First, Do No Harm!
Second, Do Good!
Third, Stay in Love With God!
These General Rules of John Wesley apply to creation justice in a myriad of ways, beginning with how we think— First, do no harm!
Stop using Styrofoam. This single-use “convenience” has its raw materials extracted from the earth, leaches harmful chemicals into hot food or drink, adds to the volume of methane from landfills, and exposes production workers to permanent nervous system damage. Switch to reusable containers for food and drink.
Creation Justice ident
Fossil-fuel-based fabrics (polyester, nylon, acrylic, spandex, lycra) when washed release microplastics into water systems and then the food chain, harming sea creatures and ultimately humans. Choose natural-fibers clothing (organic cotton, linen, wool, silk, hemp, bamboo). Wash what you have less frequently and more gently.
Nix the balloons. They are not biodegradable, and they consequently harm birds and marine life. Also, helium is a nonrenewable gas needed in welding, rocket propulsion, and even scuba diving. Wasting helium in the momentary fun of balloons jeopardizes the other uses. Instead, add sparkle and fun to an event with tissue-paper pom poms, garlands from upcycled materials from home, fabric bunting, streamers made from recycled paper, or bubbles.
Have you ever thought of the “R’s” as a spiritual practice? Reduce is a spiritual practice. (Do I need this? Is it harmful in any way?) Reuse also challenges us spiritually. (God is a creator. How can I avoid being a “waster”?) Recycle is important too. (What creative ways can I find to give something a second life?) Reduce, reuse, recycle—John Wesley would be proud of you.
Do you know someone with asthma or COPD? (“Lord, when did we see thee...?”) The air pollution that affects our climate also harms the health of people. Jesus challenged us to care for the “least” among us, including children and older adults whose lungs are vulnerable. People in poverty and people of color especially suffer from compromised health due to air pollution. Climate action is also action for justice.
Come clean with household products. Use non-toxic, natural cleaning products instead of chemical-based ones that harm your health and the environment. White vinegar is an option, as are other branded products from eco-friendly suppliers. Browse for “natural cleaning products.”
Spread the ban. Banning single-use bottles and bags prevents millions of tons of plastic from entering the waste stream, forces companies to innovate, and helps shift consumers’ mindset as people recognize the harm. Contact your employer, city council, and state lawmakers to say, “No more!” Make it official.
When you shop online for anything, check the “About” portion of the website before you buy. Find out what the company is or is not doing to care for creation and justice. Support those sources that help—not harm. Look for B Corp and other companies that give back 1% for the planet.
Clean up the harm at a beach or waterway near you. Organize. Pick a date and time. Get any needed permissions. Spread the word. Make cleanup a crusade with photos of pollution and harmed marine life. Figure out the logistics for salvaging recyclables and only trashing trash. Bring supplies. Make the job fun! Or just start and lead by example.
Start your creation justice efforts with John Wesley’s General Rules: Do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God. It’s easy to see things to do for the first two. But even if health or other circumstances limit your ability to act, consider the third: Stay in love with God through prayer for the healing of God’s creation and for justice for all.
Yes, One Person Can Make a Difference!
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