Wasting “energy” is more than just turning off the lights.  Reducing the global use of energy to create products is another way to reduce the waste of energy.  If we can reduce the number of materials initially used to create more products; if we consider our needs and wants before making a purchase or eliminate the amount we purchase to begin with; we can practice waste reduction/or energy reduction in a new way.

This week, I challenge you to stop to think, if you buy less; less raw materials are being used to create products; less products made means less products being wasted or bought on impulse and then thrown out.  Think about this fresh idea, reducing the initial energy used to reduce waste in the end.  It all starts with buying less to begin with. 

April is all about Earth Day and focusing on what we can do to become better stewards of the limited resources we have and to be the best stewards of what we have locally and globally. This week I invite you to think it through…I have 3 simple ways that you can filter your purchases.

1.  Think it through before shopping by making a list. 

 ·         What do I need to complete the job/task/meal?

·         Do I already have a product that can be used for the job/task/meal?  Check the pantry, closets and work bench/garage.

·         How much do I really need? Can I buy a concentrated product that’s smaller with less packaging?

·         When and where will I use the product?

·         What will be left when I’m done with the initial job/task/meal?

·         Could I borrow the tool, rent it or share a product to help someone else use up an item “borrowing a cup of sugar idea” or ask a friend to loan you a tool?

2. Think it through while shopping by reflecting on your needs vs. wants

·         What is the shelf life of this product?  Do I need the 100oz of glue or a small tube so it doesn’t dry up? 

·         Is this a need or a want? Are the shoes a fad and poorly made?  Will they be worn more than 3 times? Can these shoes be repaired?

·         Which package makes the least waste?  Bring your own reusable shopping bags to avoid getting another plastic bag, paper bag or tissue paper.

·         What size do I really need? If buying lettuce for example, do you need an entire head or just a small bag? 

3. Think it through by being a good steward and take care of the products/items you currently have.

·         Share or donate leftovers – maybe create a neighborhood tool sharing tailgate; or a lawn equipment sharing program.  Store less and maintain less.

·         Repair it verses tossing it out.  Buy quality items, extended warranties or ones that can be repaired.

·         Reuse and refill it – use reusable glass containers, reusable shopping bags, use both sides of the paper or junk mail for shopping lists. 

·         Recycle the packaging – we’ll cover more of this in a later blog post!

KEY! God has called each of us to be good stewards. In Luke 12:48b, Jesus tells us “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” A steward is a person who manages the possessions of another.  In those that believe in God’s case, we believe God owns everything and has given us the responsibility to manage it for His glory. As we strive to steward our lives, time, and resources well, we must clearly understand four principles from the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30.

1. Ownership - God owns everything!  It’s not ours. 
2. Responsibility - We are responsible to manage God’s resources.
3. Accountability - Each of us will be held accountable for how we steward what we’ve been given.
4. Reward- God rewards His servants according to how each has handled stewardship of the gifts/resources on earth that were entrusted to him.

So, what will you do with this information? I hope you feel challenged and inspired to think it through before any purchase with the new filters suggested.

How can you become a better steward today?