Lifestyles

Caring for the Cosmos

March 2010: Greener Lifestyles

Second Chronicles 7:14 reads, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” Although God originally addressed these words to Solomon and the people of Israel, perhaps we can draw encouragement from this verse today.

Specifically, God's promise to “heal our land” brings hope, especially in a day when the phrase “climate change” dominates the media. Focusing on our part of the agreement, over the past several months this column has looked at simple steps individuals can take to care for the environment, including recycling and conserving resources. I would like to conclude this series by presenting a few challenging ideas. While I do not expect everyone to implement them, as many require lifestyle changes or considerable effort, I encourage everyone to review the list prayerfully, as we strive to become better keepers of God's earth.

Get involved in a local green movement. Many communities have recently formed environmental committees, such as Livingston's Living Green Team, that work to promote sustainable living.
Become an advocate for the environment, researching government policies, then campaigning for or against measures, based on their green rating.
Before making purchases, consult GoodGuide.com for green products and manufacturers.
Since the U.S. Geological Survey reports that on average, outdoor irrigation accounts for 32% of household water budgets, (1) consider forgoing a green lawn, like many new communities in the West, replacing water hungry grass with drought-tolerant plants or even crops, according to the Agriburbia model, as outlined at argiburbia.com.
Plant or adopt a tree at AdoptATreeToday.org, for as little as $10.
When replacing a car, purchase a fuel-efficient vehicle, such as a hybrid, diesel, or subcompact car.
Use your car less by carpooling, combining trips, walking or biking on short errands, and taking a bus or train, especially when traveling into the city.
When clothes shopping, select renewable fabrics such as hemp, wool, and organic cotton, which, compared with other materials, require fewer resources and chemicals to produce.

(1)pubs.usgs.gov