Plastic-Free July

A world without single-use plastic bags – what a wonderful world that would be!

Plastic pollution has become a global problem, constituting the majority of marine litter, threatening wildlife, and damaging ecosystems. Among the most common and troublesome categories of marine litter are thin plastic shopping bags, which often evade waste management by floating away in the wind and can entangle or block the digestion of marine animals. Plastic bag bans and fees have emerged as popular policy solutions to address this problem, with >100 countries passing such regulations. Twelve US states and territories have a plastic bag ban and 175 countries are in talks to create the first global plastics treaty.

Take the Plastic Free challenge and make a few changes. Small steps make a big difference. For more info and to take the Plastic Free July challenge here is the link.

Please recycle your bulletins/paper, printer ink, toner cartridges, light bulbs, batteries, and corks. First Prez recycles K-cups, but there is a fee. When you are at church ask a Green Team member for a free reusable K-cup container.

Food Need Is Great

A record was broken on Tuesday, July 1, when 122 households were served at the Center for Lay Ministries food pantry. This has drastically depleted the food supply at the pantry. Considering higher food costs and the state and federal government legislation that reduces the number of families who will get SNAP and Medicaid assistance even more of our neighbors will need help with food.

A food pantry box will be kept in the Atrium. When you get your groceries, please consider picking up just one extra item or the pantry and put it in the box. Staples that are always needed; cereal, peanut butter, spaghetti pasta and sauce, soup, mac & cheese. If we all do a little it adds up to a lot! The pantry welcomes garden produce! Donations are accepted M-F, 9-3:30, 214 E. Maple St. at the side door.