EARTHKEEPING NEWS A NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN COALITION FOR CHRISTIANITY AND ECOLOGY Volume One, Number Four March/April 1992 Every Day is Earth Day We hope these glimpses of what communities of faith are doing to care for creation will spark your own efforts and encourge you to share your models with other EN readers. COLLEGE FOOD PROJECT CATERS TO LOCAL ECONOMY A few years ago Hendrix College (United Methodist) in Conway, AR was spending only 6% of its food budget for locally grown food. Today that percentage has grown to over 30%. In 1986 a student research project revealed that most cafeteria food came from neighboring states, California or Mexico. Since then the Hendrix Food Project has poured into the Arkansas economy over $200,000 for fresh high quality food, thus linking good meals, nutrition education, a concern for the environment and global awareness with the vitality of the local agricultural community. (For more information and a six minute video write Gary L. Valen, V.P. for Student Development, Hendrix College, Conway, AR 72032.) CHURCHES PROMOTE RECYCLED PAPER MARKET The Just Peace and Spiritual Renewal Committee of the Illinois South Conference, United Church of Christ, is making recycled paper available to churches and the Conference office at reduced prices. This is one way congregations can model a lifestyle that takes seriously the third world debt, deforestation, destruction of habitat and soil erosion that plague our planet. (From UCC publication Courage in the Struggle for Peace and Justice, May 1991) ECUMENICAL MINISTRY DEVELOPS URBAN ENVIRONMENTAL PLATFORM The Metropolitan Ecumenical Ministry (MEM), Newark, NJ presented to 130 religious leaders, advocates and scientists gathered for a 2 day conference last September, a draft platform calling for environmentally sound urban development as a first step toward a comprehensive plan for sustainability and a better quality of life in that bioregion. Participants toured both "greening projects" and toxic sites. They signed an eco-justice resolution opposing the construction of incinerators for hazardous wastes, for garbage, and for sewage sludge in Newark and surrounding towns. Sponsors included Eco-Justice Working Group of National Council of Churches, MEM, N.J. Environmental Federation, and N.J. Council of Churches. (For more information, contact Donald Clark, coordinator of the event, 12 Terrace Ave., Nutley, NJ 07110, (201) 667-0079.) Home     Table of Contents