What can YOU do to impact the environment in a positive way? 

2023 ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP CHALLENGE 

Reduce . Reuse . Recycle . Rethink

Join together with the rest of the Saint Mark congregation to see what positive impacts we, by working as a team, can have on the environment! By joining with us in this effort, you might save some $$ along the way, as well as have a chance to enter a prize drawing. And the largest reward will be knowing that by making a few small changes, you are helping to care for our environment so that it stays vibrant and beautiful for our children and their children.

Over the course of 2023, we will spend each calendar quarter focused on one of these areas: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rethink.

While an individual or family alone may have a small impact, we hope that by leveraging the strength of our congregation as a whole, we will create an even larger impact.

The Saint Mark Church & Society Team hopes that you will join us in the 2023 Environmental Stewardship Challenge!

SECOND QUARTER CHALLENGE:

APRIL - JUNE 2023   

Our Focus is REUSE

John 1:3  "Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made." 

Ideas for how you can reduce your impact on the environment this quarter - 

REUSE single-use plastic bags. Reuse any plastic bags that you have. Going forward, replace single-use plastic bags with reusable bags (reusable shopping bags, silicone sandwich bags, etc.) Maybe don't even use a plastic bag at all.  

REUSE by repairing an item versus replacing it (sew button on, fix tool, etc.) Or repurpose an item that you otherwise would have discarded.

REUSE by replacing single use paper products such as paper towels, napkins or plates with cloth napkins, reusable cloths, etc.

The Challenge: Keep track of how or what you REUSED during the second quarter of 2023 and the impact it had. Did it save you money? Will this be a permanent change?

Watch the Heart Beat in July 2023 for a chance to tell us how you implemented REUSE and for the opportunity to enter a random drawing for a prize. Last quarter's winner was Melissa Higgs, who won a  $25.00 gift certificate to Green Heart Awakening in Pendleton, SC! 

FIRST QUARTER CHALLENGE: JANUARY - MARCH 2023   

Our Focus is REDUCE

John 6:12  When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.”

One of the easiest things we can do to support our environment is REDUCE. We can be better stewards of the environment if we Reduce consumption of limited resources. We can help our own finances if we Reduce spending by not purchasing unnecessary items. We can Reduce the amount of waste going to landfills if we are thoughtful about our purchase behaviors.

A few ideas on how you can REDUCE this quarter:

REDUCE use of single plastics. Drink tap water; use reusable cups and bottles. There are limited options for plastics recycling — so try to REDUCE your use of plastics in the first place!

REDUCE use of chemicals in your home. Clean with vinegar or baking soda; use a natural air freshener instead of artificial spray. 

REDUCE wasted food. Buy less; eat leftovers; share with a friend!

REDUCE consumption of meat and dairy. Producing plant based foods requires less energy, land and water. Eat a meatless meal.

REDUCE energy consumption by adjusting your thermostat. Consolidate errands to reduce miles driven. 

What ideas can you come up with to REDUCE?

Click on the video link below to learn more .