UNLESS someone like YOU does…
TREAT the EARTH as if your LIFE depends on it. –Gen. 2:15
This April at Genesis we are launching a Creation Care Corner. This ministry is partnering with Terracycle, a global organization that helps recycle specific items in an agreement with their manufacturers. These companies have agreed to take back their products’ packaging for intentional recycling.
The last couple of years –under a pandemic, should have made us think about how we are treating God’s creation.
The scientific community has warned us that we could expect more frequent pandemics as another consequence of climate change and our life style decisions. There is always new updated information about the damage our habits are causing to this planet.
Earth Day was established in 1970. We celebrate that day with lots of ideas and resolutions that need to go further than good intentions.
As Christians we need to be committed to care for God’s Creation. If you are like me, you probably think it’s minuscule whatever you can do compared to the scale of damage many industries and our life style have caused, but many –acting together, can make a difference.
This April at Genesis we are launching a Creation Care Corner. This ministry is partnering with Terracycle, a global organization that helps recycle specific items in an agreement with their manufacturers. These companies have agreed to take back their products’ packaging for intentional recycling.
But recycling should be our last option. Our last resort. There are seven “R”s we should practice before recycling that can really make a impact on how we partner with God and His Creation.
So, BEFORE RECYCLING:
- REDUCE YOUR CONSUMPTION. Do you really need it? Do you have something similar at home? Exercise self-control, one of the most important fruits of the Spirit. An yes, we all produce waste, but how much waste we produce is up to us!
- RETHINK YOUR CHOICES when you are purchasing a new item. How much packaging? What kind of company is manufacturing this product? Are they eco-friendly and social conscious? You vote with your money. You may buy cheaper today, but a higher price will be paid by our children living in an inhabitable, dangerous planet.
- REFUSE SINGLE USE. Carry your own water bottle and straw. Use reusable silverware. Sadly, this disposable mentality has crept on how we treat and love our neighbors.
- REUSE everything. Donate items for other people to use. Buy used items.
- REPURPOSE, be creative. Re-invent an object before sending it to the landfill. It will give you great satisfaction. After all God repurposes His creation all the time.
- REPAIR before you replace. A new coat of paint, some new screws. Remember we are redeemed and repaired beyond our own value.
- REFURBISH old stuff. Give it new use life and value.
Reusing and reducing is more efficient than recycling. The ultimate goal is to send the minimum to landfills.
In our small Creation Care Corner, Genesis’ members will be able to drop SOME SPECIFIC BRANDS. PLEASE REFRAIN FROM DROPPING OTHER BRANDS.
We’ll mail them (for free) to their manufacturers and earn points for donations to Genesis. We hope it inspires you to do your own effort at home.
It takes all of us to leave a great planet for our children, and to fulfill the very first assignment we were given by God.
written by Liliana Mariano
