“Pitch the Plastic!”

Earth Day is an annual event celebrated around the world on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. Acting in continuation of last year’s well received Earth Day campaign, the 2023 theme is again “Invest in Our Planet” and is focused on engaging governments, institutions, businesses and the more than 1 billion citizens who participate annually in Earth Day to do their part – everyone accounted for and everyone accountable.

In that vein, Zion Hill Planet Preservers ministry is proposing a campaign that everyone can participate in that will address one of the major problems facing our environment today – single use plastic! Ponder these facts if you will: n Of the roughly 300 million tons of plastic produced each year, half consists of single-use items. n Commonly consumed single-use plastics include beverage bottles, plastic shopping bags, disposable straws, disposable cups and packaging for a massive variety of consumer products. n Alarmingly, scientists estimate that there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean by weight in 2050. n Unsightly single-use plastic litters our streets and communities and can be the first stage in a waste stream that enters our waterways. n Single-use plastic pollution disproportionately affects marginalized communities and communities living in close proximity to plastic production and waste sites, constituting an environmental injustice.

Beginning on Sunday April 23, Zion Hill Earth Day, we invite our congregation and community to Invest in Our Planet, by taking part in what we are calling “Pitch the Plastic!” Given the dire conditions our planet is faced with, this is a very good time to use our discernment and determine just how much we really can do. We only have this one planet that God entrusted to us and it will take both big and small actions to reverse some of the damage we have done. More than 30 countries around the world have already banned single-use plastic grocery bags. Fast food company McDonald’s has pledged to switch to sustainable (non-single use plastic) packaging materials by the year 2025.

The city of South Fulton became the first Georgia municipality to require private businesses to cease distributing plastic bags. CoSF also banned single-use plastics, such as cups, food containers, bottles and straws, at city facilities. Many other large corporations like Nike, Disney, Burts Bees, Starbucks, Apple and

Dell to name a few, have found ways to Reduce – Recycle – Reuse – Remove. They have either decreased dependence on single-use plastics, or are finding ways to incorporate or manufacture other products with re-purposed plastic or found alternatives to using plastics altogether by prioritizing green initiatives and sustainability. Here are a few simple yet effective suggestions to help us “Pitch the Plastic!” in our lives: n Stainless steel, glass, and platinum silicone, wood and bamboo are a few of the long lasting, durable and sustainable alternatives to plastic. n Travel with a reusable water bottle or coffee container and metal or bamboo straws to replace place plastic ones. n Always carry reusable shopping totes to avoid disposable plastic bags for groceries, veggies and other items. n Shop at local farmer’s markets – food is fresher and it’s healthier for the environment. n Cook at home to avoid plastic heavy take-out containers n Look into composting and promote the circular economy.

Take a minute or two, think it over, pray about it, and see what God might reveal to you on how to “Pitch the Plastic!” and practice better Stewardship. As children of God, taking even the smallest step towards Creation Care is considered a holy step. n

— Submitted

by

Sis. Sandra Bayliss Planet Preservers

We invite you to take the challenge and share with us online how and what you are doing to combat the plastic pollution that contributes to the climate crisis we are now facing and you could be recognized as ZHBC Planet Preservers Person(s) of the Month! Information on how to enter will follow

Youth and Children’s Ministry Outreach Project:

On Outreach Sunday, March 19, 2023 Zion Hill’s Youth and Children’s ministry partnered with Sister Illya Menefee and Voices of Oluwa to distribute Blessing Bags. Blessing Bags are a unique service opportunity for Zion Hill’s children and youth to touch the lives of strangers in need, by blessing them with everyday essential items.

“Here at Zion Hill our church motto is “Living to Love and Loving to Serve”, in other words we are here and put on earth to serve and not to be served. We as Christians are supposed to help people. Helping people and loving people as Jesus did is our goal while we are here on earth,” explained Reverend Brenton Cox, our Youth & Children’s Ministry leader.

The Blessing Bags were assembled, packaged and distributed to the community by our own Zion Hill youth and children, volunteers and teachers who made sure, upon delivery, the recipients were greeted with love and smiles.