Peter Boogaart, Caring for Creation Coordinator
“An unexamined life is not worth living.” I first heard this statement from the lips of Anwar Sadat. I remember taking a mental pause and thinking, “That’s worth holding onto.” Well so much for my limited education, I’ve since learned that Sadat was quoting Socrates. Examination is indeed a valuable practice, but let’s not kid ourselves; it’s hard to do and even harder to act upon.
The Caring for Creation ministry is suggesting that we all examine the ways in which we use our energy resources. Consider this fact: with 4.5% of the world population, the U.S. uses 22% of global oil production. Or this: the average American household is responsible for twice as much CO2 production as a German household, five times as much as a Mexican household, and thirteen times as much as a Kenyan household.
Whether viewed from the perspective of climate change, social equity, or stewardship, there are a lot of good reasons to examine our patterns of energy consumption; none of which make examination any easier. Our one advantage as Christians is that we have each other. Real change only takes place in community. We need each other to sustain the process. Faith isn’t mystical. It’s the concrete process of holding onto a trusted friend with one hand while letting go with the other.
So if you’re willing, here are some suggested ways to relax your grip on those energy resources:
- Minimize your trash: Document how much you throw out. Next, identify what can be recycled or composted. Refuse to accept excess packaging.
- Minimize your use of hot water: Time yourself. How long is your shower? Limit showers to five minutes.
- Dish washing machines use less water than hand washing: Only run full loads and air dry.
- Study the laundry: were those clothes genuinely dirty? Line drying is more efficient than machine drying.
- Unplug dormant electrical appliances. Many appliances draw current even when turned off. Frequently, this draw is 10% of the monthly bill.
- Drive smarter and less. Plan trips to minimize miles traveled.Maintain your car properly.Aggressive driving uses more gas.
- Manage your thermostat. Would a lower setting and a sweater be OK? Is your AC properly sized? One third of AC energy is designed to remove humidity, a key component of comfort. Oversized AC units turn off too soon, before the humidity is under control.Uncomfortable people turn the AC down even further.
- Eat lower on the food chain. Red meat production is the second leading source of CO2 emissions.
Upcoming Event: Recycle your old appliances and electronics for FREE on Saturday, May 17 at the Recycle Rewards event.