As stewards of God’s creation, we are called to protect and preserve the beauty and integrity of our environment. This July, we invite you to join us in a special initiative: Plastic Free July. Together, we can reduce our plastic footprint and demonstrate our commitment to caring for our common home.
Why Participate in Plastic-Free July?
Plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats to our planet. Millions of tons of plastic waste end up in our oceans, rivers, and lands, harming wildlife and ecosystems. By reducing our use of single-use plastics, we can make a significant impact on the health of our environment.
Steps to a Plastic-Free Life
Here are some simple and effective ways you can participate in Plastic Free July:
Say No to Single-Use Plastics
- Bring your own reusable bags, water bottles, and coffee cups.
- Avoid plastic straws and utensils; carry your own reusable alternatives.
Shop Smart
- Choose products with minimal or no plastic packaging.
- Support local farmers’ markets and buy fresh, unpackaged produce.
Household Changes
- Use beeswax wraps instead of plastic wrap.
- Switch to bar soap, shampoo bars, and other plastic-free toiletries.
- Opt for cloth diapers and reusable cleaning cloths.
- Perform a trash audit to see how much waste you’re producing
Get Involved
- Organize or join a local clean-up event.
- Educate others about the impact of plastic pollution and the importance of reducing plastic use.
- Advocate for policies that reduce plastic production and waste.
Reflection and Action
As Catholics, we are inspired by the teachings of Pope Francis in his encyclical Laudato Si’, where he calls us to an “ecological conversion.” This month, let us reflect on our own consumption habits and take concrete actions to live more sustainably.
How can you, your Creation Care Team, or your parish community get started? You can take the Plastic Free July challenge and you will be emailed with plastic free tips and information throughout July!
Prayer for Our Earth
Loving God, Creator of all, we thank you for the beauty of our world and the gift of creation. Help us to be good stewards of your earth, to reduce our plastic use, and to protect the environment. Inspire us to make choices that honor your creation and to encourage others to do the same. Amen.
More resources and information
Here are some more resources to learn about how plastics and climate change are connected:
- The Covenant’s past Earth Day Program: Healing Our Throwaway Culture: A Focus on Plastics
- The New Coal: Plastics and Climate Change
- The plastics industry’s carbon footprint has doubled in the past few decades
- Earth Day: Pope Francis urges responsibility for our common home
- In the Philippines, Catholic priests tackle plastic waste brick by brick
- Why Catholics should divest from plastic in their closets
- Plastic Free July: Ideas and solutions
