Day 50 - It’s time to act

“Then God said, ‘Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.’ Genesis 1:26 NRSV

From Creation in Genesis through to Revelation, each book of the bible addresses issues within our planet, how we should live on this earth, how to protect it and nurture it.

So why have we got to the point where our world is threatened with destruction and organisations like Extinction Rebellion and many other organisations are telling us that we are getting to the moment of ‘no return’. God gave us free will to live our lives, but is that a green light to do what we want with it?

We know that we must change what and how we use resources, and change is not an option. But we often choose not to or feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the task. Like most people I recycle where I can, but I am then reliant on my local council to process what I throw away. Many consumables are made not to be fixed, but to discard and buy new.

So, what can we do?

As a starting point don’t be afraid to share ideas with others. It’s easy to overlook simple ideas that can make a difference. I reuse where I can, pass on items I no longer need to family and friends or I take them to my local charity shop, and I’ve been trying to buy things only when I need them, rather than because I want them. The massive increase in costs, rises in utility bills and fuel costs, and a general lack of availability of items that I could easily access in the past has helped.

I am trying to not waste food and have recently taken to buying a fruit and vegetable box containing locally grown seasonal fruit and vegetables, and ensuring that I use all its contents, making soups and stews, quiches etc. or freezing anything that I cannot use while they are fresh. It takes a bit more effort but it has improved and varied my diet, as well as saving me money.

I recently heard of a church in our city where a regular ‘pop up recycling shop’ is held. People take along items to donate and receive credits to ‘purchase’ other items there. The items can also be purchased for a small amount of money if you don’t have anything to donate. Setting up a local pop-up swap shop could not only help the planet but also help local families in your area who may be struggling.

If like me, you regularly make crafts, many everyday throw away items can enhance the results. This doesn’t always please my husband when he finds a box of plastic bottles, or egg cartons or the like ‘cluttering’ our kitchen! I also donate some of these items to our local school for their craft making too.

Many charities need items as well as monetary donations. Hedgehog sanctuary’s collect newspapers and many wildlife sanctuary’s collect old, cleaned mascara wands, for removing oil from bird’s feathers, and international sight saver charities collect pairs of glasses no longer required.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV

So, when you feel there is nothing you can do to contribute to saving our planet, try listing the things you are doing and jot down ideas for others and share them!

Let us pray:

Lord God, we are sorry for all the things we have done to damage our world,

Help us to stop what we are doing and to amend our ways,

To make the necessary changes to the way we live our lives.

Help those in a position of authority around the world to make the right decisions,

And help us all to play a role however small our contribution seems.

Give us the knowledge and tools to tackle big issue of climate change,

And to start to repair the damage we have done.

Help us to support the charities that are helping to make a difference,

Whether that is by donating money, giving our time and skills, or resources.

Help us to understand what is addressing the damage,

And to direct resources to these things.

We know change is urgently needed,

Help us to act now.

Amen.

Kathy Shaw