by Janette Plunkett
God spoke:

"Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature so they can be responsible for the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle, and, yes, Earth itself, and every animal that moves on the face of Earth." Genesis 1: 26 (The Message)

In response to this call for all of us to care for the earth Bethany has recently:

• put 24 cardboard recycling receptacles for clean paper, cans and bottles into classrooms and public areas.
• implemented commercial composting (see http://www.cedar-grove.com/about/technology/ for the details) of food and food soiled paper products for Wednesday night dinner, all coffee grounds/filters, and Little Friends Preschool (which meets at Bethany).

The next step is collecting food waste and food-soiled paper products at Fellowship Hall events. The goal is 200 gallons per week — that would nearly fill the narthex (outside the sanctuary) in one year. If we successfully collect this compost-able material, we’ll not only redeem garbage into usable soil but also reduce Bethany’s waste collection costs.

You can help by following the directions on receptacles in the Fellowship Hall:

• Orange sign = Compost
  Food, paper plates, napkins, coffee cups, tea bags, wooden coffee stirrers (no plastic or Styrofoam)
• Blue sign = Recycling
  Clean paper, empty cans, bottles, (no lids)
• Yellow sign = Trash
  Everything else (when in doubt, throw in the trash)

The dedicated Bethany staff has been an inspiration during these changes. In particular Janet Moore, Karen Taylor, Virgil Owens, Bernardo Reyes, Steve Lympus, Jessica Elliott and Sylvia Lidell have given assistance and feedback as have Grayce Mitchell and Tim Burgess (elder for communication/stewardship).

We can all look forward to a more Earth-caring, less wasteful 2006! If you have ideas for further creation care improvements at Bethany, email expensereduction@comcast.net.