Faith in Action: Reducing Single-Use Plastics in Our Churches

By Laudato Voices | 02 July 2025

In May 2025, Uganda’s Catholic institutions and faith-based organizations, ourselves included, marked a significant milestone: the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’. in the arch diocese of Kampala.

A Collective Decision for Change

At this two-day summit held at the Uganda Martyrs Shrine, Munyonyo, 17 organizations came together to form a powerful consortium for ecological justice. This included;
1. the Kampala Archdiocese,
2. Association of Religious in Uganda (ARU)
3. John Paul Justice and Peace Centre (JPIIJPC)
4. Laudato Youth Initiative (LYI)
5. CARITAS Kampala
6. Laudato Si Centre Comboni
7. Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability Africa (CYNESA)
8. Medical Mission Sisters (MMS)
9. Laudato Si Movement (LSM)
10. Franciscan Family
11. Centre for Citizens Conserving the Environment
12. Climate Justice Africa
13. Katanga Ghetto Development Link
14. Eco Brix
15. Bakhita Anti-Human Trafficking Network
16. Radio Maria Uganda
17. The Unlimited Youths (TUY)., came together to form a new consortium for ecological justice

Our declaration emphasized the urgency of rejecting plastic dependency: “From saying no to disposable plastic bottles to holding our institutions accountable” Together, we issued a declaration that stated:

“From saying no to disposable plastic bottles to holding our institutions accountable, we are choosing creation care as a moral responsibility.”

This wasn’t just a moment of celebration; it became a moment of commitment. Together, we made a bold ecological pledge:

“to eliminate single-use plastics from all church events, services, and gatherings”.

As part of the pledge, the consortium committed to:

Banning single-use plastic bottles and packaging at all future gatherings would you consider doing so at any of your events dear reader as away to hid to this church’s call.

Encouraging attendees to bring personal water dispensers and reusable bottles something we are taking seriously.

The church was thoughtful to Extend the ban to major religious events like the Uganda Martyrs Day pilgrimage, where previously plastic “kaveera” bags were commonly used we see hope if this is something all churches could adopt.

This wasn’t just a symbolic gesture, it marked a turning point. As Laudato Youth Intiative, we’re proud to be part of this collective call to action that places faith and action, values that we stand for at the center of environmental responsibility we are now now moving to act on our commitment to eliminate single-use plastics from all our gatherings and in our activities but more so raise awareness. You reading this article need to ask yourself

Has my Church the single use of plastic action response? How about your family or institution? is your Church using Reusable Offertory Bags? as faithful step toward Reducing Single‑Use Plastics?

This includes:

• Saying NO to plastic water bottles but choose reusuable ones, choose reusable packaging at church, institutional and family events

• Encouraging the use of personal reusable water bottles

• Promoting cloth or biodegradable offertory bags

At our recent Laudato Si Green Festival in Jinja we made eco demonestrations of how to reduce the out pouring presence of plastic bags through regenerative projects but also used offertory baskets made from regenerated plastic material

***To reduce the use of single-use plastics and promote eco-conscious practices in places of worship we must embrace using offertory baskets made from 100% recycled plastic materials.***

At events like the Laudato Si Green Festival and BLI Africa Conference, reusable bags made from regenerated plastic and natural materials were used throughout. This sent a powerful message: Worship and creation care belong together.

“African culture has always taught us to carry things in reusable and decomposable containers or cloth not plastic. It’s time we returned to these sustainable traditions,” – Laudato Youth Club President

While we may not directly return to regular use of these types of packing vessels, they serve as a vital reminder that sustainable alternatives can and should be planted again in our practices. Items like these show us that even our traditional events can evolve to reduce the use of single-use plastics, honoring both our heritage and our responsibility to care for creation

Why Reusable Offertory Bags?

✅ Reduce waste in our worship spaces

✅ Reflect responsible Christian stewardship

✅ Empower our youth and set an example for creation care

✅ Align our church with national and global efforts for a cleaner environment

“This generation won’t wait to be told what to do, we are taking responsibility.”

– Ms Immaculate Kisembo, while speaking to journalists at the July 19, 2025 Laudato Si Green Festival in Jinja.

What Can Our Parish Do?

• Introduce reusable offertory bags at Mass

• Encourage faithful to bring their own bags if they are to carry anything

• Include eco-awareness in youth ministry, MDD, and Sunday school

• Partner with Laudato Youth Initiative to support creation of sustainable liturgical resources

Let us respond to Laudato Si with both prayer and practice, as Pope Francis reminds us:

“Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue.” — Laudato Si’ – 217

Add voice to our effort!

Speak to your Parish Priest, organisational or institutional leaders, or youth leaders to take this small step toward a greener, more faithful future.