Did you know…that waste increases around 25% over the holidays? Here’s your annual reminder of the many ways to enjoy the holiday season while honoring God’s creation and “walking softly” upon the earth:
- Shop locally. Buying gifts from local merchants can dramatically decrease packaging waste and reduce the pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from long-distance delivery, all while supporting our local economy during a particularly challenging time.
- Order early. If you need to order gifts online, you can decrease your footprint by ordering early and choosing the slowest shipping option. Most of the pollution from online packages comes in the final mile to your home!
- Minimize food waste. Did you know that 1 in every 3 bites of food is wasted?! Buy locally grown food, and freeze leftovers to enjoy warm and delicious reheated dishes throughout the winter months.
- Reuse your multiple use grocery bags while out shopping for gifts, not just at the supermarket.
- Recycle! Wrapping paper, Christmas cards, trees, and even holiday lights can be recycled. Drop off used strings of lights through the annual free collection at Moorestown Hardware, sponsored by Sustainable Moorestown. And don’t forget to reuse or recycle cardboard shipping boxes!
- Skip the “stuff” and give the gift of a donation in honor of a loved one to a non-profit environmental cause or organization, food bank, or to purchase carbon offsets (for example, see carbonfund.org).
Also, the holidays remain a wonderful time to connect with and reflect on the wonder of creation, the new birth that God gives to all living things through the gift of Jesus Christ. Take advantage of a quieter holiday this year by getting outdoors and experiencing the peace of and glory nature through activities like hiking, biking, etc. One place to start is by visiting: https://southjerseytrails.org/tag/burlington-county/.
Thanks to all who attended the Adult Forum where Carla and Ray Elberson led a fascinating discussion on the climate benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act, and the positive impacts that the new law will have for the environment and pocketbooks of New Jerseyans. To learn more about how you can take advantage of the provisions in the act, check out this article: https://bit.ly/IRAConsumerImpact.
Finally, the Green Team would like to thank all who came out to help pack produce for our 5th year supporting local mission partner New Jersey Farmers Against Hunger’s annual Thanksgiving packing event. The bags of produce were distributed to food insecure families for the holiday, including Bridge of Peace in Camden.
Please consider what resolution you can make to “Live the Love” and participate in the care of God’s creation in the New Year. To join the Green Team, or sign up for upcoming events, please contact Brian Lestini. Also check out our website and follow the SMLC Facebook page.