RCLPC is an
Earth Care Congregation

"The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it, the world,
and those who live in it." Psalm 24: 1

Green Living Tips
Green Drinks Networking

Buyers Guide: The Most Efficient Refrigerators

The Presbyterian Eco-Justice Journey blog has posted an update. Learn about opportunities and information for "faith-based environmental and sustainable living" education, advocacy and action to accompany you on your own justice journey.

RCLPC has been Certified as an Earth Care Congregation for the 11th Year in a Row.
In 1990 the 202nd General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) adopted a "Call to Restore the Creation." Congregations were invited to participate in a certification program to become an Earth Care Congregation. These congregations agree to answer the call to the human vocation of "tilling and keeping" the garden from Genesis 2:15. This certification requires the church to commit to the PC(USA) Earth Care Pledge and to care for God's earth in four categories: worship, education, facilities, and outreach.

Green Living Tips

This tip brought to you by Global Stewards Sustainable Living Tips.
Find them at http://www.globalstewards.org

I came across a blog article recently on Global Stewards Blog which taken in all at once is a HUGE amount of information. So I've decided to share the blog post with you in 3 separate installments centered around the theme of Reduce, Recycle, and Re-use. Part 1 of the blog article focuses on REDUCING our consumption in order to live a lighter, green lifestyle. If you'd like to read the blog article in its entirety, click here (http://www.globalstewards.org/ecotips.htm)

REDUCE: The critical first step of waste prevention is often overshadowed by a focus on recycling. To help gain a greater awareness of the importance of the "Reduce" part of the Reduce-Reuse-Recycle mantra, and for a great overview of how raw materials and products move around the world, see the video The Story of Stuff (approx 21 mins): (https://youtu.be/9GorqroigqM) If you're looking for ways to reduce the amount of stuff you consume, here are some great ways you can get started:

• Go Zero Waste: The ultimate goal - learn how at https://zerowastehome.com/
• Simplify: Simplify your life as much as possible. Only keep belongings that you use/enjoy on a regular basis. By making the effort to reduce what you own, you will naturally purchase less/create less waste in the future.
• Reduce Purchases: In general, think before you buy any product - do you really need it? How did the production of this product impact the environment and what further impacts will there be with the disposal of the product (and associated packaging materials)? When you are thinking about buying something, try the 30-Day Rule -- wait 30 days after the first time you decide you want a product to really make your decision. This will eliminate impulse buying.
• Replace Disposables: Wherever possible, replace disposable products with reusable ones (i.e., razor, food storage, batteries, ink cartridges (buy refill ink), coffee filters, furnace or air conditioner filters, etc.).
• Buy Used: Buy used products whenever possible.
• Make Your Own: Whenever possible, make your own products to cut down on waste and control the materials used.
• Avoid Creating Trash: Avoid creating trash wherever possible: when ordering food, avoid receiving any unnecessary plastic utensils, straws, etc. (ask in advance), buy ice cream in a cone instead of a cup, don't accept "free" promotional products, buy products with the least amount of packaging, etc. Every little bit of trash avoided does make a difference!
• Shopping Bags: While shopping, if you only buy a few products skip the shopping bag. For larger purchases, bring your own. For a great movie on what happens to all those plastic bags, watch the Bag It! trailer (3 mins) here: (https://vimeo.com/5645718)
• Mug-to-Go: Carry a mug with you wherever you go for takeout beverages.

McHenry County Green Drinks Networking
Green Wednesdays

Greetings Green Drinks Community, We hope you are doing best you can these days. We wanted to remind you that we will not be gathering for several months. But, we want to offer instead several resources for you to keep connected, both locally and globally, as we continue to work to build our Community and educate our Community as well.

Details to be announced at mcdef.org.

The Green Drinks monthly program- first Wednesdays- is held via Zoom at 6 PM during this time of social distancing.

Details below for the recurring meeting.
Co-hosts: Environmental Defenders and Duke's Alehouse & Kitchen (on site location when feasible again)
Organized by: Green Drinks McHenry County Committee - a group of area conservation and environmental professionals.

Zoom Info:
Topic: Environmental Defenders' Zoom - GREEN DRINKS
Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85022318586?pwd=S3JDSjloNUhVRE5NWGs1N09oOGVOUT09

Meeting ID: 850 2231 8586
Passcode: 318799
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,85022318586#,,,,,,0#,,318799# US (Chicago)

Prayer for the Earth

Oh, God, let us guard this fair earth which you have granted us in Your bounty,
and let us share the plenty You have provided.
Let us not hoard our crops unto ourselves, but let all of humanity
reap the fruits of our sowing.
Let us permit no one to dwell in the pain and hunger of starvation.

Oh, God, let us respect the seas, the soil, and the skies,
and help us see your Spirit in all things.
Let us learn from those nations we have spurned.
Let us carefully protect all of Your Creation, and not continue
in our wanton ways of destruction.
Let us be united, one humankind, in peace, that we may cherish
what we have and are, and yet abide in our love of this, our planet.

Oh, God, help us recognize the wasteful practices
that have been an insult to this earth.
Let us walk ever in heartfelt gratitude
for this wondrous world, that gift
which You have given us in Your infinite Love.

~ Carol Knepper