Clutters Impact on the Environment

The Environment is a hot topic these days and if there is any motivation for people to get organized and simplify the environment should be at the top of the list. I often speak about how with the great wealth that we have in this country that we have not developed boundaries for how much we consume or acquire. Whether that consumption is food product, clothing, electronics or household goods with resale shops, garage sales, discount houses, warehouse memberships, biggie size jumbo everything we can have it all and more. Did you ever stop to think with every purchase what happens to the environment? Did you know that the United States eats up 1/3 of the world’s resources?

When you brush your teeth do you run the water? Did you know that when we you turn on a light you use water? It takes water to run electricity an exorbitant amount of water. On the contrary we do have a boundary. Our boundary is the natural resources we have been blessed with. The water we have today is the water that we had 2 million years ago. The air we breathe is the air we have. The earth we have is the only one we will ever have. These are rare commodities and yet we treat them as if they are bountiful.

John Muir a legendary writer and environmentalist who inspired President Taft to protect the National Parks wrote, “When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world." He also dreamed that there would come a day when everything that was man made had the same properties as God made. Everything we do everyday effects the environment, our children, our grandchildren, etc. The American Indians believe that we should base our actions on how they impact 7 generations. We may never be able to replicate God’s creation in man made items but we can ask ourselves this question “What can I do today to make up for the damage I have caused to the environment today by the gasoline I used, the lights I turn on, the garbage I throw away?”

So when you go to purchase something ask yourself if it is something that is causing excess in your life. Will that excess affect the environment? Is it toxic to your life? Does it require batteries or electricity that is not necessary? When you discard something ask yourself if it can be recycled, serve a purpose for someone or something else? Am I honoring creation and the gifts that God gave me when I discard this? If you are not sure then look at the resources below and perhaps you will find your answers. There are also some statistics that might really shock you. The one on food is from my friend Theresa. I am amazed that those that spend the least amount on food eat the healthiest. Food for thought!

I want to thank Kay McKeen for much of the information in this newsletter. I must confess, I plagiarized a lot of it but I know that given the intent she would not mind. Her calling is to save the earth and all its resources. I encourage you to take a class that she gives or just read her messages on the SCARCE website at http://www.bookrescue.org. You will be inspired. I also encourage you to read anything by John Muir. His writing is truly breathtaking and spiritual.

Many Blessings