Christians and Sustainability- What Do We Do? And Does It Matter?

Recently, I've become more interested in living 'greener'. 'Living green' is an almost too used phrase to describe living in a way that is healthier for first ourselves but secondly for the environment. Perhaps 'sustainable living' is more appropriate. But as Christians should the second part of living green, or sustainable, concern us? 

Windmills in WY

I believe this is a controversial topic. There are those who feel that because God will create a new heavens and a new earth (Isaiah 65:17) that we do not need to worry about this earth, now. Granted that does not mean that we should litter (that is against the law of man and therefore is wrong to start with), nor does it mean that we should purposely pollute or trash our world. But do we need to change our lives to be able to care for the environment- even though God will cleanse it according to His Will?

Because of the first part of living sustainably, I believe that yes, we do need to change our lives. God commands for us to treat our bodies as a temple (1 Corinthians 6:19)- to care for it and keep it well (as best as we can). Living 'green' helps in this. As a secondary benefit, it also cares for the environment- and others who inhabit this planet as well. I believe it is a Christian's duty to live a life that is 'green' because it helps to keep God's commandments of taking care of our bodies, for Him, as well as caring for others. We wouldn't go out of our way to pour chemicals on a neighbors yard, or in their water supply. Why would we use such things in our houses or everyday living that will in effect do just that? 

When we use chemicals (to kill weeds, bugs, whiten our clothes, etc) they seep into the water supply. The water ends up on our neighbors lawn and/or in their water supply that they ingest. And not just our neighbors. The water on this planet is recycled constantly. The process allows water from New York City, New York, to fall in Nigeria, Africa. The water from Australia can make it to Anchorage, Alaska. And the chemicals that are used in those locations go with the rain. The water is filtered in a sense- but not thoroughly- and the residual chemicals are dropped onto our 'neighbors'.

Or how about plastic? Plastic never goes away! Never. It is a man-made product revered for its long life. However, it is causing serious problems with the earth and the inhabitants. I don't just mean animals (although the first problem can be seen readily when looking at the animals). Plastic is in our water and our food- in our bodies. There are food-grade plastics that are 'safe' for us. But really, plastic is not safe.

So that leads to the question: What do we do and does it really matter?  

What do you think?