Creation Care can seem like an impossible ask. “You want me to care for God’s creation? All of it? The earth, and everything in it? Little old me?” Yes, you! In your little patch of the world. If we each tend to the spaces around us, we can change the world. Do you need creation care tips? This is the place to find them!
The spiritual practice of Creation Care is a practical way to put our faith into action. This page will include weekly creation care tips to help us each live into this call. Aligning daily choices with biblical teaching, the practice of creation care serves as an act of faith, and offers a way to actively participate in God’s redemptive work to restore all things. It’s fundamental to our call as Christians, and as United Methodists.
“Rather than treating creation as if it were placed here solely for humanity’s use and consumption, we are called to practice responsible stewardship and to live in right relationship with the Creator and with the whole of God’s creation.”
– The Community of All Creation, 2024 Social Principles
Brecksville United Methodist Church has had a long commitment to creation care, both as stewards of Creation and of the church’s financial resources. In the Fall of 2025, we started a Green Team to help us live more fully into that commitment. The Green Team’s first project is to share weekly tips about ways we can each tread more lightly while we’re here on Earth. Check back here weekly for new tips!
Small Small acts can change the world. These simple actions of environmental stewardship can contribute to a more compassionate, sustainable, and just world. By tending to the space around us, even seemingly minor efforts accumulate to create significant and lasting impact in our community.
Creation Care Tips: In The Church
We’re beginning the list with practices we already have in place at church. These are things you can do at home, too!
Tip #1: We are a no styrofoam zone
For nearly 20 years, our church has banned the use of styrofoam, the trademarked name of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam. It isn’t the best choice for people or the environment. EPS foam is not biodegradable so it doesn’t break down naturally; it simply breaks apart into smaller pieces. (In fact, it can take 500 years to break down completely!) EPS foam is challenging to clean up when littered, contributes to microplastic pollution in our waterways, and is harmful to wildlife who can mistake it for food. What can you do?
- Choose to reuse. When planning events at church or at home, use washable plates, cups and utensils.
- Bring your own containers. When dining out, bring your own to-go container. Ask your favorite restaurant to consider going foam free.
- Consider other options. If you can’t choose reusables, choose paper, plant, starch-based, foil & metal products.
- In the grocery store select items that don’t use EPS – cardboard egg cartons, plastic free produce, and such.
Check back next week for a new tip!
Advocate
As United Methodists, we are people of prayer and action! Join in the movement towards more just and sustainable policies regarding the environment. Let your voice be heard!