Have a food leftover plan: Food waste is real, and it often begins with each individual bringing too many servings and over-preparing. Plan for portions and if you are having a large event don’t put all the food out at once. Only refill plates when needed. This way you can leave food in the fridge that can more easily be frozen or taken and given to others.

Get the Parish to Use Green Products: Environmentally friendly choices do not always cost more. Take a look at what your church is buying at what price and compare that to the price of a greener alternative product. Change the choices that will not cost too much more. Two main types of products to investigate are paper and cleaners. Look for paper products made from post-consumer recycled paper that is processed chlorine-free.

E-Bulletins: Ask your Pastor to change to an e-bulletin to save paper. Every week, churches print off thousands of bulletins, it costs money and wastes paper. if you are worried about your older members accessing the bulletin, consider holding computer classes to get them up to speed or start with a hybrid print and digital bulletin for the first few months to give them time to transition.