gas that is more damaging to our climate than carbon emissions. As families, we can significantly reduce this methane by converting these organics to reusable compost.

Home organics are any item that came from a plant or animal that will turn into a soil-like material called compost.  Generally speaking, organics are food scraps, yard waste and compostable paper. You can recycle your home organics in three different ways. First, you can manage your organics right at home through backyard or indoor composting. Each has their own best-practices and you should research the options to determine what is best for your household. You will also want to identify how you will use your nutrient-rich compost when it is ready. If you create more compost than you can use on a garden or lawn, you will want to have a plan for sharing that compost with others. If you dont want to manage your compost yourself, home organics recycling may be a better option. Your county or city likely has information on whether or not they provide curbside pick-up, or locations and hours for drop-off sites. In the Twin Cities, most communities are using low or no-cost drop off sites for organics recycling.

Today, I can:

     Before even starting, research what can be done to reduce my family food waste.

     Check out my county website to sign up for Organics Drop Off (See Dakota County at www.dakotacounty.mn.us and search organics recycling.)

     Start composting at home by:

o   Use any container like an ice cream bucket, or purchase a kitchen compost bucket trash container.

o   Line the container with a paper bag or certified compostable bag (BPI logo).

o   Start collecting food scraps (bakery and dry goods, coffee grounds, dairy products, egg and eggshells, meat, fish and bones, fruit and vegetables), indoor plant trimmings, and non-recyclable paper (paper towels and napkins, toilet paper and paper towel rolls, paper egg cartons (no need to bag), tissues, dirty paper bags.)

o   Drop off bags at the designated drop off locations for my county.  My countys website will be a good source to identify locations.

In the future, I plan to:

     Learn how to inspire others to reduce waste, recycle and compost. My county will be the best local source for current information.

     Visit my countys landfill, compost site, recycling facility to get a behind-the-scenes look at what happens to your trash and recycling. My countys website can provide guidance here and most facilities are happy to provide tours.

     Encourage my city or county to take the step to arrange normal curbside pickups.

     Utilize the compost available from these county sites for your own soil improvement in your gardens.

This is a resource of Interfaith Creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com

Short Text:

Being good stewards of Gods creation means reducing the harmful emissions that are damaging our environment. One way we can do this is by reducing our residential methane waste by participating in home organics recycling. As families, we can significantly reduce this methane by converting these organics to reusable compost.

Start by identifying ways your family can reduce its total food waste.  Check out your county website to learn more about Organics Drop-Off options. Start collecting food scraps and other compostable materials.  Use any container like an ice cream bucket, or purchase a kitchen compost bucket trash container, and line it with a paper bag or certified compostable bag (BPI logo).  Collect food scraps (bakery and dry goods, coffee grounds, dairy products, eggs and eggshells, meat, fish and bones, fruit and vegetables), indoor plant trimmings, and non-recyclable paper (paper towels and napkins, toilet paper and paper towel rolls, paper egg cartons, tissues, dirty paper bags). Drop off your organics bags at the designated drop off locations for your city or county. Visit your countys landfill, compost site, or recycling facility to learn more. Encourage your city or county to arrange curbside pickup of home organics.

This is a resource of Interfaith Creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com

Verse Options:

Luke 13:8 Sir, the man replied, leave it alone for one more year, and Ill dig around it and fertilize it.”

Mark 4:8 Still other seed fell on good soil.  It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times.

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Topic: Home Recycling

Long Text:

When Earth was created, God entrusted us as its stewards and calls us to care for it and each other in all of our actions.  When we make environmentally-wise choices we are celebrating and respecting creation, giving thanks for Earths abundant resources, and being good stewards with what were given. Being good stewards of resources also means limiting the stream of waste materials headed for landfills and incinerators. Both landfill and incinerators release greenhouse gases that continue to heat our environment.  Previous generations were strong examples to us of how to stretch limited resources, avoid waste, fix things that broke and give items a second life.  The terms reduceand reusebecame a standard that is still important today. Recyclehas become, since the 1960s, the third critical means to direct materials back into value chains and in the process, mitigate climate change. Recycling household waste also saves energy that would be used to extract virgin resources and reduces the amount of land we need to use to hold garbage.

Today, I can:

     Check with my trash hauler, county and/or municipality website to see what is recyclable.  A good source for area residents in Dakota County is https://www.co.dakota.mn.us/Environment/Residential/Pages/default.aspx .

     Use my recycling bin for only recycling items. Non-recyclable items can damage recycling equipment or make a large batch of recycled materials unusable.

     Start recycling common products to recycle like paper, cardboard, cartons, plastic (check the numbers allowed), metal, glass jars and bottles.  Containers should be empty and dry.

     Keep plastic bags out of recycling bins. They should be recycled by bagging them and placing them in separate receptacles provided by most grocery stores.

     Avoid the temptation towish-cycle.Wish-cycling is when we place items in our recycling bins that we hope are recyclable, but we dont know. If I dont know if an item is recyclable, I can look it up before placing it in the bin.

     When purchasing new products, consider their ability to be used for more than one purpose, their repairability (for example, does the company have a repair program?), and whether they were made from recycled materials and/or can be recycled.

