Week 5

Ways to Care for God’s Creation

Throughout the summer we’re going to give you some suggestions for ways that you can better help to take care of the beautiful world that God gave us.

Week 5 – Buy Less New Things

When it comes to shopping for things like clothes, toys, furniture and more, we usually go out and buy new things, but newer isn’t always better. Using what you already have (or what someone else already has) reduces the amount of resources (like water and energy) needed to create, package and ship new products.

For instance, did you know it takes 1,800 gallons of water on average to make a pair of jeans? Buying secondhand goods means that the energy and natural resources that went into creating those goods have already been used. So, you’re not creating a demand for new items that require additional energy or deplete even more natural resources. Reusing is friendlier to the environment, and your wallet!

Here are some suggestions on how to buy less new things:

• Shop at a thrift store. It’s less expensive than buying new and often they are run by non-profits that use the money to help others. Plus you can find really cool and unique things!
• Try to fix something before you throw it out and buy something new. Ramsey County regularly sponsors Fix It Clinics where you can bring clothing and small appliances where volunteers will help you learn how to repair your item. https://www.ramseycounty.us/residents/recycling-waste/reuse/fix-it-clinics
• Borrow something instead of buying it new.
• Upcycle. Take something you already have and make it into something new! If you are crafty, you can look online for all kinds of projects to reuse things instead of throwing them away! Plus it gives you a chance to be creative!