April Tip from Creation Care: Support Our Parks

April 19-25 is National Park Week, and our Creation Care Committee encourages everyone to support our parks in meaningful ways. You can visit a national park to appreciate its beauty, make a donation to support conservation efforts, pick up litter while practicing Leave No Trace principles, or even contact an elected official to share why our National Parks matter to you. However you choose to celebrate, your efforts help protect these natural treasures for future generations. Find more ways to get involved here: Good Good Good – How to Help National Parks. 

March Tip from Creation Care: Under-the-Sink Hot Water Heater

How long do you have to run the water in your kitchen or bathroom to get hot water? In just three minutes, a traditional water tank can release up to 120 gallons of water. This is our most precious resource, yet it often goes down the drain. An under-the-sink water heater can help save water by heating it more quickly. These units are available at stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot. While it’s an investment, it can save hundreds of gallons of water—a valuable tip for anyone living in the desert.

February Tip from Creation Care: Recycling Can Save You Money

Recycling can be both eco-friendly and budget-friendly! Many cities offer recycling services for plastics, cardboard, paper, and aluminum. Check your city's website for the most up-to-date list of accepted items.

Did you know that Staples provides recycling for tech supplies? Items such as adapters, wall chargers, hard drives, headphones, keyboards, and ink cartridges can be recycled there. Plus, you’ll earn rewards points for these items, which can be used for discounts on future purchases. Learn more at Staples Recycling Program.

In addition to Staples, a local nonprofit, AZ Strut, also offers electronic recycling. They have multiple drop-off sites and even a pickup service. AZ Strut is connected with ASU and refurbishes some donated electronics, providing them to other local nonprofits while also teaching students computer repair. Their website, azstrut.org, is a great resource for learning more.

By keeping these items out of landfills, you're not only helping the environment but also reaping personal benefits. It's a win-win! Remember: Reduce, reuse, recycle!

January’s Easy Green Tip: Skip the dry cycle on your dishwasher!

Let your dishes air dry instead—just crack the door open after the wash cycle. It’s a small tweak that can save energy, lower your utility bill, and reduce your carbon footprint. 🌎

Easy peasy, right? Cheers to a greener, cleaner year ahead!

Let's harness our consumer power when gift giving! Choose to purchase positively by supporting sustainable, fair-trade, and ethically sourced products. Together, we can make a difference for the environment, communities, and ethical practices. Check out our curated gift guide to shop consciously and spread goodwill with your purchases.

During September through November, we will be celebrating the Season of Creation by offering special Prayers of the People that honor our relationship with God, one another, and God’s whole creation. We pray that humanity might learn to love and honor the rest of the natural world, to grieve and turn away from our selfish and destructive acts, and to work together to transform human hearts and human civilization so that all living beings might flourish.

🌊 Easy Water-Saving Tips for Summer! 🌊

Looking to cut back on water usage during these hot months? Try these simple steps:

• Hand washing: Turn off the tap while scrubbing, and only use what you need.

• Car Washing: Check out water-saving methods, like car washes that use recycled water.

• Showers: Try an ‘army shower’—get wet, turn off the water, soap up, then rinse.

• Toilets: Remember, only flush the three “P’s”: pee, poo, and (toilet) paper.

Small changes can lead to big water savings! 🌍💧

As summer approaches, enjoying outdoor activities and fresh produce becomes a common pleasure for families. However, amidst the joys of picnics and garden parties, it's crucial to remain aware of potential hazards such as pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables, as well as the nuisance of mosquitoes. Keep reaching for practical tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable summer!

As I kneel here at the former toe of the Athabasca Glacier, I cannot help but reflect on the profound changes witnessed over the years. In 1948, this spot marked the glacier's edge, a tangible testament to the Earth's ancient cycles of warming and cooling. Today, the glacier lies several meters behind me, retreating steadily due to what many scientists attribute to our human impact on the climate. - Len Salvatori, Parishioner

Valentine’s Edition - Green Gift Guide: As consumers we have power! Purchase positively with this invaluable gift guide.

Are you feeling the fall holiday excitement? Is it stressful to buy just "the right" gift? We have a "Green Gift Guide" display coming to you after all services on Sunday, November 5th. Your Creation Care team is curating a list of companies that provide Earth friendly products. It will be a delightful display of unique gifts. During the ten o'clock hour, you can browse while enjoying complimentary ice cream! We will not be selling anything; it is simply a display to give you information.

Honor your Earthly mother and Mother Earth on Mother’s Day!

Earth Day is meant to be a celebration, and it is the perfect time to gather as a family! Plan an excursion to a National Park where you will receive FREE admission on April 22nd. You could also organize a clean up in your neighborhood park or plant bee-friendly varieties in your own backyard to help pollinators survive and thrive.