However, these developments have led to regional defoliation, dramatic extinction of species, massive human suffering, overpopulation, and misuse and overconsumption of natural and nonrenewable resources, particularly by industrialized societies. This continued course of action jeopardizes the natural heritage that God has entrusted to all generations. Therefore, let us recognize the responsibility of the church and its members to place a high priority on changes in economic, political, social, and technological lifestyles to support a more ecologically equitable and sustainable world leading to a higher quality of life for all of God’s creation.

-- 2004 Book of Discipline, Social Principles ¶160

Reducing waste, being more energy efficient, recycling, reusing and education should be our goals in maintaining our earth for generations to come.

Ways You Can Help The Environment

• Purchase and use cloth grocery bags
• Use Energy Star when shopping for appliances.
• Replace all light bulbs with CFLs (squiggly)
• Reset thermostat (down in winter, up in summer)
• Recycle everything: Boxes, plastic, cans & bottles
• Unplug all chargers when not in use
• Turn off computer monitor when not in use
• Close shades to keep warm in winter and block sun in the summer
• Drive your car till it dies. Cars will last a long time
• Monitor MPG on your car
• Turn off lights when leaving a room
• Turn off water while brushing teeth
• Pay bills on-line (saves paper checks)
• Recycle yard trimmings
• Print on both sides of your paper & use scrap paper for note and list making
• Recycle paper and purchase recycled paper
• Re-use plastic and paper bags
• Fewer trash bins makes for fewer liners
• Use cloth vs. paper napkins
• Support local farmers
• Walk or bike for exercise and save gas & eliminate emissions
• Use both sides of Swiffers or switch to cloth dust mop
• Encourage businesses to provide recycling containers for paper, plastic and glass
• Recycle gift wrapping paper & use reusable gift wrap or bags
• Recycle batteries and when possible switch to rechargeable batteries
• Cancel catalogs & mass mailings you are no longer interested in. Use OPT OUT for Junk Mail
• Don’t accept a bag at the store if you don’t need it
• Use water saving shower head
• Close vents in unoccupied rooms
• Turn shredded paper into mulch
• Use sink of water vs. running water when shaving
• Consider an energy audit for your home
• Consider getting a carbon footprint of household

Click here for recycling and responsible waste disposal in Allen County.