Resources for Reducing Our Carbon Footprint
By Meighan Pritchard
We all have many ways to be good stewards of God’s creation.
Getting rid of one’s car is one option, but it’s not for everyone. Here are
some other ways to live more lightly on the planet:
·
Consider what things you buy and whether they
are made in sustainable says.
·
Reduce driving by arranging to carpool,
combining errand trips, taking the bus, biking, or walking when possible.
·
Reduce consumption, reuse items, and recycle.
·
Eat lower on the food chain, as raising animals
for food takes a huge amount of resources.
·
Eat more food produced within 100 miles of home
(perhaps in your own garden!).
·
Made sure houses are well sealed and insulated
so as to heat efficiently.
·
Use energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances.
·
Advocate for good climate-friendly legislation.
There are many more possibilities.
What you may not know is that the UCC has numerous resources
to help individuals and congregations meet these challenges. Here are some
links to get you started:
·
Books, periodicals, and films on environmental
themes: http://www.ucc.org/environmental-ministries_resources
·
The
Pollinator, a blog and newsletter on environmental justice issues by the
Rev. Dr. Brooks Berndt, UCC minister for environmental justice: http://www.ucc.org/pollinator
· Worship resources on environmental themes: http://www.ucc.org/environmental-ministries_worship-renewal
- Ecumenical Lenten Carbon Fast
suggestions: http://www.macucc.org/carbonfast
Our world leaders have agreed that we need to hold rising
global temperatures to 1.5 degrees Centigrade. It is up to each of us, as
inhabitants and stewards of God’s good creation, to make sure we all reach this
goal.