Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. ~ Colossians 3:17
In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18
When Earth was created, God entrusted us as its stewards and calls us to care for it and each other in all our actions. When we make environmentally-wise choices we are celebrating and respecting creation, giving thanks for Earth’s abundant resources, and being good stewards with what we’re given.
Let’s take the opportunity this month to show some gratitude for the abundance we have in our lives. We can tread lightly on this earth by choosing sustainable products that: “Leave No Trace.”
Today, I can:
– Stop using disposable plastic (convenience) items, either going without them, or replacing them with something reusable. I can ask for “no straw” at a restaurant, bring my own reusable bags when I shop, and buy unpackaged items or low packaging/non-plastic packaging when possible.
– Bring my own reusable container with me when I eat out, and use it for my leftovers – eating them later avoids food waste!
– Bring my own reusable water bottle or mug with me throughout the day (including for coffee at church on Sunday), and keep a clean extra one in my car for a friend.
– “Green” my morning routine. Use a shampoo bar instead of bottled shampoo, switch to plastic free toothpaste tabs, and use packaging free shave cream with reusable high quality safety razor that will work for years.
In the future, I plan to:
– Buy an electric car to reduce polluting emissions. I may have to save up longer, but the return on investment is great, eventually saving me money. As these cars become more popular and cheaper, gas fueled cars may actually become a liability to own, with very low resale value.
– Ask to buy in to solar or wind energy from my electricity provider. There may be a slight cost, but the routine electric energy mix received at most homes in Minnesota continues to come mostly from coal, and coal is the most polluting source of electric energy. The good news is that wind and solar energy are growing very fast, and I can encourage that growth by opting into a clean electricity program.
Source: Interfaith Creation Care of the South Metro is an organization of volunteers representing 15 faith communities in the South Metro. We collaborate to create content like this and to bring Creation-focused events and resources to all faith communities in the area.
