Global Recycling Day

Today is Global Recycling Day. While we try to recycle the best we can, I am aware that our recycling system is broken and misleading. Particularly concerning plastic. Less than 10% of plastic produced worldwide is recycled. Canada produces about 3.3 million tons of plastic a year, and 2.8 million tons of that ends up in landfills. Additionally, Canada ships a portion of our plastic waste to other countries to be 'recycled,' contributing to global plastic polution.

So, when I think of recycling, I think of the many other "R's" that should come first:

• ​REDUCE
• REFUSE
• REUSE
• REPAIR
• REPURPOSE
• RESTORE
• REPENT
• RENEW

God, 
Forgive us for taking more than we give back.
Remind us that everything we buy will one day be garbage. 
Help us repent from wasteful ways.
Restore our sense of belonging and connection to the community of creation.
Renew within us awareness that the earth is full of your glory.
Amen.

Today:

• Examine your buying and disposing habits.  
• Remember that recycling is not the solution to the plastic problem.
• Stop buying single-use plastic.
• Learn what can and cannot be recycled in your municipal recycling program.
• Look into supplemental recycling programs like www.terracycle.com for your home, church, workplace, or school.