Simple ways to practice Christian reverence for God’s Creation
Written by: The Rev. Brian L. Rebholtz & Donna Burgess | St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Auburn
1. Pray Daily for the Well-Being of Creation and its Healing.
• USE THE BCP: Our prayerbook has Prayers for the Natural Order on pages 827- 828, as well as Rogation Day prayers on 258-259. • USE SCLM RESOURCES: The Standing Committee on Liturgy and Mission has approved a number of environmental prayers, litanies, and other resources. To find them, search “Liturgical Materials for Honoring God in Creation.”
2. Reduce Food Waste
• USE WHAT WE BUY: 24% of all food in the U.S. goes to waste (54 million tons) along with the energy and water used to grow, harvest, transport, and package this wasted food.
• COMPOST SCRAPS: Food waste in our garbage bins ends up in landfills where it rots to form methane, a very potent greenhouse gas. 6-8% of total greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced if we stop wasting food.
3. Do Not Use Single-Use Plastics
• A VOID: Plastic cutlery, straws, cups, Styrofoam take away containers, etc. Production of plastics creates greenhouse gases, and most of these products cannot be recycled and end up in landfills.
• BRING: Reusable bags to the grocery store
• BRING: Reusable takeout containers to the restaurants we visit
4. Reuse Everything That You Can; Recycle What Cannot Be Used
- RECYCLE: Recycling is now available in Auburn for glass and plastic beverage bottles, plastic bags, newspaper, and cardboard!
- J L Recycling, 13384 Lincoln Way (behind Raley’s). They take CRV (California redemption Value) plastic and glass bottles and aluminum cans.
- 1-Iome Depot, 11755 Willow Creek Dr., Auburn. They take plastic grocery bags and shopping bags, rechargeable batteries, and household batteries.
- Save Mart, 386 Elm Ave. They recycle plastic produce and grocery bags. These are bundled and sent to NexTrex to make Trex decking materials.
- Dumpsters on the West intersection of HWY 80 and Bell Road. They receive newspapers and cardboard.
5. Support Local Farms
• BUY: Direct from farmers at Farmers’ Markets
• SIGN UP: For a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture)
• ASK:.: Your favorite grocery store to buy local produce and grocery items
6. Conserve Water
• USE: Drip irrigation where possible
• PUT: Mulch on plants to reduce evaporation
• WATER: Morning and evening to reduce evaporation
7.Conserve Gasoline and Reduce Air Pollution
• CONSOLIDATE: Try to minimize driving and consolidate trips
• MOVE: If possible, walk or bike and leave the car at home!
8. And Remember …
“Christianity proper!), understood tells you that there is no such thing as ‘dead matter Creation around you, within you, the creation that you are, the creation that you are a part of, is all Godacting; God-loving; God-inviting; here and now. ”
~ Rowan Williams, 104th Archbishop of Canterbury
