The Adult Formation group that studied Pope Francis’ encyclical on the Care of our Common Home, Laudato Si’, came up with some environmental recommendations for the Vestry, and the list of lifestyle change resources for the congregation that you will find below. The groups’ primary concerns were our lack of recycling and our heavy use of single-use plastic. Our time together also allowed us to discover all the environmental resources the Episcopal Church offers. The primary resource is “Creation Care,” the national program. But we also have an excellent group in Province V that has its own Creation Care website, where your can find links to ideas and programs.
Spirituality
Interfaith Power and Light and its Ohio chapter is a religious response to the climate crisis. It provides many ways to act for climate justice.
Simply Living is a local Columbus network whose goal is creating a compassionate and sustainable world through personal, community and cultural transformation. It sponsors local events, a book club, a newsletter and other local efforts for sustainability.
Social Justice Resource Center Prayers a good sampling of eco-prayers
SOME CLASSIC BOOKS ON SIMPLICITY AND THE SPIRITUAL LIFE
A Sand County Almanac and Sketches Here and There by Aldo Leopold
Earth Prayers from Around the World ed. by Elizabeth Roberts and Elias Abidon
Eaarth: Making a Life on a Tough New Planet by Bill Mckibben
Freedom of Simplicity: Finding Harmony in a Complex World by Richard J. Foster
Inner Simplicity: 100 Ways to Regain Peace and Nourish Your Soul by Elaine St. James
Living More with Less by Doris Janzen Longacre
Meet My Psychiatrist by Les Blacklock
More-With-Less Cookbook: A World Community Cookbook by Doris Janzen Longacre and Rachel Marie Stone
Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard
Prayers for a Planetary Pilgrim by Edward Hays
Simplicity: The Freedom of Letting Go by Richard Rohr
Simplify Your Life: 100 Ways to Slow Down and Enjoy the Things That Really Matter by Elaine St. James
Small Is Beautiful: Economics as if People Mattered by Ernst F. Schumacher
Stuff: The Secret Lives of Everyday Things by John C. Ryan and Alan Thein Durning
The Earth Speaks ed. by Steve Van Matre and Bill Weller
Walden by Henry David Thoreau
ORGANIZATIONS
National Wildlife Federation – Gardening for Wildlife
SHOPPING
B Corporations are certified as meeting the highest standards of social and environmental performance.
Green America works to “harness economic power—the strength of consumers, investors, businesses, and the marketplace—to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society.” Their website includes a directory of green businesses and financial institutions plus ways to be an economic activist.
Life without Plastic All sorts of different products. Prices somewhat higher than buying directly from the companies below.
Local Thrift Stores: Goodwill, Salvation Army, Volunteers of America, lots more on Yelp. Good source for clothing and household goods like glass jars for food storage, furniture, books, etc.
Clothing:
Coraball You toss the ball in the washer and it collects the microfibers from your laundry.
Patagonia sustainably manufactured clothing and sports equipment
WoolOversClothing made with natural, biodegradable yarn
Kitchen
Bee’s Wrap Bee’s wax impregnated cloth for covering containers and wrapping food for storage. Wipeable and reusable.
Chico Bags – To Go WareA collection of bamboo and steel travel utensils plus various tote bags made of recycled plastic. Washable and reusable.
Eco Bags Cloth totes, string bags and small bags designed to replace the plastic food bags found in produce and bulk sections of grocery stores. Washable and reusable.
Silicon Lids These are not as degradable as Bee’s Wrap, but they last longer and fit tighter. You can buy them from Amazon or Walmart or Bed, Bath and Beyond. These or Bee’s Wraps allow you to store food in glass or pottery.
Household
Most major grocery stores as well as Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods sell recycled facial tissue, toilet paper, paper towels and compostable garbage bin liners. Method, Mrs. Meyer’s and Seventh Generation are brands of eco-friendly detergents and household cleaners that are easy to find. Or, you can make your own.
Modcon Living Tool Library A nonprofit home repair and tool lending organization with very reasonable annual membership fees.
RECYCLING
COMPOSTING GoZERO is a local company collecting food waste and turning it into fertilizer. Some local governments like Upper Arlington have contracted with this service so residents have no cost. The alternative is to pay GoZERO for the service. They will issue you a bucket and exchange it when full. They have drop-off sites at church when OSU is in session, at Whole Foods on Lane Avenue, at the North Market, and other areas.
Freecycle Network Recycle your items with your neighbors.
SWACO Recycling Guide (Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio) Recycle Right Guide. What you can include in curbside recycling.
SWACO Business Directory A ten page list of local businesses that recycle items not included in curbside recycling.
