Berean Baptist Church

MAY CREATION CARE THEME: PLASTIC

Sing for joy, O heavens, for the LORD has done this; shout aloud, O
earth beneath. Burst into song, you mountains, you forests and all your
trees, for the LORD has redeemed Jacob ,he displays his glory in Israel.
--Isaiah 44:23
 

The earth is a planet of beauty and abundance; the earth is
wonderfully intricate and incredibly complex. But today living creatures, and the
air, soil and water that support them, face unprecedented threats. Many threats
are global; most stem directly from human activity. Our current practices may
so alter the living world that it will be unable to sustain life in the manner we
know. From the ELCA Statement"Caring for Creation."
 

Fact
Rhode Islanders use over 1.8 million pounds of plastic grocery bags (about
38,709,900 individual bags) per year. Less than 5% (about 30 tons or 61,600
pounds) are recycled. That means over 95% of the bags we take home from the
grocery store each year are thrown away. This is a problem from four
perspectives: our natural resources, physical environment, wildlife, and disposal.

Commitment
Last month we discussed the various options we have at the grocery store.
Cloth bags are the best because they use natural fibers and can be used multiple
times and are ultimately biodegradable. Paper is next because it also is biodegradable,
can be composted, and comes from a renewable source. Plastics
are manufactured from petroleum, fossil sources which are non-renewable and
must be chemically processed producing harmful air and water pollutants. Plastic
also becomes easily airborne thus becoming unsightly to our neighborhoods
and can result in a serious health threat to our fragile wildlife when they ingest
them or become entangled in them. Since plastic bags seem to pervade our
homes, reuse them wisely as trash bags in cars or basements to collect and
hold small items. Collect and recycle them at large retail food markets. Finally,
tie them in a knot if disposing of them to avoid them floating away to end up as
litter or a danger to wildlife.

Prayer
God, your natural world is one of beauty and inspiration. Help us to be mindful
and appreciative of its wonders and of your handiwork. May we be a part of its
preservation and renewal so that we may grow closer to your creation. Amen

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Last modified: 04/13/11