At Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake, we believe Earth Month is just the beginning. Creation care is not a one-time event, but a year-round spiritual commitment rooted in our faith traditions. As people of faith, we are called to be stewards of the Earth—honoring God’s creation by taking practical steps that reflect our reverence and responsibility.

Americans waste nearly 400 pounds of food per person annually, totaling nearly 60 million tons nationwide. This staggering amount not only contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions—especially methane from landfilled organics—but also represents a profound moral challenge in a country where millions of people face food insecurity. Much of this waste is preventable, with confusion over food date labels (like "best by" and "sell by") leading many to discard food that is still perfectly safe and edible. Reducing food waste is one of the most effective ways we can combat climate change, conserve natural resources, and ensure that food nourishes people—not landfills.

One way to continue this sacred work is by reducing food waste, which not only conserves resources but also supports environmental justice and addresses hunger. Our Reducing Food Waste Action Kit offers congregations and households simple, actionable guidance to start or strengthen this effort. From tips on meal planning and composting to reflections on the spiritual dimensions of food and waste, this resource helps translate our values into real impact for our communities and the planet.

At Saint Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Wicomico County, a Composting 101 workshop brought the community together to learn the art and science of composting. Co-hosted with the Wicomico Environmental Trust and held outdoors at the historic Pemberton Hall Plantation, the event featured Salisbury University professor and farmer Jay Martin. Attendees explored what goes into a compost bin, the vital role of invertebrates in decomposition, and the materials needed to launch composting efforts at home—or even at their congregation.

Whether you’re looking for ways to engage your green team, energize your congregation, or bring faith-based environmental action into your home, this kit is a meaningful step forward in living out our call to stewardship.

Coming soon! We’re excited to announce our upcoming Native Plant Action Kit, a hands-on guide for planting native gardens that restore habitat, support pollinators, and serve as a living expression of our spiritual connection to the land.

Join us in turning faith into action—download the Food Waste Action Kit today and get ready to dig deeper with our Native Plant Action Kit. Together, we can grow a more just, sustainable world rooted in love for Creation.

Looking for other ways your congregation can take meaningful steps toward environmental stewardship? Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake offers a growing library of Action Kits on a range of topics—from reducing road salt to managing stormwater. If your community is ready to act, we may already have a step-by-step guide to help you get started or spark your next big idea.