Globally, plastic pollution threatens livelihoods, contaminates water and harms ecosystems. This week, give thanks for the remarkable story of young people and faith leaders in Malawi who successfully campaigned for a national ban on thin plastics (eg single use plastic bags). Pray for their continued work and for a global shift towards a cleaner, plastic pollution-free world.
Sunday 15 February
Praise God for the young activists of the Malawi Creation Care Network (MCCN). Give thanks for their innovation, energy and commitment, which led to a historic national ban on thin plastics. Their success is a powerful testament to the impact of conviction and strategic action.
Monday 16 February
The MCCN’s wisest move was in bringing together young people from schools and universities, nurturing future environmental champions. Pray for these young leaders, that they may be equipped with wisdom and courage to continue their work. We lift up Christina, a student in Lilongwe, who said, ‘This has mobilised youths like myself, equipping us with knowledge.’
Tuesday 17 February
The struggle for a thin plastics ban required legal action. Pray for a spirit of justice to guide legal systems around the world, ensuring that environmental protection can withstand rigorous scrutiny and be enforced by authorities. We pray that legal victories, like Malawi’s Supreme Court upholding the ban in 2025, become a beacon of hope for other nations.
Wednesday 18 February
Lord, we lift up the ongoing global plastics treaty negotiations. We lament that a treaty is yet to be agreed. We pray for renewed commitment and courage for all delegates to press forward towards an ambitious, legally binding treaty that prioritises the health and livelihoods of communities living in poverty. Amen.
Thursday 19 February
Malawi generates roughly 75,000 tonnes of plastic waste each year, with much of it ending up in waterways like Lake Malawi, endangering aquatic life and fishing communities. We pray for healing for these threatened ecosystems and for the effective rollout of the thin plastics ban to reduce this burden and protect people’s health and livelihoods.
Friday 20 February
Pray for a global shift so that producers will take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products, from production to proper disposal and recycling. Pray for new sustainable practices, such as reuse and refill, that reduce the burden on waste management systems for people living in poverty.
Saturday 21 February
‘The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.’ (Psalm 24:1) When faced with major global issues, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But God sees and honours the efforts we make, both big and small. Give thanks that together, we can make a difference in caring for creation.
