Christ Inc — Even the Plastics Cry Out
A Kingdom perspective on plastics: honesty over hype, reuse over waste — with systems that protect creation and our neighbors.
Summary — “Even the Plastics Cry Out”
Creation groans — and plastics are loud. This booklet calls believers to tell the truth about the limits of plastic “recycling,” to stop green‑theater, and to build clean, local systems that actually reduce harm. We treat plastics as temporary tools, not permanent idols: refuse where you can, reuse when you must, repair what breaks, and only then recycle within auditable streams.
- Heart: Stewardship that tells the whole truth; no feel‑good fog, no exported harm.
- Hands: Refill stations, durable containers, real sorting that matches local capacity, and transparent end‑markets.
- Rails: Public data, no brokers, no overseas dumping, and procurement that prefers recycled content.
When the Church pairs mercy with measurable practice, neighborhoods get cleaner, families spend less, and creation is honored with integrity.
GIANT WARNING — THE BIG LIE ABOUT “RECYCLABLE” PLASTIC & FAKE DONATION DRIVES
Tricks & talking points to ignore
- Chasing‑arrows myth: the triangle symbol doesn’t mean your city can recycle it; it’s a resin code, not a promise.
- "All plastics welcome" drives: pop‑ups with friendly words, no EIN, no receipts, no reporting — material often sold to brokers.
- Exported “recycling”: shipments labeled for “reuse” end up burned or dumped overseas; harm is just outsourced.
- Downcycling as solution: turning mixed plastic into low‑grade products and calling it “circular” while new plastic keeps flowing.
- Bag/film acceptance theater: bins that collect films but quietly landfill them later.
- Offsets/credits shell game: paying for “plastic credits” with no local reduction, just paperwork.
Protect your conscience and your city
- Prefer refuse/reuse over “wish‑cycling.” Bring a bottle; choose bulk; skip single‑use swag.
- Use staffed, auditable drop‑offs; demand itemized receipts and public reporting.
- Ask for end‑market proof: which products, which mill, which recycler — and no exports.
- Know your local list: many places accept only PET (#1) bottles and HDPE (#2) jugs. When in doubt, keep it out.
We’re not naming specific operators — these are common patterns so you don’t get greenwashed or scammed.
Our Plastics Plan — “Even the Plastics Cry Out” in Practice
- Refill & Reuse First: church‑hosted refill stations (soaps, staples) and a deposit library for durable containers.
- Clear Local Rules: publish the actual accepted items; focus on PET/HDPE; no wish‑cycling.
- Clean Intake: staffed sites, EIN posted, itemized receipts by category (bottles, jugs, rigid #2/#5), and visible sorting.
- Real End‑Markets: contracts with vetted processors; disclose mills/products; no export containers.
- Upcycle Shop: safe, small‑batch products (e.g., #5 to durable bins) with documented feedstock and batches.
- Education & Kits: “What’s actually recyclable here” cards; starter kits for reusables; school/church workshops.
- Public Dashboard: lbs received, % refused (education), lbs baled by resin, products made, purchases of recycled‑content goods.
- Procurement: we buy back recycled‑content supplies first, closing the loop honestly.