“Gathering” has become a bigger idea. Two years of changing pandemic restrictions taught people to be together virtually. Mennonite World Conference’s global Assembly benefits from this Zoom savvy. MWC’s event is open for anyone around the world to register to participate in these five days of fellowship from wherever they are. Additionally, recordings on the online Assembly Hub will be available until 30 September 2022. 

Those watching from home limit the carbon footprint of their travel. MWC has taken steps to reduce the footprint for those in attendance as well. A compost company removes and processes all organic wastes for optimal nutrient cycling. And all participants receive a drinking receptable.  

For the local participants from Indonesia who may attend only one day out of five there are bamboo cups.  

Deforestation in Indonesia can lead to landslides, erosion and flooding. Bamboo is a fast-growing tree that is native to Indonesia. Bamboo plantations not only help with forestation issues, but also provide raw material for local industry. 

MWC ordered 2 000 cups from two local merchants, Carang Pakang in Jepara and dAb’c craft & furniture in Yogyakarta. These will displace plastic bottles for drinking, will provide a souvenir of MWC and will decompose back into natural ingredients after their useful life has been fulfilled.  

“We want to be good stewards,” says Liesa Unger, MWC chief international events officer. “We pay attention to these details for sustainable Assembly planning. And we were glad to work with local craftspersons here to support their livelihoods in green industry.”