August Tips
The air we breathe is a gift from God. But too often it is loaded with particulates that compromise the health of all, especially those who live nearby—often not by choice. Burning fossil fuels is the proven culprit. At one point we didn't know, but now we do and we need to demand change.
Fouled air dishonors God.
Creation Justice ident
Not by choice, 68% of Black Americans live within 30 miles of a coal-fired power plant. As a frontline community, they suffer greater ill health and shorter life expectancy as well as lesser property values and fewer economic resources because of the predatory practices of the fossil fuel industry. Write or call your legislators to speak up for the Environmental Justice for All Act and for a future of renewable and non-polluting energy sources.
It’s an outdoor party — lots of people, including kids, having a good time. Go ahead and use plastic cups. But put out a bin, labeled Cups Only. Afterward, wash the cups. With children, you don’t have to worry about a possible broken glass. Just recycle any damaged cups, if possible. But think Reuse before Recycle.
You are leaving your mark on planet Earth. Check out this fun and informative carbon footprint calculator. With the resulting benchmark and the helpful tips the website provides, you can choose ways to live more lightly.
God’s prophet, Isaiah, long ago connected the state of the earth with actions of the people: “The earth dries up and withers… The earth lies polluted under its inhabitants; for they have transgressed laws, violated statutes, broken the everlasting covenant” (Isaiah 24:4-5). Renew your part of the covenant with God to be a good steward.
Ask to have your packages shipped plastic-free. Activate live-chat and request that your order and all future ones come without the single-use plastic that envelops our habitat and harms life for all. Amazon is one company that provides the service.
Planning a vacation? Traveling with family or friends has benefits and one big downside. Whether you drive or fly, the CO2 emissions damage the planet.
Buy a carbon offset from onetreeplanted.org. For every dollar you contribute, they will plant a tree, which is one of God’s antidotes to our emissions. Check out more offset options.
Don't throw away the peelings or tops of your veggies. Freeze them and when you have a good stash, cook them for veggie broth or stock for nutritious soups and other homemade goodies. Find out how here. Strain the broth and compost any solids or just put them in dirt outside. Food waste is the #3 culprit in damaging the environment.
Lead the next generation to love nature. Create a scavenger hunt or play I Spy that is age-appropriate for your children, grandchildren, or neighborhood children. Invite them to observe and wonder. Add a sketch pad and colored pencils or allow them to use phone cameras to document their treasures from the day. Talk about God’s call to us to take care of creation.
Drought is more and more in the news and will continue to plague us as the climate shifts. Water wasted anywhere ultimately affects everywhere. Livestock and poultry in the U.S. eat huge amounts of water-intensive feed like corn and soybeans. Cut back on meat and dairy; eat more vegetables and you lessen the demand for water.
Don’t beat yourself up! You don’t have to be perfect in making earth-friendly changes in your lifestyle. Remember John Wesley’s point that we are “going on to perfection.” As in our faith, we are on a journey toward a goal. God’s grace covers our failings, and God’s Spirit enables us to continue. Hold the vision of perfection and keep taking steps toward it.