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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.
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There are many practical things you can do right away to reduce
greenhouse gas(GHG) emissions |
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DON’T IDLE.
Idling for 10 minutes a day can
produce about 250 kg of CO2 emissions/year.
Just two minutes of idling can consume as much gas as a mile of driving. |
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CHECK YOUR TIRE PRESSURE
ONCE A MONTH.
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
125 kg each year. |
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INSTALL AND USE A PROGRAMMABLE
THERMOSTAT.
Moving your thermostat down
just 2 degrees in winter and up 2 degrees in summer
could save about 900 kg of carbon dioxide a year.
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 food
waste is
currently recycled or composted. But about 70% of
the household waste we put out
for disposal could be. A family of three can reduce their GHGs
by more than 125 kg each year by composting. |
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SWITCH TO LED LIGHTS.
LED (light emitting diodes) lights
are up to 80% more efficient than fluorescent lights.
LED lights convert 95% of their energy into light and only 5% is
wasted as heat. Furthermore,
LED lamps are more durable and also are
safer due to their lack of toxic materials.
Incandescent and halogen lights are being phased out in both
Canda and the US.
https://wattlogic.com/blog/led-vs-fluorescent/ |
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Here are four more ways to save
energy and protect our climate.
(1) Drive
less
by taking public transit, car-pooling, walking or biking.
Currently, transport makes up 25% of greenhouse gas emissions
worldwide. Every litre of gasoline saved keeps 2.4 kg of
carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.
(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 them to reduce their exposure to harmful
sun rays, expose
them to
topics such as sustainable agriculture (a) and
forestry, natural foods, renewable
forms of energy, sustainable development (b),
global and local climate change, and, most importantly, get them involved.....their
future depends on it.
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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:
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crop rotations that
mitigate weeds, disease, insect and other pest problems;
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pest control
strategies that are not harmful to natural systems, farmers, their neighbors, or
consumers;.
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increased
mechanical/biological weed control; more soil and water conservation practices;
and strategic use of animal and green manures;
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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 this link to learn more:
The World Bank - Environment
Still
looking for more information? Try these sites:
TVO's
Climate watch website:
Climate Watch
Government of Canada Environment and Climate Change website: Environment
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