Simply put, plastic has become a bit of a problem.

Every piece of plastic that's ever been created still exists in our world. Plastic pollution poses a significant threat to our environment. Single-use plastic is manufactured to last forever, yet is often used for only a few minutes before being thrown away.

Between 1950 and 2015, an estimated 7,800 million tonnes of plastics were manufactured. Out of that mass-produced plastic, only 9% has been recycled. The majority of the remaining plastics have been thrown in a landfill or out into the natural environment.

(Statistics from the Plastic Free Foundation.)

The United Methodist Church recognizes that overconsumption, shortsighted policies, poor management of natural resources, and other unsustainable practices have severely impacted the fragile, natural ecosystems on which all of life depends. Too often, humankind has treated the rest of the created world as if it were disposable and allowed the destruction of other living organisms and their natural habitats to go unchecked. Further, the experiences and voices of people most at risk have largely been ignored.

Read the UMC's Social Principles regarding the Community of All Creation HERE.

• We encourage everyone to join the Mug Club and bring their own reusable water containers and coffee cups when coming to campus. We'll also have new AHUMC-branded mugs and totes available in the Atrium for a suggested donation.

• There are blue recycling bins placed in our worship spaces and Atrium that remain throughout the year, with more bins being placed throughout campus in the future. These bins will accept paper, cardboard, plastic, and aluminum (no glass).

• AHUMC staff will continue making mindful decisions about using single-use plastics when it comes to church programming and events. 
• We created a pledge to give you and your family ideas on how to make changes to minimize the usage of single-use plastics within your household.

Here are some tips to help you get started on using fewer single-use plastics:

• Use reusable coffee cups and water bottles.
• Refuse plastic bags when shopping and use reusable containers instead.
• Go strawless or use a reusable straw for drinks.
• Pick up any trash whenever there's any nearby on the ground, and recycle what you can.
• Spread the word about Plastic Free July whenever there's an opportunity.
• Take the Plastic Free July quiz. 
• View other ways of participating on Plastic Fee July's website here.

Seem easy enough? Take the pledge to inspire you and your household to put these tips into practice!

YES!

Remember that Plastic Free July is the beginning of a much larger, very important conversation. Any step in the right direction, big or small, is progress—and progress is beautiful. 

At AHUMC, we come together to welcome all people, build community, share God's love, and serve the world. We're using Plastic Free July as an opportunity to do just that.

Thank you for partnering with AHUMC!

Plastic Free July® is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution—so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities.

Find more information HERE.