Imperfect action is better
than perfect inaction.
Remember that
when you feel overwhelmed or down
because of the enormity of our climate crises.
Do what you can, wherever you can,
whenever you can. That’s very Wesleyan.
July Tips
Get rid of your junk catalogs. Over 100 million trees are cut down annually to produce junk mail. You get waste, clutter, and deforestation. Opt out of unwanted catalogs through Catalog Choice, a free service from the Story of Stuff.org.
Let your lawn grow taller. Traditionally manicured lawns do not allow enough water to sink into the ground during peak rainfall events. Instead, the rain washes over the surface, carrying pollutants with it. Taller grass has deeper roots, which absorb rainwater, replenish groundwater, and keep streams alive during drought times.
Get rid of concrete, brick, and tile where you can. Replace it with soil and plants or with chipped wood for a pathway. Temperatures will drop, rainwater will soak in, and pollinators will find a home.
Retreat to renew. With your family, friends, or church group spend a day or more at a United Methodist camp or retreat center. Immerse yourselves in God’s creation and community. Hike, paddle, explore, volunteer, and decompress in these “sacred places apart.” Check with your church office to find a camp nearby.
Improve access to nature. Research has found that two hours a week in nature significantly improves health and wellbeing. Lower income neighborhoods, however, have much less access to greenspace. Speak up and dig down to advocate for parks and plant more trees.
Don’t mix hot and plastic. Heat causes plastic to release microplastics and harmful chemicals, which harm human health. Don’t microwave food in plastic. Don’t drink hot coffee or tea in “paper” cups that are lined with plastic. Don’t feed your baby with a plastic baby bottle. Use shatterproof glass or ceramic instead.
Shop farmers markets. Your purchases support pasture-raised meats and eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables, organic and regenerative farming practices. Additionally, because the produce is from the local area, transport emissions and costs are cut.
Wash your car without wasting water. Use a bucket and rag; don’t let a hose run. Or take the car to a car wash that recycles water.
Reduce food waste is a climate action that’s accessible to us all. Choosing appropriate portions or planning for leftovers, monitoring and using what’s in the fridge, and composting are each actions that reduce wasted food and therefore methane, which harms the planet.
Conserve water. Set up a rain barrel, plant tea bags with your flowers and veggies to hold moisture longer, use leftover pet water on the plants. Inside, fix leaks, add a low-flush toilet, install a fine-spray shower head, take shorter showers, run the dishwasher only when full. Presoak silverware and dishes in a container rather than rinsing with running water.
Yes, One Person Can Make a Difference!
Individual actions that I have taken to help prevent climate change include driving a hybrid plug-in, installing a heat pump water heater, insulating my home, putting solar panels on my garage, and eating less meat. I am also trying to be more environmentally conscious in my purchases and am exploring fossil-free investments for my retirement funds.
Catherine Houle is a member of Williamsville United Methodist Church, Williamsville, NY.
As a reader of the Tips, do you have a Tip to share from your own experience? Send your idea to tips.creationjustice@gmail.com
The United Methodist Creation Justice Movement is providing these Tips
as a tool to equip church members, families, and individuals to respond to God’s call to care for creation and do justice with our neighbors.
