Is God ‘Green’?

With all the information circulating about the environment (global warming, rainforest destruction, pollution, etc), I began to really think about a Christian’s role in saving the earth.  Traditionally, Christians have been seen as very passive and almost uncaring about the environment.  A lot of this has been brought about because many environmentalists do not understand the balance that God created in the beginning.  I asked the questions:  How do I care for God’s earth without worshipping it?  What is my relationship to the earth?  The answer to those questions can be found in scripture.

1.  We must first realize that creation is a reflection of God’s glory and perfection.  Everything that God created in the beginning was good (Genesis 1:12, 22, 25).  In the beginning, the earth was dark, formless and empty.  From there, God merely spoke and created time (night and day),  land and seas, sun, moon and stars, and living creatures.  Last, but not least, He hand-carved His masterpiece, man.   Sometimes we forget how awesome God is!  Take the time to look at the stars at night, listen to the crickets chirp on a summer evening, watch the changing colors of the leaves during the fall, or notice the portrait that God paints each evening as the sun sets.  “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”  Psalm 8:9  We must always remember that this is God’s handiwork and to worship Him and not the things that He has created (Romans 1:25).

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for He founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.” Psalm 24:1-2

2.  God has given us dominion over creation, as well as, made us stewards of creation.  One of the first commands God gives Adam is to ,”Rule over the fish of the sea, and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground” (Genesis 1:28b, Psalm 8:6-8).  Adam was even given the authority to name each of Gods’ creations (Genesis 2:19-20).  God also gave Adam the task of taking care of the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15).  Therefore, our role is to care for and nuture what God has created.

I must admit that I have not done my part in protecting and nurturing what God has made.  Now I have a better understanding.   One of the first steps is to nuture and care for God’s most precious creation, man.  What can I do to help my fellow brother or sister?  Next, what small steps can I make to help the environment (recycling, monitoring my water usage, using more natural or biodegradable products, etc)?  God desires that we live a life that honors Him first and nurtures and protects the things He has created.

Happy Earth Day!

Green Cleaning in a Bottle

For those us who would rather purchase eco-friendly products instead of make them, here are just some of the products available to you.  In searching I found that there are so many products out there!  Here are just a few:

Clorox Greenworks

Seventh Generation

MrsMeyers (great of you like aromatherapy products)

Method

Earth Friendly Products

**Keep in mind that most products are not all-natural!  They are just less toxic than regular cleaners. Also, comparison shop–some products are over-priced because green products are very popular right now.   With anything you buy, become a label reader.  Some companies do use higher quality ingredients that require highers prices, a lot do not.

Most of the products listed are available online or at your local market.

Homemade Cleaning Recipes

As many of you may know, there is a lot of information about going green these days.  I have 2 small children and I began to think about all the harsh chemicals I was using to clean my home.  Although I am not radical in my approach to saving the environment, I do believe there are some things that I can do to create a safer environment.  In doing research, I ran across some quick recipes for cleaning you household.

All-Purpose Cleaner
suggested uses: hard surfaces like countertops and kitchen floors, windows and mirrors

2 cups white distilled vinegar
2 cups water
20-30 or more drops of essential oil (optional)

Tip: Warming in microwave until barely hot will boost cleaning power for tough jobs. Only microwave in a glass container.

Creamy Soft Scrub
suggested uses: Use this creamy soft scrub on kitchen counters, stoves, bathroom sinks, etc.

2 cups baking soda
½ cup liquid castile soap*
4 teaspoons vegetable glycerin (acts as a preservative)
5 drops antibacterial essential oil such as lavender, tea tree, rosemary or any scent you prefer (optional)

Mix together and store in a sealed glass jar, shelf life of 2 years.

Tips: For exceptionally tough jobs spray with vinegar first—full strength or diluted, scented—let sit and follow with scrub.

Dry soft scrubs can be made with baking soda or salt (or combination of both) with 10-15 drops essential oil to scent

Furniture Polish
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup white distilled vinegar
20-30 drops lemon essential oil

Shake well before using
(2 teaspoons lemon juice may be substituted for lemon oil but then must be stored in refrigerator)

Dip a clean, dry cloth into the polish and rub wood in the direction of the grain.  Use a soft brush to work the polish into corners or tight places.

Tips: To remove water spots rub well with toothpaste.  To remove scratches use 1 part lemon juice and 1 part oil, rub with soft cloth.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Option 1

Sprinkle toilet bowl with baking soda, drizzle with vinegar, let soak for at least 30 minutes and scrub with toilet brush.

Option 2

Put ¼ cup borax in toilet bowl and let sit for at least 30 minutes. Swish with a toilet brush and then scrub. A few drops of pine oil can be added for increased disinfecting. (Note: some people are allergic to pine oil.)

Tip: Let ingredients soak for a while to make for easy scrubbing, especially on persistent stains like toilet bowl rings

Drain Opener

½ cup baking soda
½ cup vinegar

Pour baking soda down the drain and follow with vinegar. Cover and let sit for at least 30 minutes. Flush with boiling water.

Tip: Prevent your shower form clogging by using a drain trap to catch hairs.

Laundry Detergent

1 cup soap flakes
1/2 cup washing soda
1/2 cup Borax

Soap flakes can be made by grating your favorite pure vegetable soap with a cheese grater.  Mix ingredients together and store in a glass container.  Use 1 tablespoon per load (2 for heavily soiled laundry), wash in warm or cold water.

This standard recipe can be adjusted for soft water by using 1 cup soap flakes, 1/4 cup washing soda and 1/2 cup borax.  For hard water, use 1 cup soap flakes, 1 cup washing soda, and 1 cup borax.

Note: Borax should not be ingested.

Tips: Add 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar to rinse as a fabric softener.  For a whitener, use hydrogen peroxide rather than bleach. Soak your dingy white clothes for 30 minutes in the washer with 1/2 cup 20% peroxide. Launder as usual.

Source:  noimpactman.typepad.com