MMOC’s Care of Creation group, part of the Peace and Justice ministry, held a well-attended program last Sunday on plastic pollution and ways to reduce our plastic consumption.  As a follow-up, Lori Fick, chair of the Care of Creation subcommittee, provided additional information as to how we can reduce, reuse and recycle.  The Magic House accepts paper towel tubes, wine corks, cereal and thin cardboard snack boxes, shoe boxes, clean plastic caps of all shapes and sizes, clean yogurt and cottage cheese containers, cardboard egg cartons, tissue paper, miscellaneous craft supplies, magazines and greeting cards.
 
The Refill Effect, 204 N. Clay in Kirkwood, offers “the products you want without the packaging you don’t.”  This woman-owned small business offers the opportunity to refill your own containers with such products as liquid body wash, shampoo, conditioner, dish soap, etc.  They also sell cotton mesh bags, produce bags and sustainably produced products such as sunscreen, aloe gel, body and hand lotion, bar deodorant and shampoo; go to their website, www.therefilleffect.com, for the full list of products and services they offer.  Similar products may be available at other local retailers or online.  Small changes in lifestyle can have a meaningful impact on the health of our environment:  try switching to refillable non-plastic water bottles, reusable straws, cloth napkins, wool dryer balls, waxed paper, compostable dental products and cleaning brushes. Every time we choose to avoid plastic products, we contribute to a healthier world.