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ENVIRONMENTAL
STEWARDSHIP
Care for the environment is ultimately a call to respect all of creation
and to assure that human activity, while transforming the earth, does
not destroy the dynamic balance which exists among all living things
that depend on land, air and water for their very existence.
Our mandate is from biblical scripture. First, we read in Genesis that
God beholds all creation as “very good” (Gen 1:31) and commands us to
“till and tend the garden” (Gen 2:15). Second, we read in Psalms, “The
Earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof” (Ps 24:1). The bounty of
Creation’s gifts must serve the common good of all.
All across North
America people are choking on bad air and children are the most
susceptible. For more information on the increased number of emergency
room visits for asthma and respiratory illness, use this link.
http://www.beststart.org/resources/env_action/
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There are many practical things you can do right away to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) |
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DON’T IDLE.
Idling for 10 minutes a day can
produce about a quarter tonne of CO2 emissions each year and cost you about $70
in wasted fuel. |
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CHECK YOUR TIRE PRESSURE
ONCE A MONTH.
Did you know that about 70% of cars
and light trucks have at least one tire that is over or under-inflated?
Maintaining the correct tire pressure could reduce your GHGs by
at least
1/8 tonne each year and save $50 in fuel costs. |
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INSTALL AND USE A PROGRAMMABLE
THERMOSTAT.
For every 1° C (2° F) you lower your
thermostat, you can save 2% on your heating bill. A reduction of 3° C (5° F) at
night and when you are away during the day provides optimal savings. |
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REDUCE YOUR HOUSEHOLD WASTE.
In Canada, about 25% of our garbage is
currently recycled or composted. But about 70% of our household waste we put out
for disposal could be. A family of three can reduce their GHGs by more
than 1/8 tonne each year by composting. |
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USE
COMPACT FLUORESCENT LIGHT BULBS.
They last up to ten times longer and use
one-quarter of the electricity of a regular incandescent light bulb. Replacing 5
regular light bulbs in your home with compact fluorescent light bulbs will
reduce your GHG emissions. |
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Here are Four more ways to save, and protect our climate.
(1)
Drive
less
by taking public transit, car-pooling, walking or biking.
(2)
Drive
smarter
by
combining your errands or by working flexible hours to avoid
rush hour traffic.
(3)
When buying a new appliance,
choose an
energy-efficient one. |
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(4)
Educate your children -
encourage your
children to reduce their exposure to harmful rays and expose
them to
topics such as sustainable agriculture(a) and
forestry, natural foods, sources of power and fuel, renewable
forms of energy, sustainable development(b),
global and local climate change, and to them to get involved.
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(a)
Three criteria for sustainable agriculture. 1) It must feed the
world's hungry today. 2) It must feed the world's hungry tomorrow. 3) It
must prevent deterioration of soil & water.
"Today, sustainable farming
practices commonly include:
- crop rotations that
mitigate weeds, disease, insect and other pest problems;
- pest control
strategies that are not harmful to natural systems, farmers, their neighbors, or
consumers;.
- increased
mechanical/biological weed control; more soil and water conservation practices;
and strategic use of animal and green manures;
- use of natural or
synthetic inputs in a way that poses no significant hazard to man, animals, or
the environment.
(b)
Development
that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet their own needs.
— from the
World Commission on Environment and Development (1987). Some people
also believe that the concept of sustainable development should include
preserving the environment for other species as well as for people.
Use these links to learn more:
http://www.worldbank.org/depweb/english/sd.html (definitions and
learning modules)
http://www.hi-cone.com/ringleader/quest/welcome.asp (an
environmental education program set in an adventure game format)
Still
looking for more information? Try this site:
http://www.ecoaction.gc.ca/
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