Goin' Greener...

I've been concerned for a while about going green (basically since coming to college three years ago), but recently I've decided that it's time to step it up a notch.

There have been a few reasons for this change, but mostly I have been thinking about a verse in the Bible that I think is interesting. Genesis 1:26 says that God created mankind and give us "dominion" over the Earth and everything on it. I've heard in my studies that the word "dominion" could be better translated as "stewardship." We were given the Earth not to subjugate it and bend it to our will, but to be its caretakers and watch out for it. This is a mandate I think we've completely neglected and have to make up for.

All of this paired with the fact that the people around me just keep giving me great ideas has made me really refueled me and made me take some further strides in my attempts at being environmentally friendly.

So here are a few of the things I've done to up the ante:

I have vowed to not drive my car more than three times a week. I live in a perfect location in Springfield (less than two miles from anywhere worth going), so my bike suffices nicely. The only times I can imagine needing to drive my car is when I need to pick something or someone up. Works for me.

I hang my clothes dry in my back yard instead of use the dryer. It saves energy AND it gives them that REAL spring day smell!

I mow my lawn with one of those crazy old school push mowers with the blades that rotate when you push it. It's REALLY hard work, but it's yet another way to reduce my carbon emissions.

My sister has started making all of her own cleaning supplies out of natural materials, so I joined in on that too. Everything from washing detergent to toilet bowl cleaner can actually be made at home, and it's just as effective! It's healthier (for yourself, your pets, and the environment), it's CHEAPER, and you save plastic by not buying bottle after bottle.

I've learned to vote more with my purchasing power. Buying locally whenever possible is a good start. Buying organically is even better. In a capitalistic environment, how you choose to spend your money has a big impact on the world around you. This means that choosing your brands wisely, buying as little plastic as possible, and in general doing your homework to be an ethical consumer is vitally important.

So in conclusion, being a good steward of this planet isn't just a good idea. It's not just something I see as necessary for our survival on this planet. As a Christian, I feel like it's a spiritual mandate. So go be green!

P.S. Except for food, being as green as possible actually makes life cheaper. I save bundles on gas, electricity, water, and I just don't buy as much stuff in general. So do it!