In the future, I plan to:

     Look into composting my household food scraps through your trash haulers services or drop them off at my local county or city drop off sites.  Check out Dakota County services at https://www.co.dakota.mn.us/Environment/Residential/Organics/Pages/default.aspx.

     Look into composting my yard waste at home or delivering my yard waste to your local county or city compost sites.

This is a resource of Interfaith Creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com

Short Text:

Being good stewards of Gods creation means limiting the stream of waste materials headed for landfills and incinerators. Both landfill and incinerators release greenhouse gases that continue to heat our environment. We best limit waste if we first reduce the number of things we buy and then reuse what we can by being creative, repairing things instead of buying new, and buying or giving second-hand. Recycling is the third way we can redirect materials into the supply chain rather than landfills.

Today you can check with your trash haulers, municipality or county to see what should be placed in your recycle bins. Common products to recycle are paper, cardboard, cartons, plastic (check the numbers allowed), metal, glass jars and bottles.  Containers should be empty and dry. Recycle plastic bags separately with your local grocery stores or department stores.  A good source for area residents is the Dakota County at https://www.co.dakota.mn.us/Environment/Residential/Recycling/Pages/default.aspx.  The next step is to consider collecting your food waste separately and/or your yard waste through your county drop off sites. 

This is a resource of Interfaith Creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com

Verse Options:

Amos 9:11 In that day I will restore Davids fallen shelterI will repair its broken walls and restore its ruinsand will rebuild it as it used to be,

2 Kings 12:12 the masons and stonecutters.  They purchased timber and blocks of dressed stone for the repair of the temple of the LORD, and met all the other expenses of restoring the temple.

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Topic: Saving Water at Home

Long Text:

When Earth was created, God entrusted us as its stewards and calls us to care for it and each other in all of our actions.  When we make environmentally-wise choices we are celebrating and respecting creation, giving thanks for Earths abundant resources, and being good stewards with what were given.  Being good stewards of resources also means conserving the use of fresh water in our homes. Water is essential to life.  We should do all we can to protect our fresh water supplies.  As our population grows so to our demand for fresh water grows.  Climate change is causing longer and more sever draughts nationwide and worldwide which stresses that resource.  Using water at home to shower, do laundry, and soaking plants consumes energy.  It takes energy to clean and transport water, to heat it if need be, and to handle wastewater after use.   Hot water is responsible for a quarter of residential energy use worldwide.   In addition to conservation measures that can be taken at the municipal level, efficiency can be tackled household-by-household and tap-by-tap. 

The average American withdraws ninety-eight gallons of water each day.  This is much more than is typical worldwide.  Roughly 60 percent is used indoors, primarily for toilets, clothes washers, showers, and faucets.  Thirty percent is used outdoors, almost entirely for watering lawns, gardens, and plants.  This is more than any other residential use.  Another 10 percent is lost to leaks.  (Drawdown edited by Paul Hawken)

Today, I can:

·         Repair any water leaks in my house – running toilets, dripping faucets, etc.

·         Reduce my average shower time to five minutes.

·         Wash only full loads of clothes.

·         Flush toilets less often.

·         Water my plants using captured rainwater rather than your hose or shifting to plants that use less water or installing drip irrigation.

In the future, I plan to:

·         Switch to low-flow faucets and showerheads.

·         Replace existing toilets with low flush toilets.

·         Replace existing washing machines and dishwashers with water efficient ones.

This is a resource of Interfaith Creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com

Short Text:

Being good stewards of resources also means conserving the use of fresh water in our homes. Water is essential to life.  We should do all we can to protect our fresh water supplies especially during ever increasing droughts caused by the changing climate. 

Today you can repair water leaks.  We can also reduce average shower time to five minutes, wash only full loads of clothes, flush toilets less often and water plants using captured rainwater rather than your hose.  We can also switch to low-flow faucets and showerheads.  We can replace existing toilets with low flush toilets and washing machines and dishwashers with water efficient ones.

This is a resource of Interfaith Creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com

Verse Options:

Genesis 18:4 Let a little water be brought, and then you may wash your feet and rest under this tree.”

Exodus 23:25 Worship the LORD your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water.  I will take away sickness from among you.”

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Topic: Use Electric Yard Tools

Long Text:

When Earth was created, God entrusted us as its stewards and calls us to care for it and each other in all of our actions.  When we make environmentally-wise choices we are celebrating and respecting creation, giving thanks for Earths abundant resources, and being good stewards with what were given.  Being good stewards of resources also means using electric powered yard tools. Gas-powered leaf blowers, lawn mowers, generators and other small off-road engines (aptly known as SOREs) emit more smog-forming pollutant air emissions in California than 14 million cars in that state.  These are the same yard tools used nationwide.  The two stroke engines combine gas and oil, spitting out as much as a third of this fuel mix as unburned aerosol.  We want to clean the air of both the carbon emissions and the pollutants caused by these tools for healthier people and environments.

