Some things in life are easy. Good things to be had
for very little effort, like fruit hanging within
reach just waiting to be plucked. There are many such
painless actions we can take to reduce our impact on
the environment. As caretakers of God's earth, we
recognize our responsibility to snatch up as many
"low hanging fruit" as possible while we
enjoy the bounty of His harvest.
Reducing our water use can start as simply as turning
off the faucet while brushing our teeth, shaving, and
shampooing. Shorter showers and running only full
loads of laundry or dishes save both water and the
energy to heat it. Outside watering should irrigate
only the landscape, not the street.
More uncomplicated ideas to reduce waste come from
memories of frugal moms' repeated reminders. Turn off
that TV and play outside. Close the door; we're not
cooling the neighborhood! Eat what you serve at the
dinner table. Turn the lights off when you leave - oh
yeah - and the fan and electronics, too.
Equal Opportunity EcoCare
Creation care is not limited to environmentalists
and intellectuals. We don't need to be "tree
huggers" to enjoy Georgia-grown fresh produce. It
doesn't take a climatologist to put on a sweater or
extra blanket instead of cranking up the heater.
There's no need for an in-depth analysis of foreign
policy to save gas by checking tire pressure on the
car, accelerating gently, and combining errands. Nor
must we read every page of the newest IPCC report to
look for the Energy Star when buying new appliances
and products.
Reap and Respond
Our Creator has provided us with a truly generous
harvest. It is for us to take time each day to
recognize and graciously receive it. Our daily
connection might include watching the glorious sunrise
or majestic sunset, walking crisply through the fall
leaves, or lounging under a sprawling tree. Some renew
their link with nature by taking a trek in the north
Georgia mountains or strolling along the eastern
shore. Others are literally harvesting their own
gardens and digging their hands into the cool earth
preparing for next year.
We have been entrusted with the care of this
incredible creation. When we reconnect with it, our
faithful, grateful response is, at the very least, to
seize the easy basics of conservation. We can share
our actions with others and multiply the effects. Then
we are primed for more: prepare for winter by
weather-stripping and better-insulating our house,
carpool to work, set up a creation care team in our
congregation, and apply for a $25k energy improvement
grant from GIPL (see sidebar).
Step by step, our journey continues for His Creation.
Vicki Coulter is a volunteer with The Climate
Project and gives Environmental Stewardship
presentations in Middle Georgia.
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