Know Thyself; Know Thy Stuff — introducing PLASTIC-FREE JULY

During the entire month of July, join with Cathedral Members to build awareness of our consumption of plastics and how we handle waste plastics. Why plastics? From Earth911.com link below, “the fossil fuel-based material generates greenhouse gas emissions throughout its lifecycle; is rarely recycled; contributes to ocean pollution; and even accumulates in the human body.”

Day by day in July, become empowered to reduce your waste and advocate for better management of plastics among producers and local governments. Watch for website posts, E-news announcements and the church hallway’s Bulletin Board for activities throughout July to build awareness about plastics in our lives and how we reduce our plastic waste. Garbage Theology matters.

What is the fate of plastics in the US and in the World?
Smithsonian Magazine, The US is the world’s number one source of plastic waste 11/5/2020.

United Nations Environmental Programme. Our Planet is Choking on Plastics. Most plastic waste in the US is exported to developing countries with little infrastructure to handle plastic waste. It ends up in the waterways and coastal areas.

Educate yourself about where plastic comes from AND where it goes
What goes in the trash and what is recycled by Municipalities? Visit the
Baltimore City DPW website.

NY Times Trash or Recycling? Why Plastic Keeps Us Guessing. 4/21/2022~ real eye opener, fun, interactive

Become more aware of your household’s use of plastics HERE:

Here’s how EDF (Environmental Defense Fund) suggests going plastic-free:

1. Carry reusable shopping bags, water bottle, and cutlery.

2. Keep track of when and where you use plastic throughout the day. Make a list for one day (or longer). What would you have to give up or change to go plastic free?

3. Swap out alternatives to disposable plastics where you can.

a. buy bulk and avoid pre-packaged foods.

b. buy in paper or glass jars.

c. take your own produce bags for fruits and veggies.

d. use silicone and wax covers and wraps instead of plastic wrap.

e. make your own cleaning supplies (personal and home).

4. Take your own take-out containers when you buy restaurant meals.

5. BUY LESS and buy second-hand.

6. Advocacy: “If there’s a product you love that uses plastic packaging, tell the company you’d like to see them use less. And if you see a brand cutting back on plastic, tell them you appreciate the change…”

7. Research/use services that offer alternatives. [EDF gives Loop www.loopstore.com as an example].