A faith-based approach to sustainability and recycling treats environmental stewardship not merely as an ecological necessity, but as a moral, ethical and spiritual imperative. Sustainability and recycling are essential, interconnected practices that conserve natural resources, reduce pollution and drive a circular economy. Epiphany Lutheran Church actively explores ways to be sustainable, eco-friendly and reduce our carbon footprint.
Over the last decade we have been researching ways to reduce, reuse and recycle. It first started with the city of Winnipeg recycling (blue box), followed by the Call2Recycle battery recycling program. At the end of 2024, we branched out our recycling efforts into Terracycle, which is a point-based recycling programwhere points are redeemed for a financial donation to a not-for-profit organization. You receive points for the number of pounds of recycling that are returned to Terracycle with their prepaid shipping labels. Epiphany’s Church Council opted to participate in selected free recycling programs such as the Crest Oral Hygiene Recycling Program, Gillette Recycling Program and MacroBar. A council member continues to explore recycling programs through Terracycle to see where we can maximize our ability to earn points for our not-for-profit and to have an impact on recycling. In 2025 we also started the Tabs for Wheelchairs program, collecting drink-can tabs and recycling them with the program.
Our congregation is involved in recycling through a combination of on-site waste management, educational outreach, and in some cases, using recycled materials for our fundraising efforts. Congregation members receive regular communication of our programs through newsletters, e-memos, AGM and bulletin. Several of our congregation members help with the transportation of recycling items dropping boxes off at City Depots or couriers.
We do this amount of recycling because we believe faith-based approaches to sustainability and recycling are rooted in the belief that creation is a gift from God; making its care a moral and spiritual imperative rather than merely an environmental choice. Caring for the earth and all its creation is seen as an act of worship and obedience; while neglecting it is a violation of divine stewardship.
Our faith emphasizes that we are stewards or caretakers of the earth, called to protect the earth and all its wellbeing. Reducing, reusing and recycling are practices that frame practical ways to honour God’s creations. Recycling is a way to act on social justice, and a form of interconnectedness. Environmental degradation disproportionally affects the poor and vulnerable. Our imprint on God’s creation reflects the love and care that we have for all that has been created for us. — Jennifer Palichuk
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