March 8 - 14, "Dumping on Garbage"

In the book Green Living Handbook (see also sidebar) author David Gershon writes "There is no such thing as garbage in nature. Everything nature creates is used to create something else . . .

. . .the new motto for a responsible global citizen is 'What I bring into my house I steward.' Accepting this maxim asks us to think carefully before we step into the role of stewarding something. The question, 'Do I have a way to reuse or recycle this object?' needs to be our basic approach to using Earth's resources".

These are issues brought before us as people of faith because we are called to be stewards of the earth and all her resources (Gen 1:28 - 30). Since nothing that God/nature creates is "trash" or "garbage" - are there ways that we can move again toward all things being seen as products of value throughout their lifetime?

Is it even possible live in a NO GARBAGE household?

There are a number of things we can be doing to move in that direction - at least to take the steps. (the following are from David Gershon's book - see side bar)

1 recycle
2 re-use bags
3 bring your own containers for "doggy-bags" or carry-out orders
4 use each little inch of paper to take notes (both sides)
5 learn about composting (you probably know someone who does this already
- ask them for tips to get started)
6 use cloth instead of paper (napkins, cleaning counter tops . . .)
7 get items repaired instead of tossing them
8 donate or sell used goods
9 use re-usable party products
10 mulch your grass
11 plant trees