Parish Ecological Policies: Recycle, Reuse, Recover

Source: A Parish Handbook for Christian Environmentalism in the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania

The Parish Church should be a leader in the community in practicing good ecological stewardship.

Recycling solid waste is mandated by the State of Pennsylvania requiring separation of paper, cardboard, glass, plastic and aluminum cans. Compliance with this mandate should be strictly observed by every congregation. Some recyclables, aluminum cans and paper can be collected and sold for profit by congregations.

Styrofoam cups and plastic dishes which are disposed after use do not disintegrate in land fills and produce a toxic gas when incinerated. Biodegradable paper products are environmentally more acceptable for coffee hours and parish dinners. Reusable dishes are preferred.

Church office use of recycled paper would contribute to the overall effort of conservation of forests.

Organic matter, such as coffee grounds, fruit and vegetable peels and cores, egg shells, stale breads and rolls, should be saved and added to the compost pile.

During Autumn's leaf fall, we should save and recycle the leaves. One way is to mulch on our residential or church grounds. Another way is to participate in municipal leaf collection. If your municipality does not have such a program, then advocate it to your local government so that leaf collecting/mulching gets established.

Christmas trees, both at the parish and in our homes, should be handled wisely after their ceremonial use. It is preferable to buy live trees, balled and burlapped, and plant them afterwards. If we don't have space on our property, then we should find a place, such as a park or open space, to plant them. We may inquire of the Cooperative Extension Service or other environmental group about the best location to plant. If we buy a cut tree, then we should chip and mulch them. Stewardship of Christmas trees will be a strong indication of practicing what we espouse.

Easter lilies are ready for planting after their display in the church or home. Although they will not bloom at Eastertime (they naturally bloom later in the season), they will still beautify the Lord's landscape.