News

Happy Eco News: shares positive news stories about the environment


Reducing Use of Plastics

Plastic-Free July: Plastic Free July® is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution.

Single-Use Plastics 101: Here’s everything you need to know about the most ubiquitous (and avoidable) kind of plastic waste: the kind made to be tossed in mere minutes.

100 Steps to a Plastic-Free Life: Do you think it’s possible to live life without plastic? Wondering how to do it or at least get started?


Alternatives to Plastic (Plastic-Free July 2022)

The OSLC Care of Creation Team has pointed out the issues and problems of plastics, especially single-use plastics. We encouraged the reduction of plastic use in our home and work and provided alternative choices after Sunday services on July 10, 2022. Many who visited our tables asked where they could find the products. Below is a listing of the products with linked locations where they can be found.

Please note, we are not trying to endorse products or stores. Rather, we hope to assist you in your efforts to care for creation.

IN THE KITCHEN

   Primode Compostable Garbage bags (Bags are made from plants and vegetables.)

   Food Scraps Bin

   Beeswax Food Wraps

   Silicone Ziploc Reusable Bags

   Palm Leaf Plates

   Reusable Drink Straws

   SKOY Eco-Friendly Cleaning Cloth (alternative to paper towels, plastic scrubs)

   Compostable Food Services Packaging

IN THE LAUNDRY ROOM

   Boxed Powdered Laundry Detergent (Arm & Hammer and other brands are available in the laundry detergent aisle.)

   Dropps Laundry Detergent and Fabric Softener

  • Walmart
  • Amazon (They also have fabric softener and dishwasher soap.)

PERSONAL CARE

   Shampoo and Conditioner Bars, Shaving Disks

   Toothpaste Tablets

   Bamboo Toothbrushes


Resources from the ELCA

St Paul Area Synod Care of Creation Work Group Resources: contains ELCA information, fact sheets, gardening tips, theological and worship resources as well as local and governmental information


Clean Water Resources

ST. CROIX 360: shares stories about the St. Croix River to inspire stewardship. Reporting from throughout the 7,700-square mile watershed in Minnesota and Wisconsin, topics range from dragonflies to floods, from fishing to oil pipelines


Energy Resources

Considering Purchase of a New or Used Electric Vehicle? (downloadable file)

Home Energy Efficiency – Tax Credits, Rebates and Discounts (downloadable file)

Home Energy Audit – Xcel and Centerpoint Energy Customers: provides low-cost assessments of your home energy efficiency and provides energy and cost saving recommendations

Energy Audits for Non-Profits – EnerChange: provides free energy audits for non-profit organizations and provides energy and cost savings options and resources

Residential Solar – MN Solar Co-ops (downloadable file)

Residential Solar – Solar United Neighbors: provides information on Twin Cities Area 2022 Solar Co-op

Windsource – Xcel Energy Resident Customers: a program that allows Xcel residential customers to obtain all or part of their energy from renewable sources


Lawn and Gardening Resources

Pollinator Friendly Alliance: protects pollinators through habitat restoration, education programs, civic stewardship, pesticide reduction and advocacy

Grow a Healthy, No-waste Lawn and Garden: How you care for the green and growing things in your yard can have a big impact on how much waste your household creates and on Minnesota’s air and water quality.

No Mow May: Mowing your lawn less creates habitat and can increase the abundance and diversity of wildlife including bees and other pollinators.


Recycling and Waste Reduction Resources

Refresh Your Recycling Knowledge: YouTube video from Minnesota WasteWise that answers the question, “What Goes Where?”

Ramsey/Washington County Recycling and Energy: provides technical assistance and grants to businesses, non-profits, schools, multi-unit residential properties, and institutions in Ramsey and Washington counties to reduce waste and recycle better

100 Ways to Get to Zero Waste: Here are 100+ tips to drastically reduce your household’s waste.