I recently had the opportunity to spend several days in London listening to top theologians, business leaders, and scientists gather to discuss creation care–our responsibility to be intentional about caring for our planet. We were even invited to tour Highgrove, one of the homes of Prince Charles where we visited his organic farm before meeting him for tea. Throughout our time together as a group, the presentations and images presented were compelling, but they weren’t new for anyone in there. Or anyone reading this post.
It’s no secret that there’s an increase in climate disruptions taking place around the planet. Whether tornadoes, tsunamis, floods, hurricanes, or extreme lightning storms (like the that hit Denver on July 12, 2011), there’s an unmistakable sense that climate disruptions are on the rise. The question is whether or not you and I can do something about it. That issue is still a hot debate in our nation–though other countries have long since moved from debate to action on the issue.
For me, I had never seen the link between caring for the environment and caring for the poor so clearly. I knew of the connection, but something stirred in my heart as I listened and learned. Sure, we recycle. We use energy-efficient light bulbs. We bought energy-efficient appliances. We replaced our toilets with the water efficient models. We just had a whole home energy audit performed last month and we’re making decisions on what changes need to be made to our home. We’re making efforts to reduce our carbon footprint, but in my mind, the reason we did these things was because it’s good stewardship, it’s a good thing to do. But at the end of the day, it saves us money. It makes us feel good. It’s even part of our culture.
A better and I believe a more sustainable reason to do these things is founded in love–love of others. When I choose to become more energy-efficient and environmentally sound, I’m making a conscious decision to use less so others can have more. And that’s meant to be more than a tagline.
Does my choice to use less energy somehow prevent a Burmese family’s home from being washed away by rising flood waters? Maybe. Maybe not. If it doesn’t, no harm done. We’ll simply have a lower electric bill that month. But if it does, then my energy choices are impacting someone’s life and livelihood. Loving my neighbor means becoming more intentional and thoughtful about the fact that we’re sharing space with an increasing number of people on a very small planet.
And suddenly, the smallest decisions–whether turning off a light switch when leaving a room or being more diligent about what goes in the recycling bin–takes on new meaning. It’s not just a click or deposit, but a reflection of loving others. Motivated out of love of others, yes, some of whom are on the other side of the planet and I’ll never meet, my decisions and yours can have an impact….on ourselves and others.
What compels you to become more environmentally sound?
*Photo courtesy of here
Thanks for this, Margaret! I think this is a big part of what Christians can bring to the eco conversation. Americans greatly miss the mark when being eco-concious is reduced to simply saving money. It’s all summed up when you write: “When I choose to become more energy efficient and environmentally sound, I’m making a conscious decision to use less so others can have more.”
Something I have learned related to this topic is the effects of conventional cotton farming. Cotton requires an amazing amount of pesticides to grow properly. In India, the largest producer of the cotton we end up with in the United States, workers are becoming extremely sick simply from working in the cotton fields. When I choose to buy organic cotton products (towels, bedding, clothing . . .) I pray that my money speaks to the cotton industry and launches more organic cotton farms, keeping workers safe from these toxic chemicals – even workers across the world from me. Something we don’t normally think of when buying new bath towels.
Amy,
I had no idea….the detail about the cotton industry is really good….that’s the exact kind of thing I’m hoping to understand better.
I’m hoping to win a copy of your book. Since I’ve found you on facebook, I’ve really enjoyed reading your posts. I am an avid gardener and Christian and I am interested in the best ways to save our planet and live in a healthy world.
In America it is so easy to make everything about money, and this is no more prevalent than when we discuss the idea of ‘being green’. It’s about the gas mileage in our cars because we will save money, using recycled materials because it is more cost efficient, and green technology will create more jobs which will enable to make more money. It has been all about ourselves. If. Kore people would catch the idea that life is bigger than myself, from Eco-consciousness to every other area of life, the world just be transformed and lives saved.
Thanks for the refreshing take on looking at being more conscious of what we consume.
Thanks for this thoughtful post, Margaret! In an increasingly eco (both economic and ecological) obsessed society, I’ve often wondered, can “going green” have a greater impact than merely soothing our guilty, carbon consuming consciences?
I love your suggestion that “A better and I believe a more sustainable reason to do these things is founded in love–love of others.”
I work for an organization (http://www.plantwithpurpose.org/) that seeks to love others–specifically the rural poor–by empowering them to restore and care for their environment. For me, the excitement of planting trees or recycling or greening my house or my life (and believe me, I get excited) has more to do with caring for my neighbors around the globe than saving money or appeasing the recycle gods.
The thing about following God’s command to care for creation, regardless of the motivation, is that it’s win-win precisely because it’s God’s command. Just like forgiving a back stabbing coworker brings us peace and sanity or loving your neighbor as yourself typically results in a positive feedback loop, caring for creation produces literal and figurative fruit.
My passion for working where I do is getting to see how caring for the environment–donating trees for example–actually improves the lives of the rural poor and helps me love others better: it’s fighting global warming meets reducing poverty meets restoring environments meets transforming lives. All while easing my guilt-pricked conscience and leaving the world a better place for my children as well. And, most importantly, allowing me to serve, honor, and obey my loving God.
Aly,
I love that! What a cool organization to be a part of. Thanks for your passion, your willingness to give, serve and recognize that it’s not about bowing to the “eco gods”.