Green Up Those Church Suppers

Crisis Watch April 26, 2022

April 26, 2022

3:45 PM

Kitchen plates

Using plates instead of disposables for church suppers can help save the environment. (Photo by Fabrizio Magoni on Unsplash)

A United Methodist Insight Column

Few things are more sacred to United Methodists than potluck suppers. These days, however, even the traditional potluck is being revamped with an eye toward better care for creation.

Voraciously, the food column of The Washington Post, recently published 20 tips to help kitchens go “green,” and most of the tips are as good for church kitchens as they are for home kitchens. Here’s a sample:

“When boiling water, put a lid on it. Doing so traps the heat inside, meaning that it will require less energy to bring the water to a boil and also does so more quickly.”

“Do away with disposable plates and cutlery.” Many churches have already gone to using regular cutlery, but disposable plates often still are used for ease of clean-up. Washing the dishes can be a chore, but it can also be a time of great fun and fellowship.

“Save the water you use to rinse rice and produce” and use it to water plants in the church garden.

“Don’t let the faucet run when washing dishes by hand.” Most church kitchens have a two-compartment sink, so fill one with clean water for rinsing. Perhaps the trustees might be willing to invest in a low-flow aerator; it’ll save even more water.

Speaking of trustees and those responsible for supplies, encourage the use of eco-friendly cleaning products. Try sponges made from recycled materials and biodegradable, phosphate-free dish soaps and detergents to help save marine life.

These are only a few of the eco-friendly ideas that can help church kitchens go green. If your church doesn’t have a creation care team, consider suggesting one to keep up with faithful stewardship of God’s creation.

Reasons for optimism on climate change

All of us will be required to adapt to the realities of climate change, but an article on The Conversation website holds out hope: Climate change will transform how we live, but these tech and policy experts see reason for optimism.

A point for churches to consider: advocacy for eco-friendly public policies can mitigate the effects of climate change sooner rather than later. This means that individual United Methodists and congregations can influence our future in beneficial ways from embracing renewal energy sources to advocating that corporations adopt sustainable practices. For more ideas, see the UM Creation Justice website or United Women in Faith’s climate justice page.

Media Mentions as of April 26, 2022

'Catastrophic' Durban floods leave trail of death and destruction - Al Jazeera

341 Dead In South Africa Floods As Hunt For Survivors Widens - Channels Television

Dallas Mayor Honors Hamilton Park United Methodist Church for Community Service During ... NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

Madison church provides free clothing and community during sexual assault awareness month

NBC15

Movement to build affordable housing on church land reaches Florida - Religion News Service

The Thrift Store to benefit local church's missions - WVLT

Good grief: Nettleton pastor learns to process, help others through pain | Religion | djournal.com

Family plans to run in memory of pastor who was prominent in the aftermath of OKC bombing

The Oklahoman

UMCOR collaborating to relieve the suffering of Ukrainians - Global Ministries