From the Rev. Andy Olivo’s Sheep Dogs Sermon, preached on Sunday, May 12, 2019

The Care of Creation Group has posted 12 messages recently on the enormous detrimental effect plastics have on our earth, on God’s creation.  Once plastic is created, it is nearly indestructible.  Each time we go shopping, we make lots of unconscious decisions, and by being more thoughtful about our choices, we can slow or reverse the damage.  The keys are to reduce, reuse and recycle.  Especially problematic is throwaway plastic packaging that accounts for 40% of demand, so an overarching goal is to reduce the amount of trash we produce.

1. Consider investing in a water filtration pitcher and metal water bottles.  St. John’s and many public spaces now have refilling stations with filtered water.
2. Take your own mug to the coffee shop for a refill.
3. Use your St. John’s (or other) reusable tote bag at stores.  “Just say no” to plastic bags.  FYI, paper, though easily recycled, isn’t much better than plastic for reducing carbon footprint.
4. If you do have plastic bags, reuse them; many can be used for weeks.  Even better, ask yourself if a bag is needed for every item.
5. Buy loose products rather than those in plastic, but if a plastic container is the only option, buy in bulk and avoid snack sizes.
6. Reach for milk in paper cartons instead of plastic and eggs in cardboard cartons; avoid Styrofoam or plastic.

Want to estimate your plastic footprint?  Try out this calculator.