Scripture: Genesis 16:13, Colossians 3:12, Matthew 5:16, 1 John 1:9, 2 Corinthians 5:17
Introduction
Green makers are community members that help us, but we often tend not to see them or forget about them as they are working behind the scenes. Those people are the ones at sanitation departments, water reclamation plants, gardeners, groundskeepers, refuse collectors, and custodians. These hard workers make our lives much better, often in unpleasant jobs. Today we are going to celebrate the Green Makers in our community.
Decoration Ideas
Use a green color scheme—everything green. Make centerpieces using gallon jugs filled with potted plants, which can be taken home at the end of the night.
Activities
- Schedule an in-person tour of the water treatment plant in your community.
- See if any gardens or nurseries around you use reclaimed water. Invite someone to talk to the women about how this process works.
- Hydroponic farming is growing plants without the use of soil. There are several videos on YouTube that explain this method of agriculture.
- Learn more about businesses that use reclaimed water and how that helps the longevity of our ecosystem and protects wildlife.
Service Projects to say thank you to those who are Green Makers
- During the summer, place cold water bottles in ice buckets for the refuge collectors.
- Remember to thank the gardeners for their labor.
- Take part in a beach or park clean–up day.
- Be active in recycling in your home.
- Place containers for recycling in the corps building.
- Put together a group gift basket full of goodies enough for everyone (Gatorade, snacks, candies, chips, trail mix, nuts—utilize the dollar stores to get a good variety) to take to a local water treatment plant.
Craft—Paper Flowers
Make paper flowers using recycled paper or newspaper: https://heyletsmakestuff.com/our-wedding-paper-flowers-tutorial/
Water
Think about how you got ready for today. Did you wake up, brush your teeth, wash your hands, shower, or have breakfast? Do you ever think about what happens to the water after using it? Where does it go? If you said to a water treatment plant, you would be correct.
As a child, I took a field trip to our local water treatment plant. Many of my friends say they would be staying home sick that day because they did not want to watch dirty water become less dirty “ew!” However, I loved science and wanted to know the process of what happened to the water. I spent my afternoons watching shows like Dirty Jobs, How It’s Made, and Zoboomafoo. This seemed like a great way to find out more about where my water went each day and learn new things. The field trip did not disappoint.
When we arrived, a young woman was ready to show us around, and the best part was that she loved what she did. There was only a handful of people there running a massive operation. She showed us the nitty-gritty and did not leave anything out. She answered all our silly questions. We could test water samples that she had saved for our class and go into the equipment rooms. It was one of the most impactful field trips that I can remember. It may seem strange to be so interested in what happens to our discarded water. However, I think it can be helpful to remember that everything we do affects something else later down the line—not just in water but in our day-to-day lives. It’s easy to forget what an impact these great people and the jobs make in our daily lives.
(Watch suggested videos listed below at this point.)
Just like we need to be smart with recycling material things, we also need to be careful with our water usage and make sure we do our best to conserve it for future generations. We can do that best by knowing what should and should not go down the drain. Once you know, share that information with others. By doing this small act, we can be green makers.
Maybe you know someone you can thank who performs one of these green jobs. A simple way to say thank you is to leave out some cold water or write a thank you card for your refuse collector. As a women’s group, you can see how many people work at your local water treatment plant and put together a thank–you basket. Have each person from your women’s group bring one item to collect for the basket and add handmade personalized notes.
God reminds us that He sees us even if we sometimes don’t feel seen. In Genesis 16, we read about Hagar as she runs from her mistress. She is approached by God and is beautifully reminded that she is seen. Genesis 16:13 says, “She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: ‘You are the God who sees me,’ for she said, ‘I have now seen the One who sees me.’” When others feel they are unnoticed or underappreciated, we have the opportunity to correct that perception. We can be that nudge of kindness and compassion as it says in Colossians 3:12 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Showing appreciation to those that work in dirty jobs can reignite their passions and help them see their light shining for Jesus (Matthew 5:16).
Another unique beauty is that our water treatment facilities parallel what God does in our own lives. As we sometimes feel used, broken, dirty, and cast aside, He restores us. He cleans us and makes us new. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” We have to trust in God and be willing to let Him get rid of those things that are weighing us down. If we allow Him to clean our murky water and the darker parts of our life, we can shine brighter for others. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, exclaims, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Let’s go out and say thank you to those who are less seen today.
Videos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c30_0lGwsMg – Virtual Tour of a Water Waste Treatment plant
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eeip7L_G7-0 – Women in Water Treatment Plants
Additional Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWNz-tH3gp0 -Trying to be a refuse collector
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Lzsu8SXaWY -Recycling center
Additional Recourses: What is reclaimed water – (great information and infographics)
https://tataandhoward.com/reclaimed-water-from-toilet-to-tap-infographic/
https://www.epa.gov/waterreuse/basic-information-about-water-reuse
