I just viewed a news clip about one man who lived”off the grid” for a whole year. It seems that in that time, he ans his family did not use electicity, a car, or other conveniences as they were trying to lessen their impact on the environment. He has written a book on their experience (published on recycled paper) and there is a documentary coming out as well.
I applaud his desire to preserve our natural resources, though I probably come at it from a different angle. The earth is God’s –He preserves it until He is finished– man is the caretaker, the steward as opposed to the earth belongs to the human family and we need to keep it going for our children and grandchildren. I think it’s a matter of honoring a trust rather than responding to panic. And, as those entrusted with God’s world, we have an obligation to care for it in every way possible.
What I found especially interesting was one of the tips he gave for making less impact on the earth — take a day of rest. He went on to describe that as not turning things on or purchasing anything–understandably this would cause a family to use less electrical energy and have less “paper” products with which to encumber the earth (most purchased items have paper/plastic wrappings of some kind which add to the garbage load).
How cool that God had the “day of rest” figured out a long time ago. From the beginning of the planet, (yep, it did have a definite beginning, no evolutionary process needed) He instituted the work and rest cycle into everything, from vegetation growth to animal habits to human health. (Exodus 20:11) And even in the perfect Garden, there presumably was a day of rest, when the first couple took a break from their cartaking responsibilites. I guess we still need one too, since we have considerably less physical resources than did they.
So, want to save the earth (hmm, well how about be a good steward of it) and give yourself a better chance at a longer life? Do the “day of rest” thing. It’ll do you good.
