Two billion people worldwide don’t have access to safe waste collection and disposal. This week, we focus our prayers on the fifth plastics treaty session (INC-5) running from 25 November to 1 December in Busan, South Korea. Let’s pray to see real change around the plastics crisis.
Sunday 24 November
Praise God that in El Rincón, Honduras, the local church is leading the way in re-educating the community about waste disposal. Tearfund is working alongside Pastor Wilfredo Vásquez, who leads the Church of God, and the project has so far helped to change the lives of around 4,000 people.
Monday 25 November
Today, as INC-5 kicks off, pray that each of the delegates will be united by a strong shared commitment to deliver an international legally binding agreement to end plastic pollution. Pray for bold action and real progress towards a strong, ambitious treaty that tackles plastic pollution and its impact on people living in poverty.
Tuesday 26 November
Yosely, a grandmother who lives in El Rincón in Honduras, only ever burnt or dumped her family’s household waste. ‘One of my granddaughters suffered chest pain due to smoke pollution,’ she says. ‘The air was contaminated, but now the way we do it [dispose of waste] is no longer by burning, and she has improved in that she no longer gets sick.’ Praise God.
Wednesday 27 November
‘While the waste collection and bins installed in El Rincón will make a big difference to this community, there are hundreds of thousands more communities like this,’ says Miriam Moreno, Tearfund's Environmental and Economic Sustainability Regional Manager for Latin America. ‘We need far more action from governments and companies. An ambitious treaty is essential.’ Lift Miriam’s request to the Lord.
Thursday 28 November
The four major cities in Malawi generate more than 1,000 tonnes of solid waste each day. This is expected to triple by 2050. The country's water bodies, including Lake Malawi, are increasingly contaminated with plastic, endangering aquatic life and the livelihoods of communities dependent on fishing. Pray that the plastics treaty session will result in an international legally binding agreement.
Friday 29 November
As INC-5 nears its end, let us continue to pray that a final treaty will help to shift responsibility to manufacturers for the entire life cycle of their products. This must include proper disposal and recycling, providing sustainable packaging practices and reducing the burden on waste management systems for people living in poverty.
Saturday 30 November
‘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 – such as the climate crisis and polluted land and sea – it’s easy to become overwhelmed. But God sees and honours the efforts we make. Give thanks that together, we can make a difference!
