It’s not easy being green

I’m an environmentally conscious person. I learned all about the four Rs in elementary school, and wrote a really cool report about recycling in grade 7. I have a blue box sitting on my porch, buy shade-grown organic coffee, and hang my washing on a clothesline. I’m an eco-friendly citizen – most of the time.

OK, I’ll admit I’m not as green as I’d like to be. In fact, I can’t really remember the day of the week when the recycling truck rumbles through my neighbourhood, so I (gasp!) often throw pop cans and newspapers into the garbage. I find it easier to drink coffee from a styrofoam cup than bring my own mug to church. And I think water conservationists would have a few choice words to say about my 20-minute showers.

As Kermit the Frog once said, “It’s not easy being green.”

Historically, Christians haven’t been the most environmentally friendly bunch. Is our theology too heavenly focused to be any earthly good? Do we secretly believe the environment doesn’t matter to God? Do we believe God, in his sovereign power, will correct all the mistakes we’ve made?

Or is it just too much trouble to be green?

Organic fruits and vegetables can cost almost double their non-organic counterparts. Washing and de-labelling soup cans before throwing them into a recycling bag seems downright tedious. Cloth diapers take time and effort (not to mention the mess!) to clean. Purchasing energy efficient appliances or vehicles is outside many families’ budgets. And taking the bus to work – who can possibly find the transit schedule buried under the piles of paper in the junk drawer?

Regardless of cost, God desires us to be leaders in creation care even if it takes some time and effort. Rather than feeling guilty for not doing enough for the environment, we can turn to Scripture for encouragement and direction. Understanding our biblical mandate as stewards of the environment is key. It’s an awe-inspiring and exciting role.

Currently, being green is at the height of political correctness. The Canadian government is making efforts with fuel-saving tips, energy-saving rebates, and Clean Air Day. The Green Party’s popularity is on the rise, winning 1.25 million votes in less than two years. Vanity Fair magazine is riding the trend, announcing, “Green is the new black!” (Apr. 24). Even the evangelical church is throwing itself into the political arena with 86 key leaders recently backing a major initiative to fight global warming.

But, being leaders in environmental care really means opening the pages of Genesis and taking our cues from Scripture. Our environmental efforts shouldn’t emerge from a sense of fear, nor should we jump onto the eco-bandwagon only when it’s cool to do so.

Being green is not a modern concept. It’s as old as Genesis. It’s part of our DNA as followers of Jesus. And it’s part of understanding Christian hope.

In this issue of the Herald, Glen Klassen provides a theological lens for looking at the environment, highlighting our role as caretakers of God’s creation in “Christianity and creation.” Ruth Rempel, Burl Jantzen, Wilma and Dan Wiens, and Jake Martens share stories of how they’re taking small steps towards being green. Read their tales of organic gardening and energy efficient homes.

Even though it’s not easy, let’s work towards being leaders in environmental awareness. Let’s be the first to wave a banner of care for the earth. Let’s be the first folks on the block to hang out our washing this spring.

Congratulations to contributors

The MB Herald was recipient of three publishing awards presented by Canadian Church Press at a banquet held May 5 in Winnipeg. The Herald won first place honours for Tamara Paetkau’s original cover art, “The Prodigal Son” (Mar. 18, 2005); third place for Susan Fish’s column, “Intersection of faith and life”; and third place for Richard Rempel’s graphic narrative, “The Screw Clamp” (Apr. 29, 2005). Join us in celebrating the work of these gifted writers and illustrators.

—Eds.