Suggested practices and examples for implementation:

• Encourage alternative gift-giving around holidays. 
  • Consider donations to causes, gifts from local artisans, books from a local bookstore, a meaningful used item from your own home, your own artwork, etc. Avoid plastic trinkets whenever possible.
  • You can also host an alternative gift-giving fair after worship featuring local causes and artisans to support! 
• Celebrate religious holidays in eco-friendly ways. Check out these tips for Advent, Hanukkah, Ramadan, Passover, and Lent.
  • If your holidays involve large meals, check out this guide to farmers’ markets and WNC farmers selling sustainable and humanely raised meats. You can learn more about food and creation care on our FOOD page of this guide.
• Strive to use real silverware, plates, and cups for community meals. 
  • Consider dishwashing a time to get to know one another better. Make a playlist of fun songs or play games while you wash! 
  • When you have an event, encourage folks to bring their favorite “fun mug!” You can purchase extra fun mugs at second-hand stores and keep them in a container for events. 
• Use less plastic and avoid styrofoam whenever possible.
  • Thank businesses when they don’t use plastic bags. 
  • Strive to bring your reusable bags to the grocery store!
  • For Christian communities, use washable/reusable communion cups or take communion by intinction.
• Place recycling bins in accessible locations (classrooms, office, dining areas, etc.) and always near other waste bins.
  • Post signs above them and talk with your community about what gets recycled/why recycling and reducing waste is important.
• Use sustainable products and office supplies. 
  • For example, switch to at least 30% post-consumer recycled content paper for office use.
• Provide a way for congregants to opt out of receiving paper communications and allow digital copies to be distributed by email instead.

General information related to this strategy:

• How to start recycling at church
• Breaking Free From Plastics Organization
• Guide: What you can and cannot recycle, and where to do it
• Films:
  • The Story of Plastic
  • Breathe this Air: A Plastic Justice Film

Available resources in Western North Carolina:

• Hard 2 Recycle educational events
  • Contact Eric Bradford: eric@ashevillegreenworks.org
• Asheville Recycling Guide and Information
• Going Plastic Free Resources in Hendersonville, NC

Local faith communities currently utilizing this strategy:

• First Christian Church, Black Mountain NC
  • Contact Rev. William Moore: revbillmoore74@gmail.com
• First Presbyterian Church, Asheville, NC
  • Contact Jane Laping: janelaping@sbcglobal.net
• Jubilee Community, Asheville, NC
  • Contact Chas Jansen: chas.jansen@mtsu.edu
• High Country United Church of Christ, Vilas, NC
  • Contact Rev. Tamara Franks: pastor@highcountryucc.org
• First Baptist Church of Asheville, Asheville, NC
  • Contact Brenda Denton: Bbelle2001@gmail.com
• Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church, Blowing Rock, NC
• Trinity Presbyterian Church, Hendersonville, NC