January: What's Your Carbon Footprint
"They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. (Isaiah 11:9)
January's Action item is WHAT'S YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT
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Carbon Footprint Definition: The amount of carbon dioxide and other carbon compounds emitted due to the consumption of fossil fuels by a particular person, group, etc.
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Climate change can be a complex topic. The science can be hard to understand, and sometimes controversial. But that doesn't mean we can't strive to be better stewards of God's creation through reduced carbon emissions. There are choices you can make in your day-to-day life that can lessen the impact on the environment. Small steps by all of us can make a big difference.
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The World Health Organization identifies five categories to focus on when considering your carbon footprint: transportation, food,
water use, energy use, and waste management.
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Resources:
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Climate Kids Carbon Footprint Calculator, NASA
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Calculate Your Carbon Footprint, The Nature Conservatory
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What Is Your Ecological Footprint? Global Footprint Network
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Article: How Can You Help Slow Climate Change?
Three Rivers Park District
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Restoring God's Earth is used with permission from Zero Waste Church, www.zerowastechurch.org. Some content has been modified by Crown of Glory.
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Tips
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Week 1
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Calculate your carbon footprint.
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Use gas efficiently, don't let your car idle when parked.
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Drive smoothly, use cruise control on long trips.
Week 2
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Recycle/compost organic waste.
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Buy/eat locally-grown or raised foods.
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Use reusable bags, avoid plastic bags.
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Week 3
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Get a re-usable bottle for water, buy less single bottled water.
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Use dishwasher and washer only when they are full.
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Week 4
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Replace old appliances with energy-efficient models.
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Be mindful of the temperature in your house, keep air conditioning settings higher and heat lower when possible.