By Karen Crutchfield, 2/8/2023
In the fall of 2022, Central UMC’s stewardship campaign included a “Stewardship of the Earth Pledge Card” that listed 19 possible choices for caring for God’s creation. The Creation Care committee had asked the Stewardship committee for this privilege, to encourage church members to start or continue to take positive steps in taking care of the Earth. Of the 32 Earth Pledge cards completed and returned to the church office, 29 were overwhelmingly and joyously positive! “I (Heart) this idea!” one respondent wrote.
Totals are reported below. The most popular choice (21 of 29) was “Avoid disposable take out coffee cups; bring your reusable travel mug.” Next (16) was “Be an advocate for our precious earth by talking to family, friends and neighbors.” Central’s members are taking positive action to care for God’s gracious creation. What a joy!
Below is a compilation of the results: (#votes recorded)
(21) Avoid disposable take out coffee cups; bring your reusable travel mug
(16) Be an advocate for our precious earth by talking with family, friends and neighbors.
(16) Minimize or exclude red meat from your diet.
(13) Encourage use of compostable food utensils.
(12) Unplug charging cords when not in use.
(11) Refuse to use plastic water bottles, straws, and plastic bags.
(11) Plant a tree or donate a tree.
(10) Commit to making your next vehicle electric.
(9) Participate in local environmental conservation projects & education programs.
(9) Switch to toxic free natural cleaners and detergents.
(9) Plant a pollinator garden or donate to Central UMC’s garden plants that attract pollinators
(7) Sign up for one year of curbside composting or buy your own composter
(6) Install solar panels
(6) Be an advocate by contacting legislators to vote for action & local businesses to implement
(5) watch four documentaries
(5) Use personal care products & laundry/dish detergent products NOT packaged in plastic containers
(4) Participate in Central’s Fall Curbie Recycling tour to learn what and how to recycle
(4) Get a home energy audit to identify where you can make the most carbon neutral gains
(3) Use paper products made from bamboo (toilet paper, tissues, paper towels)