More than 100 US cities and towns have banned or restricted leaf blowers including the state of California.  The eight wards of Washington, D.C. in 2018 passed the Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act, making it illegal to operate a gas-powered leaf blower in the nations capital giving gardening companies three years to prepare for the ban.  According to the California Air Resources Board (CARB), operating a commercial leaf blower for just one hour emits smog-forming pollution comparable to driving a new gas engine passenger car about 1,100 miles. 

Today, I can:

·         Look into replacing my gas-powered lawn mower and leaf blowers with all electric/battery tools.

·         Consider reducing the amount of my yard that is lawn/turf so I can mow and trim less.

·         Consider planting bushes and trees and using more landscape rock.

·         Consider planting a vegetable garden to replace the lawn.

In the future, I plan to:

·         Purchase electric replacement tools (My local hardware store for some great brands of electric tools).

·         Seed my lawn with more sustainable, mow-less cover like clover and some native fescues.

This is a resource of Interfaith Creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com

 Short Text:

Being good stewards of resources also means using electric powered yard tools. Gas-powered leaf blowers, lawn mowers, generators and other small off-road engines (aptly known as SOREs) emit more smog-forming pollutant air emissions in California than 14 million cars in that state.  These are the same yard tools used nationwide.  The two stroke engines combine gas and oil, spitting out as much as a third of this fuel mix as unburned aerosol.  Cleaning the air of carbon emissions and the pollutants caused by these tools should be our drive.

Today you can, if you have a yard, look into replacing gas powered lawn mower and leaf blowers with all electric/battery tools.  You can also consider reducing the size of your yard so you cut less lawn.  Planting more bushes and trees and utilizing more landscape rock will reduce your lawn space.  Planting a vegetable or flower garden will reduce your lawn space also.

This is a resource of Interfaith Creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com

Verse Options:

Genesis 4:22 Zillah also had a son, Tubal-Cain, who forged all kinds of tools out of bronze and iron.  Tubal-Cains sister was Naamah.

1Kings 6:7 In building the temple, only blocks dressed at the quarry were used, and no hammer, chisel or any other iron tool was heard at the temple site while it was being built.”

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Topic: Buy and eat locally grown produce

Long Text:                                                                                                                                                               When Earth was created, God entrusted us as its stewards and calls us to care for it and each other in all of our actions.  When we make environmentally-wise choices we are celebrating and respecting creation, giving thanks for Earths abundant resources, and being good stewards with what were given.  Being good stewards of resources also means growing your own when you can and purchasing locally grown food products. 

Eating more locally grown food reduces CO2 emissions by reducing food miles which is the distance food travels from farm to consumer.  The average piece of produce in the U.S. travels 1,500 miles, while local food may only travel 100 miles (or less).  Supporting locally grown food sources will aid the local economy, creates community and connection and is fresher and tastes better.  It is important to a healthy diet that eating plant-based foods grown sustainably, locally, organically and low on the food chain.  The higher the percentage of your protein intake that comes from plant foods, the more earth-friendly and healthful your diet will be.  Local foods often retain more nutrients.  They are allowed to ripen naturally, while food that travels long distances is often picked before its ripe.  Food picked fresh and in season doesnt have far to travel before being sold.

Today, I can:

·         Check out a local food co-op.  A co-op is an organization that may look and feel like a conventional grocery store or natural foods store, but it’s owned by customers.

·         Check out labels and signs at any food store that indicate locally grown and produced foods and try them out.  Check out these locally grown product sources: Bushel Boy from Owatonna, Revol from Owatonna, and a multitude of orchards from the surrounding area.

·         Visit farmers’ markets when in season.  My county will have local addresses or I can use this link https://www.localharvest.org/farmers-markets/.

·         Visit restaurants that wear “locally sourced” as a badge of honor.  Farm-to-table restaurants can be a great experience.  Local wineries and distilleries are a great replacement for foreign refreshments.

In the future, I plan to:

·         Grow my own choice of produce in my yard, or even in containers on a small deck or patio.  It can be fun for the whole family and very rewarding.

·         Consider canning to preserve that produce longer.

·         Eat the foods that are in-season in my area. I can find the in-season foods for any state, month, and type of produce online at https://www.seasonalfoodguide.org/.

This is a resource of Interfaith Creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com

Short Text:

Being good stewards of resources also means growing your own produce when you can and purchasing locally grown food products. Eating more locally grown food reduces CO2 emissions by reducing food miles which is the distance food travels from farm to consumer.  Supporting locally grown food sources will aid the local economy, creates community and connection and is fresher and tastes better.

Today you can check out a local food co-ops or check out labels and signs at any food store that indicate locally grown and produced foods and try them out.  Utilize Farmers markets when in season.  Visit restaurants that wear locally sourced” as a badge of honor.  Farm-to-Table restaurants can be a great experience.  Local wineries and distilleries are a great replacement for foreign refreshments.

This is a resource of Interfaith Creation Care South Metro. See more at https://iccsmtc.blogspot.com

Verse Options:

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…a time plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.”

Genesis 1:11 Then God said, Let the land produce vegetation: see-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.  And it was so.”

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1 comment:

  1. Thank you so much fo r all your hard work on this great resource! Several churches are using it now!

    ReplyDelete