Caring for Creation: Part Two of Three
Greetings Pilgrims and Friends!
As I've been thinking about how to talk about climate change I have found myself particularly drawn to the articles and videos that are about reorienting how we understand and talk about it. While I think that looking at (and of course believing) the data of what is happening is both necessary and grim, that data needs to be what informs our conversations on climate change, rather than the focus of the conversation itself.
I am particularly enjoying this series of videos from UCLA's Climate lab because I feel they look at the reality head on, while breaking down the issue into parts that are easier to act on and most importantly, easier to feel hopeful about. When I watched the second episode on why going green often feels so hard it was illuminating. It shows how small things, like fees for plastic bags, actually can have big impacts on human behavior. It also helped me to release guilt I was carrying about my contributions to the problem. Of course it will feel hard to do "go green" when consumers are given the majority of the responsibility to solve a problem that businesses have the majority of responsibility for creating.
Learning a bit of history, that in fact businesses used to be responsible for managing the waste they created, makes trying to influence business policy less daunting. The narrative that "It's too late, it's too big, things have always been done this way," is literally not true. Businesses and business people are creative and adaptive. Given responsible restrictions businesses have done better and can do better.
Christianity to me involves an ever hopeful ever loving orientation towards the world. While we rightfully carry anger and fear related to climate change, and should listen to those emotions, we are charged to not get stuck in mindsets of retribution or avoidance. Holding each other, including businesses accountable for their waste is not about creating guilt or punishing, it's a loving courageous act to try and bring them in right relationship with creation.
-Felix
Get Centered: Advocating for creation and changing habits can be life giving when we celebrate our personal connections to this planet. So please consider this invitation.
-In a spirit of prayer: Try and remember one of the first times where you have felt connected to the outside world around you. -Be specific: Who were you with? What did you see there? What did you do? How did your body feel? What was it about this moment that made it so powerful for you? Did you sense God during this moment? If so, why?
-Go outside: Either alone or with a friend observe the world around you through each of your senses. Take a moment to celebrate creation and talk to God.
Act: Here are some options to consider:
-Speak up: Think of one family member or friend who you think might be ready(ish) to talk about climate change and have a conversation with them. Keep the stakes low, this is not about "convincing" or changing the world in one conversation. The goal is to authentically listen and connect with them and perhaps approach your own fear in talking about the issue at all.
-Greener Inside: Reduce energy waste in your home. Maintain and update devices and turn them off when not in use. Choose 1 energy saving action that you don't already do to build into your routine this week, like using a clothesline instead of a dryer or adjusting your default thermostat setting.
-Greener Outside: Start composting!
-Greener Lifestyle: Think more creatively about reuse and trash reduction. Durham actually has some wonderful infrastructure for this with companies like Fillaree that refill containers. Choose 1 quarantine friendly action you don't already do to try and reduce trash this week. For example if you get take out you can ask the restaurant not to include utensils, napkins, and condiments.
Prayers to all of you fellow creation lovers!