Small Steps, Real Impact: January Creation Care Challenges

As we begin a new year, January invites us to take a fresh look at how our everyday choices care for God’s creation. 

This month, Holy Infant invites you to try a series of weekly Creation Care challenges. Each week offers an easy step anyone can take, along with a challenging option if you’re ready to go a little deeper. Choose what fits your life and your season—every step matters.

January 5 – Household

Easy: Replace any remaining incandescent light bulbs in your home with more efficient CFL or LED bulbs. They last longer, use less energy, and save money over time.

Challenging: Take a closer look at your household’s environmental impact by calculating your carbon footprint using the EPA’s online calculator. It’s an eye-opening way to see where small changes can add up.

January 12 – Food

Easy: Research shows that Americans throw away about 40% of the food they buy. This week, commit to purchasing only what you truly need and using what you already have.

Challenging: When possible, choose foods with little or no packaging—especially avoiding plastic. Farmers' markets, bulk sections, and fresh produce are great places to start.

January 19 – Plastic Reduction

Easy: Avoid black plastic food containers whenever possible. These containers are nearly impossible to recycle and often end up in landfills.

Challenging: Buy sauces, condiments, and oils in glass jars instead of plastic. Glass is easier to recycle—and even better, it can be reused again and again at home.

January 26 – Reuse & Recycle

Easy: Make a conscious effort to reuse or recycle as much as possible, especially cans and glass containers.

Challenging: Recycling works best when we support it from the start. Look for products made with recycled content and choose brands that help close the recycling loop.

These challenges aren’t about perfection; they’re about intention. As people of faith, we’re called to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us. By taking small, faithful steps together, we witness to a hope-filled care for creation that reflects God’s love for all.